Experts Available to Discuss: If Your Kids Are Awake, They’re Probably Online

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TOPIC:

A new study from the Kaiser Family Foundation indicates that young Americans between the ages of 8 and 18 are spending more than seven and a half hours a day using a smart phone, computer, television or other electronic device; plus an hour and a half texting and another half-hour on mobile phones. The study confirmed the fears of many parents whose children seem to be constantly attached to such devices. This level of media consumption was not only well above the 2005 mark, when the study was last conducted, but can be associated with behavior problems and lower grades. Reports the New York Times, "While most of the young people in the study got good grades, 47 percent of the heaviest media users — those who consumed at least 16 hours a day — had mostly C’s or lower, compared with 23 percent of those who typically consumed media three hours a day or less. The heaviest media users were also more likely than the lightest users to report that they were bored or sad, or that they got into trouble, did not get along well with their parents and were not happy at school." The study's authors, who were "shocked" at the findings, could not say whether heavy media use caused the problems or if troubled youth turned to media. But, says lead author Victoria Rideout, a Kaiser vice president, “I don’t think parents should feel totally disempowered,” she said. “They can still make rules, and it still makes a difference.”

EXPERTS: ExpertSource can offer several highly qualified experts to comment on this story:

Laura Olson , Kiddie Academy

Laura Olson can speak to a variety of topics related to child care and early childhood education as well as offer tips and strategies to parents on a variety of topics. Topics include but are not limited to early childhood development and education, child behavior, evaluation of child care facilities and programs, nutrition, childhood milestones and age appropriate learning. She offers creative, yet strategic advice to guide parents toward a successful parenting experience for themselves and their children. Laura brings more than 15 years of early childhood education experience with an emphasis in curriculum development. As Vice President of Education at Kiddie Academy, she oversees curriculum development, teacher training and academy-level accreditation. Prior to her work with Kiddie Academy, Laura spent eight years in the classroom as an elementary school teacher.

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Dr. Peter Tesler , Manhattan's Physician Group

Pediatric Service Line Chief who also has an MPH. In addition, worked as an instructor/assistant profession of pediatrics at Boston University, Tufts University and Columbia.

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Email: kdaly@mpgcares.com

Telephone: 917-510-2827

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