As Snapchat and Instagram draw criticism for safety and mental health concerns, some young people are opting for a different way to keep in touch. Photo “widgets” LiveIn and Locket are grabbing attention for their fuss-free photo sharing — just snap a photo and it pops up in a tiny window on your friend’s home screen. Read more ›
Many of us have become so reliant on technology, it’s hard to unplug and put our devices away. Our perceived need to be ‘always on’ can take a toll on our physical and mental wellbeing—increasing anxiety, interfering with sleep, and affecting our social relationships.
The following books offer counsel on how to step back from technology and find the right balance to ultimately make you feel more in control. Read more ›
Since 2003, Common Sense has been a leading source of entertainment and technology recommendations for families and schools. Read more ›
The Common Sense Census: Media Use by Tweens and Teens, 2021 from Common Sense Media examines kids’ media use during the pandemic and compares the numbers to previous years. Read more ›
Hear what child development experts have to say about what parents, teachers and other caregivers can do to help prepare and protect kids from all the scary news out there, whether it’s fighting overseas, a school shooting, devastating wildfire or a global pandemic. Read more ›
The latest report from the Common Sense Census, The Role of Media During the Pandemic: Connection, Creativity, and Learning for Tweens and Teens, explores how tweens and teens have strategically been using entertainment media to improve their mental health, stay social and creative, and continue learning, even outside of remote school. Read more ›
Teens and adolescents rely heavily on their peers as they define their sense of self in the world. The teen brain is wired to socialize with friends over family, but the lockdown imposed exactly the opposite, which is why many have taken refuge in Youtube, Discord, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok. And, with a steady stream of news that links social media use to mental health issues, cyberbullying, addiction, misinformation and self-harm, parents and educators are worried. Read more ›
Many families relied on screens a lot during the pandemic. Team up with your kids to create healthier media habits. Read more ›
My two sons always got some screen time daily, but my husband and I tried to set relatively clear limits about what they could play and watch, and for how long. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and like so many other parents and caregivers, we leaned into screens hard. My children have become legitimate screen monsters. Read more ›
Emotional outbursts. Lost sleep. These are signs that your kids are spending too much time with digital devices. Here’s what you can do about it. Read more ›
