Early childhood is a critical period for brain and relationship development, and young children (ages 0-5) respond to and process stimuli in unique ways from adults and older children. How does digital media use affect early child development and mental health in regards to emotion regulation, sensory regulation, and the ability to relate to others? How should care providers approach technology use in order to protect and promote mental health in very young children?
Children and Screens hosted the “Ask The Experts” webinar “Early Childhood Mental Health and Digital Media” on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. Moderated by noted early childhood expert and our Chief Science Officer Dimitri Christakis, MD, MPH, a panel of clinicians, child psychologists, psychiatrists, and developmentalists explored the research on digital media’s impacts on young child sensory and emotional regulation, discussed how these interact with the development of mental health, and provided insights on best practices to promote well-being in the early childhood years.
Speakers
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Dimitri Christakis, MD, MPH
Director of the Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, Seattle Children’s Research Institute; Chief Science Officer, Children and ScreensModerator
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Gilbert Foley, EdD
Consulting Clinical Psychologist, New York Center for Child Development; Clinical Co- Director, NYC Early Childhood Mental Health Training and Technical Assistance Center
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Stephanie Jones, PhD
Gerald S. Lesser Professor of Child Development and Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education
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Lisa Linder, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Professor of Child and Family Development, San Diego State University
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Joan Luby, MD
Samuel and Mae S. Ludwig Professor of Child Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine
