Eva Telzer, PhD (Co-Director, Winston National Center on Technology Use, Brain, and Psychological Development, Associate Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience, UNC Chapel Hill), discusses how talking with teens rather than imposing time restrictions can lead to positive outcomes for adolescents at the #AskTheExperts webinar “The Social Brain on Screens” on April 11, 2023.
[Dr. Eva Telzer] Given that the social sensitivities of the developing brain are peaking in adolescence, what can parents do to support their developing children? So first of all, we know that less than 35% of parents are talking to their children and adolescents about their online experiences. Most parents experience this “digital divide” where they don’t quite understand what their teens are doing online. But we know that these conversations with adolescents can be very important. So rather than restricting adolescents and having these time use cutoffs, we know that more active monitoring promotes positive outcomes for adolescents. So engaging in conversations and helping adolescents develop critical thinking regarding their social media use and having these discussions about the content of their social media, rather than restricting the time that they’re spending online can be very positive.
View the Full Webinar
The Social Brain on Screens
What are the functions of the social brain in childhood and what strategies can encourage healthy social development in youth?
Moriah Thomason, PhD
Barakett Associate Professor and Director of Pediatric Neuroimaging; Vice Chair for Research
Eva Telzer, PhD
Co-Director; Associate Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience
Shimi Kang, MD, FRCPC
Psychiatrist; Best-selling author of The Tech Solution; Clinical Associate Professor
Georgene Troseth, PhD
Professor of Psychology
The "Social Brain" on Screens
What Parents Need to Know
Social Media and Changes in Adolescent Brain Development
From #AskTheExperts webinar "The Social Brain on Screens"
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