Parents should teach teens mindful screen time habits

Parents are encouraged to help teens manage screen time by teaching them to be smarter viewers. Experts suggest that instead of simply limiting screen use, parents should guide teens in recognizing how content can influence them. Research shows that teenage screen time increased significantly during the pandemic, with teens averaging over eight hours a day. The American Psychological Association has provided strategies for parents to help their teens navigate the digital landscape effectively. Key recommendations include promoting healthy viewing habits, encouraging critical thinking about content, and staying engaged in discussions about what teens watch. Building a strong parent-child relationship can also improve cooperation regarding screen time expectations.