News and Information

This is where we share news and current information about the threats technology can pose for us and our families. Take a moment to better inform yourself.

Will connected devices disconnect the family? 
Read one columnists opinion here:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/adam-hanft/will-connected-devices-di_b_5762196.html

Changing our Brains

Many studies are beginning to show that our constant connection with technology may actually be changing our biological ability to connect with other people. Our constant connection with screens is changing the connections in our brains.  http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/24/opinion/sunday/your-phone-vs-your-heart.html?_r=2&

Loss of Empathy

There is evidence that empathy rates among college students have dropped dramatically since 2000, when social networks, such as Facebook, began to take off. This finding led experts to conclude that these “physically distant online environments” allow people to “functionally create a buffer between individuals, which makes it easier to ignore others' pain, or even at times, inflict pain upon others.” This research all points toward a troubling trend that could have dire consequences.  http://psr.sagepub.com/content/early/2010/08/04/1088868310377395.abstract

Don't Text and Dine

Reportedly 73% of caregivers use mobile devices during meals shared with their children. http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2014/03/05/peds.2013-3703.abstract  This can be exasperating for the kids who will often act out in a cry for attention. Or they may follow mom and dad’s example and become absorbed in their own screens. Sharing meals is a powerful way to connect with one another. We don't want to waste those opportunities. 

Say NO to Handheld Devices

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Canadian Society of Pediatrics handheld devices including cellphones, tablets, and electronic games have a myriad of harmful effects on children. Cris Rowan, occupational therapist and child development expert addresses ‘Ten reasons why handheld devices should be bannedfor children under the age of 12’ on Moving to Learn.

These ill effects include:

1. Impaired brain growth
2. Delayed development
3. Obesity
4. Sleep deprivation
5. Mental illness
6. Aggression
7. Attention issues
8. Addiction
9. Radiation exposure
10. Unsustainability

Here is a helpful guide to know how much is too much:

Helping children disconnect from technology will benefit them physically, mentally, and socially and will increase peace in your home.

For The Children's Sake, Put Down That Smartphone
Unplugging from technology and plugging into our families can be difficult, but it is absolutely beneficial. Patti Neighmond, NPR's health policy correspondent discusses Dr. Jenny Radesky's study and the dangers of ignoring our children in favor of spending time with technology in an NPR address, For The Children's Sake, Put Down That Smartphone.

Here Dr. Radesky discusses her study on the McIntyre in the Morning radio show: