Episode 92 - Screen Time and Kids: What Parents Need to Know with Emily Cherkin

About this episode

This episode discusses the impact of screen time on children's development and offers practical advice for parents on managing technology use.

Screen time is everywhere, and for many families, it feels impossible to manage. But the issue isn’t just how much time kids spend on screens, it’s what that time is replacing, and how it’s shaping their development. In this episode, I’m joined by screen time consultant and educator Emily Cherkin to unpack how screens impact children’s brains, behaviour, and relationships. We talk about what actually works for families, how to set realistic boundaries, and why connection (not control) is the foundation of healthy tech use. Emily and I talk about: What “tech intentionality” means and how to apply it in everyday parenting • Why “later is better” and “less is more” are key principles for screen use • How screen time displaces critical developmental experiences like play and connection • Why boredom, discomfort, and frustration are essential for building resilience • The three questions to ask before giving your child a screen • Why strong relationships matter more than strict screen limits • Practical ways to delay smartphones and social media access • How to navigate peer pressure and FOMO around devices • A simple strategy for sharing a phone to build trust and accountability •…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Hilary Claire

Guest: Emily Cherkin

Topics covered

• screen time
• children's development
• parenting
• technology
• mental health

Keywords

• screen time
• parenting
• children
• development
• tech intentionality
• resilience
• smartphones
• peer pressure

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