Fall 2017
Dr. Jean Twenge, PHD is a researcher and author on generational differences. She has been studying the impact of technology and culture on children for 25 years. Dr. Twenge has dubbed the most recent generation (those born between 1995–2012) as “iGen.” They are the first generation to spend their entire adolescence in the age of the smartphone.
This newest generation of children and adolescents, look and act much differently than any other generation before them.
In 2012, researchers noticed abrupt shifts in teen behaviors and emotional states. What happened in 2012? It was the defining moment in American history when the percentage of Americans who owned a smartphone became 50%+.
Smartphones have shifted every aspect of teenagers’ lives – rates of teen depression and suicide have skyrocketed since 2012. Kids state they feel left-out and lonely.
Children are not growing up. 18-year-olds act like 15-year-olds and 15-year-olds act like 13-year-olds. Childhood stretches well into high school. Children fear independence.
Psychologist Jean M. Twenge says children are on the brink of a mental health crisis; more depressed, more fearful and don’t know how to talk about their feelings
How to Reclaim your Children & Family
Start with Fun: It can be more fun to add new activities into your children’s lives than limiting or taking away their technology. Often kids view their screens as the most pleasurable activity in their life so allow them to brainstorm activities they want to do; ice skating, paint ball, bowling, zoos, aquariums, craft class, bounce house, parks, etc.
Set Limits on Technology: The American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines are 1-2 hours per day for children. Limit all technology that have screens; computers, laptops, handheld devices, iPods, TV sets, console video games, online gaming, streaming videos, general reading or surfing, and social networking. Discuss the new rules in a positive way at a family meeting.
Cut Back on your Use of Technology: Limit your online distractions when your kids are home. Set a time that everybody puts electronics away, including mom and dad. Drop everything that you are doing when your kids get home from school to talk to them. Limit your own usage and model for them that life is better without a lot of electronics.