by Annie Cardi on August 28, 2009
Media expert Michael Rich, MD, MPH, director of the Center on Media and Child Health at Children’s Hospital Boston, answers your questions about media use. Last week, he gave advice on how to handle playdates that involve age-inappropriate video games.
And now, here’s this week’s Ask the Mediatrician query:
Q: We feel “webbed out” of our teenage son’s electronic social life. Are you aware of studies tracking the psychological impact that technologies like Facebook and Twitter have on developing “normal” social skills?
Shut out by Social Networking in Manchester, MA Full story »
by Annie Cardi on August 14, 2009
Other children’s health stories we’ve been reading:
- A recent survey shows that more people are contacting their doctors online. KevinMD.com and Booster Shots discuss how health care professionals and patients can maintain a professional relationship online and ask: How much contact is too much? Full story »
by Melissa Jeltsen on July 8, 2009
Nearly 16 million American children between the ages of 2 and 11 spent time online in May, according to a new study from Nielsen. Although the youngest children aren’t actually surfing the Web, the report found that many tots are exposed to the internet, often while sitting in a parent’s lap. Michael Rich, MD, MPH, director of Center on Media and Child Health (CMCH) at Children’s isn’t surprised at the findings, but he is concerned that children are being introduced to the online world without much forethought. “The Internet is a commercial venture and every Web site is selling something, whether it is a product, an idea or brand loyalty,” says Rich. “The Web is a pervasive presence and a powerful tool. Much can be learned and much good can come from its thoughtful, directed use.” But he warns that, like when learning to drive a car, children must become adept with the Internet, recognizing the benefits and respecting the risks before they can use it safely. Full story »
