Screen Deep

Latest Episodes:

Reading and Writing Skills in the Age of AI with Naomi Baron, PhD Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

How are screen-based reading and writing, along with the growing use of generative AI by youth, shaping children’s development of foundational literacy skills? On this episode of Screen Deep, host Kris Perry explores these nuanced questions with Dr. Naomi Baron, Professor Emerita of Linguistics at American University and a leading expert on reading and writing with technology. Dr. Baron outlines how reading and writing look differently on screens versus print, and what students think about the benefits and drawbacks of using each. She then dives into the research on generative AI and how tools like ChatGPT may be altering the reading, writing, and critical thinking process of young learners.

In this episode, you will learn:

How the development of reading and writing skills interact with cognitive and social skills and identity development.
What research says about comprehension from reading print versus digital formats – and how that differs from our personal perceptions.
Why engaging e-books may distract children from becoming strong, focused readers.
What recent studies show about differences in brain activity when writing by hand, typing, or using AI like ChatGPT for writing – and why it matters for learning.
Positive ways to use AI with children to spark creativity and boost critical thinking.

For more resources and research on this topic visit the Learn and Explore section of the Children and Screens website (https://www.childrenandscreens.org)
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Music: 'Life in Silico' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Social Media, Anxiety, and Emotion Regulation in Teens with Sarah Myruski, PhD Jun 25, 2025

Show notes

The relationship between social media use and adolescent mental health issues like anxiety is complex, and researchers continue to probe the mechanisms and causalities that may be involved in this relationship. In this episode of Screen Deep, host Kris Perry talks with Dr. Sarah Myruski, Assistant Research Professor of Psychology at Pennsylvania State University about recent neuroimaging findings that indicate an important role for emotion regulation skills in the association between anxiety and social media use. Dr. Myruski delves into her work on adolescents and social media use, exploring how brain imaging tools are helping to define how preferences for communicating emotions online and coping strategies relate to differences in emotion regulation and risk for anxiety. Dr. Myruski also provides important insights for parents about how their support can play a powerful role in helping their child’s emotion regulation skills.

In this episode, you will learn:

How brain science helps us understand emotion regulation and anxiety.
How adolescent preferences for digital communication may relate to anxiety and which youth are most vulnerable.
Why age may affect the way youth use digital media to cope with stress.
How anxiety may work to make neutral or ambiguous stimuli seem threatening.
What type of parenting behavior best supports development of healthy emotional regulation.

For more resources and research on this topic visit the Learn and Explore section of the Children and Screens website (https://www.childrenandscreens.org)
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The Science of Boredom with James Danckert, PhD Jun 04, 2025

Show notes

Boredom is a common and frequently misunderstood psychological state for adults and children alike. On this episode, host Kris Perry goes deep with leading boredom researcher James Danckert, PhD, a Professor of Neuroscience at University of Waterloo. Dr. Danckert explains the unique neural state of boredom, dispels both positive and negative myths about it, and explains how boredom is distinct from other feelings. Sharing research that indicates boredom is on the rise, Dr. Danckert delves into how boredom is a “call to action” that can be motivating, and how it relates to other issues like attention, loneliness, self-control, multitasking, and increased digital media use.

In this episode, you will learn:

Why boredom isn’t just a lack of stimulation, but an active, complex psychological state.
What neural imaging studies show about people who are prone to boredom.
How boredom proneness relates to attention, focus, ADHD, depression, anxiety, self-control, media multitasking, and loneliness.
The important difference between encouraging “down time” instead of boredom for children.
Why children are more prone to boredom than adults.
Research findings on the relationship between boredom proneness and problematic smartphone use.

For more resources and research on this topic visit the Learn and Explore section of the Children and Screens website (https://www.childrenandscreens.org)
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Assessing Child Readiness for Tech with Jenny Radesky, MD May 14, 2025

Show notes

Parents and caregivers today face what can feel like momentous and fraught decisions about how and when to introduce new technology to children — whether that be an iPad for a toddler or a smartphone for a tween. In this special episode of Screen Deep, host Kris Perry talks with a leading voice on digital parenting and youth development, Dr. Jenny Radesky.

A Professor of Pediatrics at University of Michigan Medical School and co-Medical Director of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health, Dr. Radesky provides invaluable advice for parents on all things digital media, from a nuanced view on how to determine when a child is ready for new tech to tips on evaluating the quality of children’s programming. She describes how digital media can displace important experiences for children’s learning and growth, and how parents can minimize harm and maximize the benefits of family digital media use.

In this episode, you will learn:

How to spot the developmental signs that a young child may — or may not — be ready for tech introduction.
Quick tips for evaluating whether media content for children is of high quality — or should be avoided.
What research shows about using screens to calm children — and its impact on building the skills needed for emotional regulation.
Why the “daily frictions” and “tiny dramas” of life are essential for building children’s resilience and coping skills.
Why restricting child access or time spent on digital media is not effective as a parenting tool — and what to try instead.
Key signs a teen or tween might be ready — for their first smartphone.
How digital media and experiences are designed to hook the brain’s reward system, rather than develop problem-solving skills.

For more resources and research on this topic visit the Learn and Explore section of the Children and Screens website (https://www.childrenandscreens.org)
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AI's Impact on Children's Social and Cognitive Development with Ying Xu, PhD Apr 23, 2025

Show notes

Rapid advances in artificial intelligence systems continue to be deployed rapidly for use in commonly available tools online. How do today’s AI technologies affect children’s development? Will accessible AI tools erode children’s critical thinking skills? Will chatbots disrupt children’s ability to socialize properly?

On this episode of Screen Deep, host Kris Perry explores these timely questions with Dr. Ying Xu, Assistant Professor of AI in Learning and Education at Harvard Graduate School of Education. Dr. Xu draws on her research and emerging insights from the field in a nuanced discussion of how children currently think about AI technologies, and the potential risks and benefits of AI for children’s cognitive and social development. She provides suggestions for the ethical development and implementation of AI, with an emphasis on including children in the design process.

In this episode, you will learn:

How children are interacting with generative AI and other new AI tools.
What the latest research says about AI’s impacts on children’s social development.
Where AI can support children’s learning - and where it risks “outsourcing” independent thinking and critical problem-solving skills.
How to tell whether an AI product is appropriate for a child at a specific age.
What AI developers could do to make AI tools safer and developmentally-appropriate for young users.
Why “co-learning” with your children is essential as AI tools continue to evolve.

For more resources and research on this topic visit the Learn and Explore section of the Children and Screens website (https://www.childrenandscreens.org)
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Neurodivergent Children and Media Use with Meryl Alper, PhD Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

Neurodivergent children’s relationships with technology is subject to many common myths and misconceptions: Does digital media use cause ADHD? Do children with autism have more affinity for screens?

In this episode of Screen Deep, host Kris Perry and Dr. Meryl Alper, Associate Professor of Communication Studies at Northeastern University, address these myths and what her research on digital media and neurodivergent youth can tell us about how they experience media use and potential overuse.

Dr. Alper describes in detail the unique opportunities and risks of digital media for children with autism and ADHD, and provides actionable tips for parents, clinicians, and children’s media companies to best accommodate and include children across the spectrum of neurodiversity.

In this episode, you will learn:

The risks and benefits of media use for neurodivergent youth.
How to think beyond “time spent” on media to evaluate healthy or problematic use.
Why platforms like TikTok are popular for self-diagnosis and identity exploration, and the risks that come with it.
Unique considerations for neurodivergent youth when using social media platforms that rely on manipulative algorithms.
What neurodivergent youth say they really want from their digital media experiences, based on Dr. Alper’s interviews.

For more resources and research on this topic visit the Learn and Explore section of the Children and Screens website (https://www.childrenandscreens.org)
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Harmful Social Media Algorithms and Children with Imran Ahmed Mar 12, 2025

Show notes

Social media platforms are feeding youth harmful content—fast. From hate speech to pro-eating disorder posts and disinformation, powerful algorithms push dangerous content straight to children. But why? And what can be done to stop it?

On this episode of Screen Deep, host Kris Perry talks with Imran Ahmed, founder and CEO of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, about the hidden dangers of social media algorithms, the risks youth face on various popular platforms, and the urgent need for transparency and accountability in digital spaces.

In this episode, you will learn:

How quickly social media algorithms deliver harmful content to children, such as pro-eating disorder and drug content.
Why platforms are aware of this issue—but choose not to do anything about it.
The need for transparency into social media algorithms to keep children safe from harmful content.
What kind of advocacy is needed to drive stronger protections—and how recent advancements in European policies may provide a model.
The STAR framework for social media reform: Safety by design, Transparency, Accountability and Economic Responsibility.

For more resources and research on this topic visit the Learn and Explore section of the Children and Screens website (https://www.childrenandscreens.org)
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Video Gaming Effects on Children’s Behavior and Health with Douglas Gentile, PhD Feb 19, 2025

Show notes

The majority of today’s adolescents are video gaming - for many, daily. How much gaming is too much ? Are violent video games actually harmful to children?

On this episode of Screen Deep, host Kris Perry sits down with Dr. Douglas Gentile, a Distinguished Professor at Iowa State University and renowned video gaming expert. Dr. Gentile discusses the latest research on which aspects of gaming can affect child health and development, and the effects of violent media – including video games – on children’s aggressive feelings and behaviors. He also discusses the prevalence of gaming addiction and what features of games make them potentially addictive to children. Finally, Dr. Gentile explains how video games can have positive effects on social behavior and learning as well, and the power parents have to influence their children’s media use and behavioral outcomes.

In this episode, you will learn:

How the 5 “C’s” of video gaming work together to impact child behavior and health.
Why violent video games are linked to increased aggression in youth - and three major effects of violent media.
Why even “cute” animated video games can increase aggression in kids, just as realistically violent games.
How many children are struggling with gaming addiction - and how to recognize the warning signs .
When video games help children learn and encourage prosocial behavior.

For more resources and research on this topic visit the Learn and Explore section of the Children and Screens website (https://www.childrenandscreens.org)
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Social Media, Mental Health, and Adolescent Social Dynamics with Mitch Prinstein, PhD, ABPP Jan 29, 2025

Show notes

How has social media changed the way teens socialize and interact - and is it affecting their mental health?
On this episode of Screen Deep, host Kris Perry sits down with researcher and Chief of Psychology of the American Psychological Association Mitch Prinstein, PhD, ABPP. Dr. Prinstein describes his research on popularity and likeability in adolescence, and how social media factors into these social dynamics. He also explores how certain aspects of social media, such as social comparison, can yield negative mental health impacts for teens. Finally, Dr. Prinstein takes listeners beneath the surface to discuss his research on the impacts of social media on the brain, explaining how some children might be more susceptible to the negative mental health effects of social media than others, and what parents can do to prevent these effects.
In this episode you will learn:

The difference between popularity and likability - and which is linked to better life outcomes.
How social media has changed social dynamics and how these changes affect the developing brain.
What research is saying about teen social media use and the development of mental health conditions.
Conversation prompts to help adults better understand their adolescent’s social media habits and assess if they may be cause for concern.
How the relationship between social media use and sleep affects overall adolescent health and well-being.
Which uses of social media can be healthy and beneficial for adolescents.

For more resources and research on this topic visit the Learn and Explore section of the Children and Screens website (https://www.childrenandscreens.org)
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Language Development, Learning, and Play in Early Childhood with Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, PhD Jan 08, 2025

Show notes

Learning language involves much more than memorizing the ABCs. How do babies and toddlers acquire language and how can parents and caregivers foster its optimal development?

On this episode of Screen Deep, host Kris Perry is joined by renowned child development researcher Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, PhD, to discuss children’s language development, learning, and play in the digital age. Dr. Hirsh-Pasek emphasizes the importance of social interaction in the development of language, and discusses how digital media typically lacks this critical aspect and may even interrupt the language-learning process. She also describes the key pillars of learning gleaned from decades of research and the effectiveness of guided play in achieving learning outcomes. Dr. Hirsh-Pasek provides listeners with key insights on choosing effective educational apps, as well as maximizing learning opportunities, and critical skills children must develop for the digital future.
In this episode you will learn:

How babies and young children develop language.
Why the quality and quantity of caregiver interactions shape a child’s early language journey.
How media use – by children and parents alike - can affect learning and development.
Why play is an important aspect of successful learning - and how best to incorporate it.
How to evaluate and choose learning apps that benefit young children.
The “6 C’s” of critical learning children need to thrive in the digital age.

For more resources and research on this topic visit the Learn and Explore section of the Children and Screens website (https://www.childrenandscreens.org)
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