Children have more access to digital technologies than ever before. From smartphones to tablets, young people are using devices to engage on social media, play games and explore the world around them.
According to an American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidance published Jan. 20, limiting screen time is not sufficient. Caregivers need to take a more active approach and oversee their children’s digital activity.
“Regardless of the amount of time our kids are on screens, if they are not appropriate consumers of the information that they are taking in or we are not teaching them how to appropriately engage with others on social media,” said Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital director of psychology and neuropsychology Jennifer Katzenstein, “then we are going to continue to have issues especially as it relates to mental health.”
She explained that too much or too little time on social media platforms, especially for girls, has led to increased rates of depression and suicidal thoughts. “So, there is really this sweet spot in the middle when it comes to social media use and it differs for every kid.”
Video games can also have a negative impact on children, Katzenstein said. Playing high violence titles like Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto can lead to “more violent tendencies and disruptive behavior.”
Even the nightly news can affect young people. She explained that it is important for parents to talk to their sons and daughters about “what’s happened, what they might have seen and process it together.”
Consumption of media is not the only issue. Adolescents are able to communicate with strangers via social platforms and games.
The Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County in partnership with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office launched an initiative in December to help combat cybercrimes and human trafficking.
Parents, caregivers and concerned citizens are able to sign up for a free annual membership to Parent ProTech – a platform that provides educational resources about modern technologies.
Juvenile Welfare Board interim CEO Michael Mikurak explained in a Catalyze 2026 interview that there are approximately 800,000 registered sex offenders in the country. About 2,000 of them live in Pinellas.
Katzenstein said that it’s essential that caregivers know who their children are talking to. Additionally, they should monitor all devices and understand every app and how it works.
More importantly, guardians can establish rules – such as do not communicate with anyone you do not know in real life, and do not give out any personal information.
Katzenstein recommends that families sit down and discuss screen time parameters and expectations. Parents can find media use plans online to help.
She additionally suggests that caregivers store and charge devices outside of the bedroom to help prevent sleeplessness and distraction at nighttime. It’s also another layer of protection.
Guardians could consider spending more time with their children outside the home, she said, to help decrease screen time and negative mental health impacts.
The digital ecosystem can have a positive impact as well. Certain content can encourage learning and development, according to the new AAP guidance.
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