Tech Generation: Raising Balanced Kids in a Hyper-Connected World

Cyberbullying, video game violence, and sexting are common anxieties for parents. But an imbalanced use of technology isn't a problem only for children; studies show that 28 percent of teens believe their parents are addicted to their phones. Coauthors and school psychologists Brooks (director, Austin Psychology and Assessment Ctr.; techhappylife.com) and Lasser (associate dean, Coll. of Education, Texas State Univ.) argue that screen time has become so integrated into our daily routines that we can't imagine existing without it. Have we become servants to technology? Brooks and Lasser answer, yes. Struggles with delayed gratification, decision fatigue created by myriad options, and continuous peer-to-peer comparisons are a result of this brave new world of hyperconnection. So how can we reap the benefits and minimize the fallout? Brooks and Lasser provide strategies on three levels: green for prevention (getting kids plugged into activities such as Girl Scouts, community service, and team sports; keeping screens out of bedrooms, setting time limits, and mindfully engaging), yellow for addressing emerging concerns (using collaboration and consequences to minimize challenges), and the red-light level, which calls for strong intervention when necessary.