Child Psychologist Provides Helpful Tips to Ensure Safe Use of Electronic Devices
NEW YORK (December 11, 2012) – In an era when iPads are beating out Legos for the top spot on kids’ Christmas wish lists, parents need to be mindful that moderation is the key in this digital age, according to Montefiore Medical Center child psychologist Rahil Briggs, Psy.D.
“While electronic devices and gadgets can be educational and often provide parents time to tackle their to-do lists, we’re learning that too much screen time can impact brain and language development in children,” said Dr. Briggs, director of the Healthy Steps program at The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore. “Technology and games may play important roles in our lives, but we can’t forget the value of personal interaction and healthy lifestyles.”
Dr. Briggs, who is an expert in early child development, shares some tips for parents whose children might be getting what they wished for this holiday season:
“We’ve been seeing an increase in screen time for many years,” Dr. Briggs said. “And with more devices available than ever, parents should try to consider them as a treat - just like dessert.”
Dr. Briggs is an expert in the early social and emotional development of infants and toddlers, parent-child relationships and preventive pediatric mental health care. She is director of the Healthy Steps program at The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, which helps to ensure parents and their babies get started on the right track, assisting parents in addressing their babies’ development and behavioral needs. Dr. Briggs has written numerous articles published in peer-reviewed journals, as well as book chapters, and is frequently quoted in popular publications as an expert in early childhood mental health and development.