Toddlers and Tech

Navigating the Digital Jungle with Sue Atkins and Friends

In this episode of 'Navigating the Digital Jungle', Sue Atkins, Angeline Corvaglia, and Tara Jones dive into the complex world of young children and technology.

The discussion focuses on managing screen time for toddlers, its benefits, and potential drawbacks. They provide practical tips for parents, including setting limits, recommending educational apps, and emphasising the importance of unstructured play.

The episode also explores the impact of excessive screen time on sleep, social skills, and language development.

And Sue interviews Dr Amanda Gummer, a research psychologist specialising in child development who shares her insights on balancing screen time with play for holistic child development.

The episode concludes with listener questions and valuable advice on maintaining healthy tech habits and navigating parenting challenges in the digital age.

For more tips on balancing play and screen time, check out The Good Play Guide and Fundamentally Children for advice and reviews on toys, games, and educational products. Also, explore Data Girl and Friends for educational content on online safety and AI literacy.

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More on our guest:

Dr Amanda Gummer is a renowned research psychologist and a leading expert on children's play, parenting, and child development.

As CEO of Fundamentally Children and Dr Gummer's Good Play Guide, Amanda drives impactful research and consultancy. She chairs the Association of Play Industries, serves as a NED for Families in Focus CIC and advises mission-led startups.

With over 20 years of experience and a PhD in neuropsychology, Amanda authored the acclaimed book 'Play' and developed the STEAM toy accreditation framework for the Toy Association. A prominent media figure, Amanda actively contributes to research and policy, presenting internationally, including at the European Parliament.

‌www.GoodPlayGuide.com

www.FUNdamentallyChildren.com

‌Social media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandagummer and https://www.linkedin.com/company/fundamentallychildrenandgoodplayguide

Facebook: @goodplayguide 

Instagram: @goodplayguide

Twitter: @goodplayguide @dramandagummer

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Other links mentioned in the show:

Some Parents With Kids Too Glued to Screens Think They’ve Found an Answer. Are They Right?

‌Sue was on LBC talking to Ben Kentish about the news that the Scouts waiting list tops 100,000 as parents try to help lockdown children develop self-esteem Demand for membership has skyrocketed, with the organisation urging more volunteers to sign up to become Scout leaders

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/07/02/scouts-waiting-list-lockdown-confidence/

The Irish Independent about a study that found children given digital devices when they’re having tantrums don’t learn to regulate emotions.

Children given digital devices when they’re having tantrums don’t learn to regulate emotions, study finds

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides specific guidelines and advice for managing toddlers' screen time to ensure healthy development.

Screen Time and Children

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00:00 Introduction to Navigating the Digital Jungle

00:49 Toddlers and Tech: Benefits and Drawbacks

02:08 Impact of the Pandemic on Toddler Development

02:47 The Importance of Play in Child Development

03:34 Self-Regulation and Screen Time

05:09 Concerns Around Sleep and Screen Time

06:48 Social Skills and Technology

09:46 Language Development and Screen Time

10:55 Attention and Concentration Issues

15:07 Inappropriate Content and Screen Time

22:52 Summer Screen-Free Challenge

26:09 Interview with Dr. Amanda Gummer

33:31 The Role of Apps for Children with Additional Needs

34:07 Addressing Gaming Addiction in Children

35:45 Technology and Toddlers: A Balanced Approach

38:34 The Importance of Play in Early Childhood

39:57 Resources and Websites for Parents

46:03 Listener Questions: Managing Screen Time

54:24 Quick Tips for Digital Parenting

55:33 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Projects