It’s Their World: Teens, Screens, and the Science of Adolescence

Walsh’s exposure to the impact of media began in her childhood years when her father (the child and teen psychologist David Walsh, with whom she coauthored Why Do They Act That Way?: A Survival Guide to the Adolescent Brain for You and Your Teen) started a nonprofit organization dedicated to exploring the impact on the health and development of children, and she was asked to think about the power of screens in her own life. Currently she is a speaker, facilitator, and author covering the topic of adolescent development and media usage; she is also the parent of a preteen and a teenager. Instead of immediately creating screen time limits, Walsh supports an open inquiry approach, with conversation starters such as asking a child, “What do you love most about technology?” and “What’s not working for you?” She includes scientific information on brain development, sharing that the teen mind is designed to explore, engage, and learn. Parental example is crucial according to Walsh, who endorses a tech fast for parents and taking time to be mindful of usage. Her book also tackles sensitive topics such as sexting, cyberbullying, and online pornography with grace.