Episode 92 - Screen Time and Kids: What Parents Need to Know with Emily Cherkin

Screen time is everywhere, and for many families, it feels impossible to manage. But the issue isn’t just how much time kids spend on screens, it’s what that time is replacing, and how it’s shaping their development.

In this episode, I’m joined by screen time consultant and educator Emily Cherkin to unpack how screens impact children’s brains, behaviour, and relationships. We talk about what actually works for families, how to set realistic boundaries, and why connection (not control) is the foundation of healthy tech use.

Emily and I talk about:

• What “tech intentionality” means and how to apply it in everyday parenting
  • Why “later is better” and “less is more” are key principles for screen use
  • How screen time displaces critical developmental experiences like play and connection
  • Why boredom, discomfort, and frustration are essential for building resilience
  • The three questions to ask before giving your child a screen
  • Why strong relationships matter more than strict screen limits
  • Practical ways to delay smartphones and social media access
  • How to navigate peer pressure and FOMO around devices
  • A simple strategy for sharing a phone to build trust and accountability
  • What to do if your child is already reliant on screens
  • Why many parents regret introducing screens early, but not delaying them
  • Key questions to ask schools about tech use in the classroom
  
  

Emily Cherkin is a former teacher, screen time consultant, and parent educator who helps families and schools navigate technology in a more intentional, developmentally appropriate way. Known as “The Screentime Consultant,” she is an author, speaker, and advocate focused on reducing the harms of excessive screen use and rethinking how technology is used in education. Emily is the author of The Screentime Solution and has been featured in major outlets including The New York Times, NPR, and Good Morning America.

Episode Links:

• Follow Emily on Instagram
• Read her book The Screentime Solution
• Download the Unplug EdTech Toolkit

• Come say hello to me on Instagram 
• Read my books The Motherhood Reset, Nourished Mama and Mama Let It Go
• Read my Picky Eating Guide