The current generation of teenagers and young adults has been living with media and technology from birth. They’re the first generation to grow up not only with high-definition, 24/7 cable TV and computers at home, but also with instant messaging, online social networking, music and video downloads to MP3 players and iPods, and cell phones that double as cameras and mini-computers. They’re often referred to as screenagers, a term Douglas Rushkoff first used in his 1997 book, Playing the Future. Compared to earlier generations, they’re comfortable and competent with technology, but they also face risks and hazards that were unknown to parents in past decades.

Electronic media has been correlated with a number of negative developmental outcomes for young people. Violent media, particularly related video games, have been shown to increase aggression and anti-social behavior, especially in males. In nearly every school shooting, the perpetrator has had an obsession with one or more violent video game. Exposure to violent media can lead to desensitization, a higher appetite for graphic violence, and less empathy for victims.

There are many other concerns as well. The more time students spend in front of a screen, the lower their grades and literacy levels. More recently, researchers, educators and parents have been concerned about the connection between media consumption and childhood obesity. Not only is most media viewing a sedentary activity; many of the food ads aimed at kids promote high-calorie, low-nutrient snacks and beverages. Screen time has also been implicated in what’s called Nature Deficit Disorder — the lack of involvement with and understanding of the outdoors and natural world.

Unplugging Tips

So how can parents raise screenagers who will be able to navigate a media- and technology-saturated world without suffering any of the negative consequences? Here are some sensible ideas from Common Sense Media (www.commonsensemedia.org):•  Set media time limits and stick to them. Experts recommend no more than one to two hours of recreational screen time daily.
•  Check content and ratings in advance for age-appropriateness. Consider using parental controls — blocking technology like the V-Chip for TV or filtering software for the Internet.
•  Keep media out of kids’ bedrooms. Locate the computer and TV in a central place where media use can be supervised.
•  Establish media-free times. No TV, surfing the Web, texting, etc., during mealtimes, homework time and before bed.
•  For every hour of recreational use, insist that kids spend a screen-free hour reading, playing outside, working on ahobby or helping others.

April 21 to 27 is TV Turnoff Week, sponsored by the Center for Screentime Awareness. Visit their Web site at www.tvturnoff.org for ways to get control of screen time in your home.