Experts Share Advice on How Families Can Navigate an Increasingly Tech-Filled World

As digital devices and social media become ever more embedded in daily life, parents are increasingly asking how to help children grow up healthy, focused and emotionally resilient in a world dominated by screens. That question was at the centre of a recent discussion on CNN, where leading experts offered guidance on how families can adapt without rejecting technology altogether.

Speaking on State of the Union with Jake Tapper, psychologists and authors Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price discussed strategies for managing screen use as digital platforms play a growing role in childhood and adolescence. The pair are co-authors of The Amazing Generation, a book exploring how constant connectivity is shaping young people’s development.

Haidt said many parents feel overwhelmed by technology because it evolves faster than social norms and family rules. Smartphones and social media, he argued, are not neutral tools. They are designed to capture attention and encourage constant engagement, which can clash with children’s developmental needs.

One of the key themes of the discussion was intentional use. Rather than focusing solely on screen time limits, Price urged parents to think about how and why technology is being used. Passive scrolling, she said, has very different effects from creative or purposeful use, such as learning, communication or problem solving.

Experts stressed that banning technology outright is rarely realistic or effective. Digital platforms are deeply integrated into education, social life and entertainment. Instead, Haidt recommended creating clear boundaries that are consistently enforced. These include device free times, such as during meals or before bed, and device free spaces, such as bedrooms.

Sleep emerged as a major concern. Research consistently shows that screen exposure late at night disrupts sleep quality, which in turn affects mood, concentration and academic performance. Price suggested charging phones outside bedrooms and establishing evening routines that do not involve screens, helping children disconnect before sleep.

The conversation also addressed social media’s impact on mental health. Haidt has previously argued that rising anxiety and depression among young people are linked to constant online comparison and reduced face to face interaction. He said parents should talk openly with children about how social media makes them feel, rather than treating it as a forbidden topic.

Communication, the experts said, is critical. Children are more likely to engage responsibly with technology if they feel heard and understood. Setting rules without explanation can breed resentment, while collaborative discussions about digital habits can foster trust and self regulation.

Price highlighted the importance of modelling behaviour. Children, she said, pay close attention to how adults use their phones. Parents who are constantly distracted by screens may unintentionally normalise that behaviour. Demonstrating balanced use sends a powerful message that technology is a tool, not a constant companion.

The experts also discussed the broader social challenge. Schools, tech companies and policymakers all play a role in shaping digital environments. While families can set boundaries at home, they operate within systems designed to maximise engagement. Haidt argued that greater responsibility should fall on platforms to consider child development and wellbeing in their design choices.

Despite the challenges, both experts rejected the idea that technology is inherently harmful. Used thoughtfully, it can support learning, creativity and connection. The goal, they said, is not to raise children who fear technology, but children who understand its strengths and limitations.

Parents watching the discussion were encouraged to start small. Simple changes, such as shared screen rules or regular conversations about online experiences, can make a meaningful difference over time. Progress, the experts noted, does not require perfection.

As digital tools continue to shape childhood, the pressure on families is unlikely to ease. However, Haidt and Price emphasised that parents are not powerless. By setting expectations, staying engaged and prioritising wellbeing, families can navigate a tech filled world with greater confidence.

The message from the discussion was clear. Technology is here to stay, but how it fits into family life remains a choice. With intention and communication, experts say, that choice can support healthier and more balanced development for children growing up online.