Parents’ digital media habits play a significant role in shaping their children’s online behavior, according to recent research led by Dr. Libby Milkovich, a developmental and behavioral pediatrician at Children’s Mercy in Kansas City. The findings suggest that the example set by parents is almost 10 times more influential on teen problematic internet use than simply imposing screen time limits.
Dr. Milkovich has been exploring the relationship between parents, children, and technology since launching the Teens and Screens project in 2017. Her work includes integrating community perspectives into national interventions aimed at preventing problematic internet use among youth.
“I started by providing education on digital media, but I learned what the community is most concerned about and what works and what doesn’t work online,” Milkovich said. “I use that information and connect with other pediatricians to create evidence-based interventions that can be accessible to anyone.”
Her approach highlights the importance of modeling healthy digital habits within families as a key strategy for promoting positive media use among teens.
