Talking Points for Media Use Based on Parent/Child Concerns

A parent's level of concern may not always match that of their child when it comes to discussions around media use. In some situations, the parent is more concerned than the child. In others, the child may feel uneasy while the parent is not. There are also times when neither the parent nor the child is concerned, and times when both are. To support these different situations, we’ve developed a 2x2 resource of talking points for clinicians. This tool offers specific talking points and practical solutions based on the level of concern from both the parent and the child. It helps identify the best approach depending on where each party stands.

When the Parent Is Concerned About Their Child's Media Use

Questions/Talking Points With the CHILD: When the Child and Parent Are Both Concerned

It sounds like you are worried about your screen or media use. What kinds of content or experiences have made you feel worried?
- Consider screening for Problematic Internet Use using PRIUSS-18 to understand particular areas of concern.
If you have concerns about the amount of time you are spending on media or the content you are seeing, you can try adjusting your app settings to be more aligned with your goals. The Glossary of Digital Media Platforms is a great resource

Questions/Talking Points With the PARENT: When the Child and Parent Are Both Concerned

Media use is complex and can be challenging to navigate, here are some strategies you can try to help make media use more balanced:
- Talk through the full 5 Cs of Media Use
- Provide the 5 Cs User Guide for Parents
Is media crowding out certain activities that are important to your child like sleep, physical activity or connection? Consider discussing and making a plan to help them crowd back in those activities.
It may be helpful to reflect on media use patterns across adult caregivers in the house. What media use behaviors are you role modeling, and are they healthy?
It can be helpful to have a plan in place for how to approach media use as a family.
- Consider the Family Media Plan

Questions/Talking Points With the CHILD: When the Child Is Not Concerned and the Parent Is Concerned

What is working well for you with your media use?
It sounds like your parent(s) is worried about x,y,z. Do you ever worry about those things? Why or why not?
- Consider screening the child for Problematic Internet Use using PRIUSS-18 to understand particular areas of concern for the child and/or parent.
Does media ever crowd out important activities such as sleep, physical activity, homework or time with family?

Questions/Talking Points With the PARENT: When the Child Is Not Concerned and the Parent Is Concerned

Are there specific events, trends, or content that have worried you about your child’s media use?
- Many parents and caregivers have concerns about media use. Check out questions from other parents on the Q&A portal or submit your own question.
How often do you and your child communicate about media use? Are there ways to have more conversations about this topic? Does your family experience any conflicts around media use?
- Consider the Conversation Starters for Families About Media
Are you concerned about media use crowding out other important behaviors like sleep, physical activity, or in-person family and friend time?
- Read the Crowding Out section of the 5 Cs of Media Use
If parent seems over-concerned, but child seems to be thriving: We often hear about risks of social media use, there can also be benefits. See The Good and Bad of Social Media: What Research Tells Us

When the Parent is Not Concerned About Their Child's Media Use

Questions/Talking Points With the CHILD: When the Child is Concerned and the Parent is Not Concerned

Do you have any concerns about your parent’s screen or media use? How do they use technology and media at home?
Have you tried talking with your parent(s) about content or experiences that have worried you with social media? How did those conversations go?
- Who else could you talk to about your concerns with media use in addition to your parents?
Here are some resources for teens about balanced social media use.

Questions/Talking Points With the PARENT: When the Child is Concerned and the Parent is Not Concerned

It can be helpful to communicate early and often with your child about media use, even if they haven’t had any struggles with media yet.
- Consider creating a Family Media Plan
- Refer to the Conversation Starters for Families About Media
Are you familiar with social media and how it works?
- The Glossary of Digital Media Platforms is a great resource.

Questions/Talking Points With the CHILD: When the Child and Parent Are Not Concerned

What is working well for you with your screen or media use?
We often hear about the benefits of social media use, there can also be risks
- See The Good and Bad of Social Media: What Research Tells Us
If you do see something concerning or feel worried about your media use, do you know who to turn to?
Are there aspects of media use that you are curious about? Check out questions from youth and adults on the Q&A portal or submit your own question.

Questions/Talking Points With the PARENT: When the Child and Parent Are Not Concerned

Have you had conversations about screens or media use yet?
- Consider the Family Media Plan
- Consider the Conversation Starters for Families About Media
What is working well for your family with media use?
Are you familiar with social media and how it works?
- The Glossary of Digital Media Platforms is a great resource

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Funding for the Center of Excellence was made possible by Grant No. SM087180 from SAMHSA of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, SAMHSA/HHS or the US Government.

Last Updated

08/03/2025

Source

American Academy of Pediatrics