Researchers offer tips to turn children’s media use into productive screentime

For better or worse, screentime has become a mainstay in family life — but FIU researchers say boundaries are possible with just a few simple changes.

In many homes, the glow of a screen does more than entertain — it soothes, distracts and, for a while, keeps the peace. For parents raising children with behavioral challenges, that quiet can feel like a lifeline. Kids who struggle with attention, hyperactivity or temper issues often find structure and stimulation in digital content. But in low-income households, where caregiving support and resources are limited, screens often become the simplest solution — a reliance that comes with a cost. As parents juggle long work hours and financial stress, children can be left vulnerable to content that is violent, inappropriate or geared toward adults.

Recognizing these challenges, Shayl Griffith, assistant professor at FIU’s Department of Counseling, Recreation and School Psychology, alongside professors Daniel Bagner and Katie Hart, explored how families can build healthier media habits for preschoolers with behavioral challenges — supporting child development and overall family well-being.

In a recent study published by the Journal of Children and Media, the team uncovered practical strategies for families at FIU’s Center for Children and Families’ Summer Academy in Liberty City, directed by Hart, where parents were already participating in behavioral management programs through the early intervention program generously funded by The Children’s Trust.

Griffith has seen firsthand how difficult it can be for families to manage children’s struggles with self-regulation and unhealthy media use. Turning off a device or transitioning to another activity can trigger frustration or meltdowns, which screens can unintentionally amplify. While parents try to do better and follow professional recommendations — like setting consistent viewing times, limiting device use at night or helping children transition smoothly between activities — tight schedules, lack of support, financial strain and other structural barriers frequently get in the way.

“In our digital world, discussions about parenting and technology are just parenting now,” said Griffith.

To address these realities, Griffith and her colleagues designed a seven-week intervention for 31 families, focusing on healthy media use. Rather than emphasizing strict screen time limits, the curriculum stressed the quality of content, helping parents choose educational material, set boundaries and create guardrails around access.

“So the tablet serves less whatever it wants to the child,” Griffith said, “and a little more of what parents want their child to use.”

Parents were encouraged to switch from algorithm-driven platforms like YouTube to apps with curated educational material, such as PBS Kids. They were also advised to watch alongside their kids, giving them insights into what their children were consuming and creating opportunities for conversation and learning.

“Changes can’t be too big because there are a lot of stressors. These are families who are under immense pressure,” said Griffith. “We focused on doable steps that they can maintain over time because the difficulty tends to be time and energy.”

Griffith and her team worked closely with each family, learning about their dynamics and suggesting small, achievable steps that feel less draining and more practical — like cutting back on screen time before bed. For children with behavioral challenges, restless nights can worsen focus and emotional regulation the next day, making this simple change especially impactful.

“Any small change can spark bigger changes,” Griffith said. “It’s really about breaking things down and picking priorities for each family, depending on their concerns and lifestyles.”

Next, Griffith and the team plan to test this approach on a larger scale and are currently applying for funding to study 150 families with children with externalizing behavioral challenges.

For the families in Liberty City, screens that once sparked stress now support learning and connection — not by enforcing a perfect routine, but through greater awareness and understanding of what their children truly need. As Griffith’s team looks to expand their work, the hope is to help more parents find that same balance: using technology as a tool, not a trap, and capturing children’s attention with purpose.