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Teens & Gambling

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Parents do their best to watch for risky behavior as their kids get older, but one behavior that might not be as obvious is online gambling.

man holding cell phone

This is becoming a huge problem for youth and teens, especially boys. According to Common Sense Media, 36% of boys ages 11-17 have gambled in the past year. Kids learn about gambling on social media, via betting apps on cellphones, in video games, and while watching sports which now often have ads for betting.

Teens are drawn to gambling because their brains are not yet fully developed and they can be impulsive and take risks. They also may feel invincible and not understand the consequences of their behavior clearly.

Betting has exploded since the 2018 Supreme Court allowing states to legalize sports betting; this is now legal in 39 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C.

The legal age for betting is determined by the state and is either over 18 (as here in Washington state) or over 21. Kids get around the age restriction by using a fake ID, VPN, or the account of someone older. Gambling sites outside of the U.S. are also more lax regarding a user’s age.

Gambling behavior in kids often starts with betting in video games, making it hard to spot by parents. Bets in gaming may be for prizes or loot boxes (randomized “treasure chests”) using in-game or real currency. Video games often have ads and promotions for betting sites, tempting gamers regardless of age.

Betting is seemingly everywhere, including betting on sports during the game (“in-game betting”) often in a series of “microbets” which happen quickly, increasing the excitement and sense of urgency. There are apps that imitate casino-style gambling called “social casinos” which do not involve real money but do groom the user for actual gambling later.

The earlier kids get involved with betting, the more likely they are to develop problem gambling (gambling that feels uncontrollable and causes problems in a person’s life). Compulsive gambling increases the risk of substance abuse, depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.

How can you help your teen with this issue?

Have a frank and non-judgmental discussion, acknowledging any gambling you might participate in like lottery tickets or fantasy football. Be honest if you have had a problem with gambling yourself.

Look together at what your child is seeing that promotes gambling such as ads in video games and during sporting events, social media posts, etc. and discuss how tempting those might be.

Encourage your child to not focus on the promised “winnings” but the reality of losing and the consequences of gambling addiction.

Pay attention to signs of a problem like small unexplained charges on video game sites, more time on-line (especially if secretive), increased anxiety or depression, or worrying about money.

If you have concerns that your child may have a gambling problem, especially with anxiety or depression, schedule time for you and your teen to see their health care provider. There are good treatment options and intervening early gives your child the best chance of beating a gambling addiction.

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Dr. Elise Herman

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Dr. Herman is passionate about community health outreach, school programs, and child/family health and wellness. She has more than 31 years of experience as a pediatrician in Ellensburg, Washington, the last 3 with KVH Pediatrics. In 2022 Dr. Herman mostly retired from practice and continues to contribute blog posts and remain a visible advocate for kids in the community.

Household Product Safety for Children

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A child’s natural curiosity may lead them to explore potentially dangerous household products. Exposures or ingestions of these are a very common cause of emergency department visits for kids, resulting in over 16,000 such visits annually due to household cleaning products alone. Here are steps you can take to help keep your child safe.


  • Cleaning products: These can be poisonous and very attractive to kids, like laundry and dishwasher pods. Ingesting detergent can cause choking, nausea, vomiting, trouble breathing and damage to the esophagus. Bleach accounts for about 30% of all injuries from cleaning products and can result in severe intestinal damage and even death if a high concentration is swallowed. Many cleaning product injuries occur from the product being sprayed into the child’s eyes. Opt for products with child-resistant caps. Keep all cleaning products secured and out of reach, ideally in a locked cabinet. Consider choosing less toxic, natural products instead- most grocery stores have a good selection of these.
  • Batteries: Button batteries found in fobs, remotes, singing greeting cards, toys,etc. can be deadly if swallowed due to the electrical current from the battery and its chemical seeping into the intestinal tract. Store batteries safely, keep items with batteries out of reach, and tape over the battery compartments to prevent children from accessing the battery.
  • Nicotine products: Nicotine can be very toxic to children. Nicotine products like pouches, patches, vapes, and e-liquid may be attractive to children because they can look like candy or juice. Toxic effects include high heart rate and blood pressure, tremors, seizures, and even death from cardiac arrest. All nicotine products should be locked up and out of reach of children.
  • Medications: All medicines, both prescription and over the counter, should be secured and out of reach. Be mindful of any visitors or houseguests who may have unsecured medications in their backpack, purse, etc.
  • CBD/THC and edibles: Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are compounds found in the cannabis plant. THC causes euphoria or a “high” while CBD has been shown to have various health benefits such as helping with pain, anxiety, sleep, and depression. Symptoms of cannabis toxicity may include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, breathing difficulties, and seizures. Edible cannabis products like snack foods, candies, and baked goods may be enticing to kids. Cannabis edibles should be stored as any potentially toxic medication would be. Avoid buying edibles that look like candy and make sure guests do not bring in unsecured cannabis products.

Keep in mind your child’s age and natural curiosity as you seek to make your indoor environment safe. Remember to use child-resistant locks to help keep your child away from potentially dangerous household products. In addition to taking the above steps, be sure to have the National Poison Help Line (1-800-222-1222) posted on your refrigerator and in your phone.

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Dr. Elise Herman

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Dr. Herman is passionate about community health outreach, school programs, and child/family health and wellness. She has more than 31 years of experience as a pediatrician in Ellensburg, Washington, the last 3 with KVH Pediatrics. In 2022 Dr. Herman mostly retired from practice and continues to contribute blog posts and remain a visible advocate for kids in the community.

E-bike Use and Safety Issues for Children

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E-bikes, which have an electric motor and a rechargeable battery, can make bicycle riding more accessible to lots of people, as they can assist when the ride gets more challenging. However, e-bikes are more akin to a motorcycle than a traditional bicycle and present some risks especially for younger riders. 

family riding bikes on street

There are 3 classes of e-bikes. On Class 1 bikes, the motor only works if the rider is peddling. Class 2 bikes have a throttle that enables the motor to work without peddling and can go up to 20 mph. Class 3 bikes may or may not have a throttle but can go as fast as 28 mph. 

Laws vary by state regarding at what age a class of e-bike may be used. Age 14-16 years is the typical age allowed to use a Class 1 or 2 e-bike, with the cut-off commonly being over 16 years of age for Class 3. The Consumer Protection Safety Commission recommends no motorized vehicle use over 10 mph for kids under age 13 years.

Because e-bikes are heavier and faster than traditional bicycles, they are more dangerous with injuries to the head, neck, face, and internal organs more common. There are more than 20,000 US emergency room visits annually due to e-bikes with about 3,000 hospitalizations.  Adolescent males under age 16 are at particularly high risk of injury. Bike helmets are not sufficiently protective for e-bike riding; a helmet designed for motorcycle or motorized scooter use is recommended.

In view of the risks, what can parents do to help protect their kids regarding e-bike riding?

  • Do not allow e-bike riding under age 13 years.
  • Help your child learn about e-bike use and safety before riding.
  • Pay attention to state laws regarding age limits based on the class of e-bike.
  • Insist your child wear a helmet appropriate for a motorcycle or motorized scooter.
  • Make sure your kiddo knows not to ‘give a ride’ to someone else or be a passenger themselves on an e-bike.
  • Encourage protective clothing like close-toed shoes, long sleeves and pants, wrist guards, etc.
  • Do not allow the dangerous practice of modifying an e-bike to increase maximum speed.
  • Help your child learn about basic e-bike maintenance.
  • Make sure your child follows traffic rules for a standard bike if Class 1 or Class 2; there may be stricter rules for Class 3 (check local regulations on-line).
  • Have serious discussions about the responsibility and risks that go along with e-bike use.

Of course, e-bike riding is not essential, and you may feel it is not appropriate for your child given the risks. Knowing we cannot control everything our kids do, particularly as they become teens and beyond, having conversations about the potential dangers of e-bikes will encourage them to make a more informed decision about if and how they might use them. 

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Dr. Elise Herman

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Dr. Herman is passionate about community health outreach, school programs, and child/family health and wellness. She has more than 31 years of experience as a pediatrician in Ellensburg, Washington, the last 3 with KVH Pediatrics. In 2022 Dr. Herman mostly retired from practice and continues to contribute blog posts and remain a visible advocate for kids in the community.

The Importance of a High Fiber Diet for Kids

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Kids have an increasingly processed diet, which contributes to higher risk of obesity and Type 2 diabetes, as well as overall poor nutrition. There is another concern: inadequate dietary fiber. Fiber is very important for kids’ health and may play a role in decreasing colorectal cancer in young people, which although still uncommon, has alarmingly tripled in 15-19 year olds in the last 20 years. A high fiber diet is associated with a lower rate of all cancers, so starting this habit in childhood can pay off in the long run.

There are 2 types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber dissolves in water, binds to fats and lowers cholesterol, thereby helping to prevent heart disease.  The beneficial  bacteria in the gut feed on the soluble fiber, increasing the health of the microbiome (microorganisms in the intestinal tract). By controlling the blood sugar, soluble fiber also decreases the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Since soluble fiber causes a feeling of fullness, it helps regulate the appetite and assists with weight control.

Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water. It softens stool, helping keep bowel movements soft and waste going through the intestinal tract. By preventing constipation, insoluble fiber also decreases the risk of hemorrhoids and diverticulitis.

Getting fiber through a healthy diet is better than relying on fiber supplements. Healthy fiber-containing foods also have other nutrients and vitamins that a fiber supplement does not. Good sources include fruits, vegetables, nuts, lentils, beans, and whole grains. Avoid peeling fruit if possible (except for oranges, etc.) and serve the whole fruit instead of juice which has no fiber but is high in sugar. Avoid processed foods which usually have little fiber.

Include a fruit and/or veggie at each meal and emphasize fiber-containing snacks such as nuts, dried fruits, and carrot/celery sticks. Not all whole grain foods contain adequate fiber, so do look at nutrition labels, aiming for at least 3 grams of fiber per serving.  Popcorn (ideally without butter) has 6 grams of fiber per serving so is fine as an occasional snack.

To estimate how much fiber your child should have daily, add 5-10 to their age. As an example, a 5-year-old should take in 10-15 grams of fiber per day. For comparison, an adult should have about 25-30 grams daily. Go slowly as you increase the fiber, otherwise bloating and discomfort may occur. If your child is old enough, you can look up recipes together using beans, lentils, and other high fiber foods and then have fun cooking up healthy meals. The whole family should make this change to a healthier high fiber diet together, with parents, as aways, leading by example.

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Dr. Elise Herman

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Dr. Herman is passionate about community health outreach, school programs, and child/family health and wellness. She has more than 31 years of experience as a pediatrician in Ellensburg, Washington, the last 3 with KVH Pediatrics. In 2022 Dr. Herman mostly retired from practice and continues to contribute blog posts and remain a visible advocate for kids in the community.

Sore Throats in Kids

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As we move into fall, viruses and bacteria begin to circulate. Kids often complain of a sore throat this time of year, which is usually caused by a virus. Viral sore throat occurs with typical cold symptoms including runny nose, congestion, cough, low grade fever, and hoarseness. Because this is due to a virus, antibiotics do not help, but the illness typically resolves on its own in about a week. Home care includes encouraging adequate fluids and Tylenol or Advil if needed for pain and discomfort; dosing depends on your child’s age and weight.

In children the most common bacterial throat infection is due to Group A streptococcus, known simply as “Strep throat”.  This illness comes on quickly and is not accompanied by cold symptoms. Strep throat causes pain with swallowing, redness of the throat, and swollen neck glands. The tonsils, which are located on both sides of the back of the throat, become red and swollen with white pus on them. There may be bright red spots on the back of the roof of the mouth. Headache, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, and a sandpaper-like red body rash may also occur.

Strep causes 20-30% of pediatric sore throats. It is most common in kids aged 5-15 years and is very unlikely in those under age 3. Testing is done with a rapid test on a swab from the back of the throat with results are ready in minutes. Sometimes a throat culture is done to confirm a negative result though this takes 1-2 days. If there are ulcerations in the mouth or cold symptoms with a sore throat, strep testing is not usually done since the cause is almost certainly a virus.

Some kids and adults are ‘strep carriers’ meaning they carry a light amount of strep but do not typically get sick with it or spread it to others. Up to 1 out of 5 children are strep carriers. They will have a positive strep test, but do not need treatment. If kids do not have strep signs and symptoms, it is best to not test since you may pick up a carrier state which does not need antibiotics.

Strep throat is treated with antibiotics, usually a 10-day course. It is paramount to finish the antibiotics, even though kids usually feel better within 2 days. The full course of antibiotics shortens the illness and decreases the risk of spreading strep to others. Antibiotics also cut the risk of inflammatory complications after strep throat such as kidney disease and rheumatic heart disease. Kids may return to school and activities after 12-24 hours on antibiotics if they are improving and without fever. Your child should also switch to a new toothbrush after antibiotics are completed.

Home care for strep includes ensuring your child is drinking adequately and getting some nutrition, which may be challenging in view of the throat pain. Cool soft foods like smoothies or popsicles are usually easiest to swallow. Avoid acidic foods like orange juice. Tylenol or Advil are fine for fevers and discomfort but follow age and weight guidelines. Aspirin is not safe for children.

Strep spreads quickly and easily by respiratory droplets when an infected person sneezes or talks and by sharing personal items like cups or water bottles. Since strep can be transmitted for 3 days before someone develops symptoms, it is best to routinely avoid sharing silverware, glasses, etc. Frequent handwashing and avoiding touching one’s eyes, nose and mouth help limit spread of strep and other illnesses- especially important this time of year.

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Dr. Elise Herman

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Dr. Herman is passionate about community health outreach, school programs, and child/family health and wellness. She has more than 31 years of experience as a pediatrician in Ellensburg, Washington, the last 3 with KVH Pediatrics. In 2022 Dr. Herman mostly retired from practice and continues to contribute blog posts and remain a visible advocate for kids in the community.

Pediatric Influenza and Vaccination

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As school starts up again, it is inevitable that kids will pass around lots of viruses, including influenza. Influenza (often called “the flu”) is a very contagious respiratory virus which causes fever up to 103-105 degrees, muscle aches, runny nose, and sore throat. A dry cough which can become severe is common, and fatigue is often extreme.  Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur.

Influenza is passed from one person to another by sneezing, coughing, touching objects that are contaminated like countertops, and sharing cups or silverware.  The time between being exposed and getting sick with influenza is 1-4 days, so it moves quickly through a community. Influenza symptoms usually last 7-10 days in kids, though the cough and tiredness can take longer to resolve. Influenza activity peaks between December and February but may start earlier in the fall.

Though influenza may feel just like a severe cold, for many it can be very dangerous, especially older adults and young children. Over 40,000 adults died last year from influenza and its complications. There were 266 reported deaths due to influenza in children this past flu season, a new record high.

Children under age 5 are most at risk of complications, including severe pneumonia caused by bacteria. Kids can also develop bronchiolitis (swelling and inflammation of the small airways) and croup due to influenza. 

Decreased appetite and fluid intake along with vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration, signs of which include decreased urination, dry mouth, and sunken appearing eyes. Neurologic complications may include brain inflammation and seizures. A rare complication called Guillain-Barre Syndrome causes progressive and severe weakness, resulting in respiratory distress that can be life-threatening.

Annual influenza vaccination (of you, other family members, and your child) is your best bet to protect your kiddo. All children over age 6 months (with rare exceptions) should get vaccinated ideally before Halloween. The vaccine effect lasts about 6 months and protects up to 60% of those vaccinated from becoming infected. Although not totally protective against getting influenza, the vaccine is very effective at decreasing the severity of infection, with lower rates of hospitalization and complications including pneumonia. Flu vaccine can be given with other childhood vaccinations.

You cannot get influenza from flu vaccine, but mild side effects like a runny nose and low-grade fever can occur; these are due to the appropriate response of your immune system to the vaccine. Influenza vaccines have been well studied and are extremely safe.  In the past some have been concerned about thimerosal, a vaccine preservative, because it contains ethyl mercury. Ethyl mercury is entirely different from methylmercury, which can be harmful in high levels. Ethyl mercury poses no risk, but to minimize concern, thimerosal was removed from most childhood vaccines in 2001. It is present now only in multi-dose flu vaccine vials, which are not commonly used.

Along with influenza vaccination, don’t forget other simple ways to avoid illness during flu season such as good handwashing and avoiding sharing water bottles, drinks, or food. Influenza home care includes encouraging adequate fluids and fluid-containing foods like soup, Jello, or popsicles. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help with fever and discomfort; be sure to follow age and weight guidelines.

Call your provider if your child has influenza symptoms and has difficulty breathing, appears dehydrated, or has fever for more than 3 days. You should also reach out to your provider if your child has extreme fatigue or irritability, or is under 3 months old with a fever of 100.4 or higher. 

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Dr. Elise Herman

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Dr. Herman is passionate about community health outreach, school programs, and child/family health and wellness. She has more than 31 years of experience as a pediatrician in Ellensburg, Washington, the last 3 with KVH Pediatrics. In 2022 Dr. Herman mostly retired from practice and continues to contribute blog posts and remain a visible advocate for kids in the community.

Help Build Your Child’s Self-Esteem

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Self-esteem is the way we feel about ourselves and is central to how we move through the world. If someone has high self-esteem, they feel confident and capable, and are more able to rise to a challenge and persevere. They can handle making mistakes, and do better overall in terms of school, work, and social interactions.

Those with low self-esteem feel negatively about themselves and their abilities. They may seem withdrawn, avoid challenges, and berate themselves if they feel they have fallen short. They do not stand up for themselves and may have more difficulty maintaining friendships and interacting with others.

Kids with low self-esteem may be moody or irritable. They may be hesitant to try something new, often predicting failure. If they make a mistake, they can be very self-critical, even calling themselves “stupid” or a “loser”. Self-harm (i.e. cutting of the skin) may occur as a way to deal with the negative feelings.

You can help build high self-esteem in your child by being loving, positive, and encouraging them to take on challenges. Don’t have them aim for perfection, an impossible goal, but instead celebrate when they try something hard or make progress towards a goal. Don’t give false high praise- -kids can often see through this which will make them feel less confident in their abilities.

Speak out about what makes them special and unique; avoid comparing them to others. As the parent, model good self-esteem, voicing self-confidence and your ability to tackle something challenging. Let your child hear that you are kind to yourself when you make a mistake and see that you still have self-respect.

Low self-esteem can be improved by getting out in nature (and off of phones and social media). Exercise, time with friends, and playing games can help your child feel more positively about themselves too. A volunteer activity (which you may do together depending upon their age) helps put the focus on others and how we can help instead of feeling negatively about ourselves. Your child may benefit from clubs or classes such as dance or karate that bring them together with peers they can relate to.

If your child is displaying signs of low self-esteem, talk with them about what you are noticing, and empathize with their feelings. Try to understand how the world seems to them even if what is concerning them may seem minor. If things do not improve over time, consider having your child speak with the school counselor or a therapist comfortable treating children.

By showing your child unconditional love, acknowledging their progress towards a goal, and encouraging them to challenge themselves, you can help boost your child’s self-esteem. Your child will be more confident and better able to handle what comes their way as a result.

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Dr. Elise Herman

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Dr. Herman is passionate about community health outreach, school programs, and child/family health and wellness. She has more than 31 years of experience as a pediatrician in Ellensburg, Washington, the last 3 with KVH Pediatrics. In 2022 Dr. Herman mostly retired from practice and continues to contribute blog posts and remain a visible advocate for kids in the community.

When is it OK for Kids to Have a Smartphone?

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Seemingly everyone has a smartphone, and kids are drawn to these at a very early age. Parents do their best to supervise and set appropriate boundaries for their kids around phones, but may wonder when it is OK for their child to have their own phone. Making this decision can seem daunting, especially as younger and younger kids seem to have a phone in their pocket. According to Common Sense Media/Research, 43% of kids age 8 to 12 and 88% to 95% of teens up to age 18 have their own smartphone. If you are the parent of a 10-year-old, the begging may have already started. The general recommendation has been “Wait Until 8th (the end of 8th grade)”, but many kids get phones earlier.

Parents often see the benefit of staying in touch as a reason to give their child a phone. Other positives include use in an emergency and socializing. As kids get older, phones can help them stay connected to their friends and communicate about school work, sports, and other activities.

There is no perfect age for a child to have a phone. It may depend on the child’s maturity and sense of responsibility as well as family values. Is the child impulsive? Do they generally respect rules and limits? Are they generally honest? Are they good about following the rules regarding other tech, such as a Chrome book use at school? ATT and the American Academy of Pediatrics have partnered on an online ‘quiz’ to assess a child’s readiness (see resources, below).

The potential negatives of cell phones include less time spent with family, less physical activity, and sleep disturbance. Phones offer access to social media which can increase the risk of depression and anxiety. There is the possibility of kids oversharing, experiencing cyberbullying, and being victimized. Phone addiction is a concern for users of all ages.

On-line pornography poses significant risk to kids and teens. The average child is exposed to pornography by age 12 years. Pornography often portrays physical and verbal aggression and sexual violence, usually directed towards women, including women being choked, slapped and spit upon during sexual activity. It is horrific to note that free porn sites carry videos of child rape and assault. Early exposure to pornography is related to anxiety, depression, and difficulty forming healthy intimate relationships later on.

So how to navigate this complicated situation? Communication is key. Have open discussions with your child regarding the pros and cons of a smartphone. Take the “phone readiness quiz” and review the results with your child. Parental controls restricting the amount of usage as well as access to social media and inappropriate sites are vital. Discuss where and when the phone can be used (not at meals, not during family social time, not after bedtime, etc.) Your child should understand your concerns and the importance of respecting these limits when using other devices, for example, the phone of a friend who may not have the same restrictions.

As the parent, you should have your child’s password, be able to track their usage, and maintain the right to take the phone away if rules are not being followed. Having your child contribute to the purchase of the phone or service plan financially or by doing extra chores teaches responsibility.
As a trial, many families opt for a flip phone (calls and texts only) for a year to assess their child’s readiness. If connection to your child is most important, a smart watch, iPad, or tablet is a good way to start without the complications and potential risks of a smartphone.

Resources

Wait unitl 8th: https://www.waituntil8th.org Parents can join together, pledging to avoid phones for kids in elementary and middle school.

Phone Ready Quiz: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/Pages/PhoneReadyQuiz.aspx

more about The contributor

Dr. Elise Herman

Blog Posts
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Dr. Herman is passionate about community health outreach, school programs, and child/family health and wellness. She has more than 31 years of experience as a pediatrician in Ellensburg, Washington, the last 3 with KVH Pediatrics. In 2022 Dr. Herman mostly retired from practice and continues to contribute blog posts and remain a visible advocate for kids in the community.

Mealtime without Screens

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Contributor Dr. Elise Herman

Mealtime should be a time to connect with our kids and enjoy healthy food in a stress-free environment. This idealized version is not always the case, and for many reasons, kids may end up eating in front of the TV, laptop, iPad, or smartphone. There are multiple problems with this—for both adults and kids.

Obesity:  In general, kids eat more in front of a screen. Some parents are happy to see their child (especially if they are a picky eater) eating more but being distracted while eating means eating mindlessly. This can lead to overeating in the long run since kids don’t pay attention to feeling full and therefore overeat. Research has shown that children who watch a screen during meals are more likely to be overweight.

Digestion: Digestion is aided by really noticing the aromas, the preparation and the sight of food. If attention is more on the screen than the food, digestion can suffer.

Missed social opportunities: When eating alone and watching a screen, kids miss out on connection with others over a meal, learning to make conversation and basic etiquette (taking small bites, not talking with your mouth full, etc.). Mealtime is a chance to slow down, enjoy our food, and socialize. You can model all of this to your child if you eat together, undistracted—powerful stuff!

Exposure to commercials: Commercials during kids’ programming are often for fast food or processed foods high in sugar and calories and aimed specifically at children. Not surprisingly, screen time during meals is associated with increased junk food consumption.

So how to change this behavior in your house? Anticipate that it may not be easy (for either of you) to break this habit, but keep in mind how important this is and stay with it. Here are some suggestions:

Make change gradual: Target one meal at a time, either eliminating screens altogether for that meal or decreasing the time. Substitute music, conversation, or reading books to your child (not having an app read a book). Starting with a no-screen snack is an easy way to begin.

Adults adopt the change, too: No screens for adults as well at mealtimes, not even to text. You can tell your child this is hard for you, too, but you know how important it is for everyone to make this change. Explain your plan to other adults who may provide meals (childcare, sitters, grandparents) so they are also on board with this—consistency is vital for success.

Follow a schedule: Eliminate screens at one meal or snack every 1-2 weeks and you will accomplish the overall goal within 1-2 months. Talk about how different mealtimes are now that you are connecting and eating more mindfully.

Be firm: Don’t give in to tantrums or your child eating less. This behavior will be short-lived, so don’t let it throw you off track. You can however have some occasional exceptions such as snacks while watching sports, but these should be infrequent.

Children age 8-12 in the US look at screens for 5 ½ hours daily and teens spend an average of 8 hours a day on their devices—pretty stunning statistics. Kids who watch a screen during mealtime spend more time on devices overall. Changing this behavior is a good place to start to take control of the excessive screen use in most of our lives.

more about The contributor

Dr. Elise Herman

Blog Posts
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Dr. Herman is passionate about community health outreach, school programs, and child/family health and wellness. She has more than 31 years of experience as a pediatrician in Ellensburg, Washington, the last 3 with KVH Pediatrics. In 2022 Dr. Herman mostly retired from practice and continues to contribute blog posts and remain a visible advocate for kids in the community.