The article offers strategies for parents to reduce their children's screen time in 2026, emphasizing open conversations, setting consistent rules, coaching through challenges, and promoting real-world activities to foster stronger relationships and healthier habits.
A study in Nature Human Behavior found that engagement with digital technology is linked to a 58% lower risk of cognitive impairment in middle-aged and older adults, based on a review of 57 studies involving over 411,000 individuals.
A Pew Research Center survey of 1,391 U.S. teens aged 13 to 17 reveals that YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat are the most popular social media platforms, with many teens using them almost constantly. The study highlights demographic differences in platform usage, with girls more likely to use TikTok and Instagram, while boys favor YouTube. Black and Hispanic teens report higher usage of TikTok and Instagram compared to White teens. The survey also notes that nearly all teens have access to smartphones, and internet use is nearly universal, with almost half of teens online almost constantly.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have discovered a new class of magnetism called "altermagnetism," which combines the advantages of ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism without their drawbacks. This breakthrough could revolutionize digital devices and spintronic applications by offering energy-efficient, scalable, and robust solutions. Altermagnets, with no net magnetization, are compatible with superconductors and ideal for quantum and neuromorphic technologies. The discovery opens new research avenues and promises advancements in memory systems and computing.
YouTube remains the most widely used online platform among U.S. teens, followed by TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram, according to a survey conducted by Pew Research Center. Despite concerns about the impact of social media on youth, teens continue to use these platforms at high rates, with some describing their social media use as "almost constant." The survey also found that teens' site and app usage has remained relatively stable over the past year, with YouTube and TikTok being the most frequently visited platforms. There are also differences in platform usage based on gender, race and ethnicity, age, and household income. Additionally, nearly half of teens report using the internet "almost constantly," with smartphone ownership being nearly universal among teens.
A study from Oxford University has found that wearable digital devices that track movement are more effective than clinical observations in monitoring the progression of Parkinson's disease. The devices, which tracked 122 physiological metrics, including toe movement and stride length, are not a treatment for Parkinson's but can help scientists assess the effectiveness of novel drugs and therapies. Researchers are hopeful that these findings can be applied to other neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
Smartwatches are becoming popular among parents as a way to keep their children connected without giving them a smartphone, but there are downsides to this technology. While smartwatches offer features like GPS tracking and limited communication capabilities, they can also be a distraction for kids, affecting their focus and social interactions. Additionally, there are concerns about privacy and security, as these devices collect personal data and can be vulnerable to hacking. Parents need to carefully consider the pros and cons before deciding to give their children smartwatches.