Reset Your Child's Brain

July 6, 2015
Integrative psychiatrist Dunckley tackles the hot issue of the effects that electronic devices such as cellphones, computers, and e-readers are having on children’s brains. The effects, she believes, are profound, potentially dangerous, but also reversible. Dividing the book into three parts, she begins by outlining symptoms of and problems developing from Electronic Screen Syndrome (ESS). Parts two and three explain how to “reset” the brain with a three-week electronic fast, and then how to decide whether to reintroduce electronics. Dunckley includes plenty of case studies, which make for interesting reading. Justin’s teacher and dad thought he had ADHD; however, when he eliminated screen time, his symptoms gradually disappeared. A three-year-old girl’s tics—eye-blinking and throat-clearing—vanished when her parents took away her smartphone. Dunckley’s ideas for moderating screen time, such as mandating equal amounts of exercise time, should appeal to parents. Readers will also feel relieved to have such a helpful guide to teaching children that there is more to life than staring at a screen. Agent: Deirdre Mullane, Deirdre Literary.

November 1, 2015

Look out, mom and dad. That smartphone might just be the root of all your kid's problems (along with the Nintendo, Xbox, TV, and iPad). Many parents won't want to hear this, but child psychiatrist Dunckley makes a compelling case for an "unrecognized disorder" she terms Electronic Screen Syndrome (ESS). From kids who melt down without cause, refuse to look people in the eye, are "wired but tired," or otherwise just hole up in their rooms all day, Dunckley's research identifies the common thread of dysregulation owing to screen use and orders an immediate electronic "fast." Showing how ESS affects brain chemistry, arousal, sleep, and behavior, to name but a few outcomes, the author moves into a four-week step-by-step plan to "reset" a child's brain, resulting in better focus and organization, improved compliance, and more mature social interactions. VERDICT Decreasing childhood use of electronics often results in better behavior, but whether that's because parent and child find new ways of communicating and spending time together or because the electronics are creating long-term damage is still up for debate.

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