Why Doctors Are Missing The Mark on Tech and Your Kid's Wellbeing & What You Can Do About It

5 Questions You Should Ask at Your Child's Next Pediatrician Appointment

Dr. Raghu Appasani here! I’m an addiction psychiatrist and the Chief Medical Officer of the PTAC.

As a parent in the digital age, you have probably wondered about the connection between tech use and your kid’s wellbeing. It’s likely the reason you’re here!

While pediatricians are invaluable partners in your children's health, many are not asking proactively about your kid’s digital habits. It’s not because they don't care, but more likely it’s because their training might not have extensively covered the relationship between technology and your child’s health. The traditional "screen time" conversation barely scratches the surface of what we now know about technology's impact on child development.

Recent research has revealed that it's not just about how much time children spend on devices – it's about how they're using them, when they're using them, and how technology use interfaces with other aspects of their physical and mental health. Unfortunately, many pediatricians aren't asking the right questions nor making these crucial connections.

But there are questions YOU can ask to start the conversation with your child’s doctor. Here are five essential questions to ask at your child's next check-up, along with the context you need to make the most of these conversations:

1. "How might my child's technology use be affecting their sleep?"

   
   Why it matters: Sleep isn't just about quantity – it's about quality. Different types of screen exposure can affect different stages of sleep, particularly crucial slow-wave sleep and REM sleep. Before the appointment, track not just when your child goes to bed, but their pre-bedtime tech usage patterns and any sleep disruptions.

   
   Key information to share: Your child's typical bedtime routine, whether they have devices in their bedroom, and if they wake up to check notifications.
   

2. “Could my child's posture while using devices be contributing to their physical symptoms?"

   
   Why it matters: "Tech neck" and related postural issues can cause everything from headaches to shoulder pain. Many symptoms that seem unrelated might actually stem from device use patterns.

   
   Key information to share: How your child typically sits while using devices, any complaints of neck, hand, or back pain, and how long they typically maintain one position.
   

3. "What's the relationship between my child's screen use and their eating patterns?"

   
   Why it matters: Device use can affect not just when children eat, but how mindfully they eat and what they choose to eat. This connection is often overlooked in discussions about both nutrition and technology.

   
   Key information to share: Whether your child uses devices during meals, any patterns you've noticed in snacking while using devices, and how tech use might be affecting their meal timing.
   

4. "How should we modify device use if my child is showing signs of anxiety or attention issues?"

   
   Why it matters: The relationship between technology use and mental health is complex and bidirectional. Simple "cut back on screen time" advice might not address the underlying issues.

   
   Key information to share: Any patterns you've noticed between mood changes and specific types of device use, and whether technology seems to be a source of stress or a coping mechanism.
   

5. "What role might technology be playing in my child's social development?"

   
   Why it matters: Digital interactions are now an integral part of children's social lives. Understanding how online and offline social development intersect is crucial for supporting healthy relationships.

   
   Key information to share: How your child uses technology to connect with friends, any concerns about social media use, and observations about how online interactions affect their in-person relationships.

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How to Prepare for the Conversation

By bringing these questions to your appointment, you're not just advocating for your child – you're helping your pediatrician build a more complete picture of your child's health in the digital age!

Before your appointment, it’s a good idea to do some prep. Try spending about a week documenting the following:

1. Your child's daily technology use patterns

2. Any physical symptoms that seem to correlate with device use

3. Mood changes related to specific online activities

4. Sleep patterns and pre-bedtime device use

5. Social interactions both online and offline

Sharing this information with your child’s pediatrician will help them make more informed recommendations tailored to your kid’s specific needs and circumstances. Remember, the goal isn't to demonize technology but to understand its role in your child's overall wellbeing and development. Work closely with your pediatrician to develop strategies that help your child build a healthy relationship with technology, all while supporting their physical, mental, and social health!