096: Technology and Boundaries: Parenting in the Digital Era

“We have, at best, sort of this view of technology as a benign thing in our lives. And at best, this kind of projection on technology, that it’s really what makes or breaks modern life...Most people are floored once they really do the tally and become more aware of how incredibly engaged they are and how incredibly time-consuming their personal electronics are in their lives.” As unique obstacles of modern times go, negotiating personal device use tops the list. The challenge becomes even more difficult as our children progress from early childhood into pre-teen and teen years and the issues of social media, video games and screen time escalate. Dr. Anders Beier is the co-founder and COO of the London-based non-profit The Centre for Technology Awareness. He also holds an MA in counseling from Pacifica Graduate Institute, Santa Barbara, CA and a Ph.D. in Jungian Studies from Saybrook University in San Francisco. He works with couples and individuals on treating depression, anxiety and life changes near Aspen, Colorado. This week Dr. Viado and Dr. Beier resume their discussion about technology, focusing specifically on navigating the complications of parenting in the information age; brain chemistry changes with technology use; and developing boundaries with personal devices for our kids and ourselves. To listen to Dr. Beier’s last conversation with Dr. Viado please see Episode 28: The Shadow of Technology: https://lourdesviado.com/28-the-shadow-of-technology-with-dr-anders-beier-lpc/ To keep up with Dr. Anders Beier, please visit: http://beiertherapy.com http://technologyawareness.org Other Resources: CDC’s Differences by Sex in Association of Mental Health With Video Gaming or Other Nonacademic Computer Use Among US Adolescents: https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2017/17_0151.htm Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain - Daniel Seigel: https://www.drdansiegel.com/books/brainstorm/ iDisorder Understanding Our Obsession with Technology and Overcoming Its Hold on Us - Dr. Larry Rosen: http://drlarryrosen.com/2011/03/idisorder