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Teens

My daughter is upset by Justin Bieber’s behavior, how can I help her cope?
 My daughter is upset by Justin Bieber’s behavior, how can I help her cope? 150 150 Mediatrics

Q: My 12-year-old daughter is devastated by what has been happening with Justin Bieber. She has been a fan of the pop star “forever” and she and her friends fervently follow his career and personal life. I originally supported my daughter’s obsession (allowing her to buy his music, hang posters in her bedroom, attend a…

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How can I stop my kids from being ‘catfished’?
 How can I stop my kids from being ‘catfished’? 150 150 Mediatrics

Q:The Manti Te’o “catfish” story makes me wonder how I can best prepare my teens for future online friendships. My teens say that kids meet through friends-of-friends online and off, but online they just lie about personal information. I’ve always thought that practicing strong communication skills, honesty, integrity, and trust would help my kids grow…

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Should we keep kids away from media after the Boston Marathon bombings?
 Should we keep kids away from media after the Boston Marathon bombings? 150 150 Mediatrics

Dear Readers, Our hearts hurt after Monday's explosions at the Boston Marathon. The pain and shock in our community is palpable, and it’s hard to know where to go from here. But there is also a remarkable upsurge of help and love that sprang out of the shadow of this event. The Center on Media…

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If TV contributes to obesity, should I limit my kids’ screen time to video games and computers?
 If TV contributes to obesity, should I limit my kids’ screen time to video games and computers? 150 150 Mediatrics

Q: I just saw that you published a study about childhood obesity and watching TV. From the article I read, it sounds like kids who watch TV and commercials for high-calorie foods are more likely to be obese—but that playing video games and using the computer aren’t a problem. Does this mean I should limit…

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Am I limiting my child’s chances of success in today’s economy by trying to limit his screen time?
 Am I limiting my child’s chances of success in today’s economy by trying to limit his screen time? 150 150 Mediatrics

Q: My 11-year-old son spends every free minute in front of his computer—doing homework (he really does, thank goodness), social networking, playing games, and now creating his own games. Concerned that, one by one, he has dropped sports, playing with friends, getting outdoors, and, frankly, spending time with the family, I have struggled (and been…

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How can I monitor my 12-year-old daughter’s use of Instagram?
 How can I monitor my 12-year-old daughter’s use of Instagram? 150 150 Mediatrics

Q: I am trying to monitor my 12-year-old daughter’s use of Instagram and am wondering if there is a way to find any ‘secret storage’ spaces on her smartphone. I am not too concerned right now, but in the future I would like to know how to access it. Instagram is the only social media platform…

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The Mediatrician’s tips for choosing family-friendly holiday films
 The Mediatrician’s tips for choosing family-friendly holiday films 150 150 Mediatrics

The holiday season is often filled with family traditions that are passed on from generation to generation, year after year. From special foods, activities and decorations, to visiting with family and friends, this is the time of the year when we celebrate traditions and look to share them with our children and the ones we…

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It feels like 9/11 all over again. Our world has changed—forever. Now what do I do?
 It feels like 9/11 all over again. Our world has changed—forever. Now what do I do? 150 150 Mediatrics

Q: I am the mother of a 5 year old, an 8 year old and a 12 year old. I am numb with grief, fear, and rage… yes, rage. Rage at myself and at my society, more than anything else. I am numb, but not immobile. Last night I went through all of our DVDs…

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Should I let my 14-year-old use the ‘Snapchat’ application?
 Should I let my 14-year-old use the ‘Snapchat’ application? 150 150 Mediatrics

Q: My 14-year-old daughter has been begging to get ‘Snapchat’ on her iPod Touch. I searched for information and I wasn’t initially impressed.  I am tech savvy and know screen shots can easily be saved, but also, if she loses her device and someone else sends something, she could be held responsible. I don’t like…

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We gather together.
 We gather together. 150 150 Mediatrics

Thanksgiving is considered a time of reflection, giving thanks, family togetherness, and, of course, delicious food. But when all the toasts have been made, the plates cleared, and the leftovers tucked away, it can be easy to fall into a state of media mindlessness—dozing off in front of the TV, checking cell phones for scores…

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