Screentime has become a regular part of family life, and researchers at Florida International University (FIU) are studying ways to help families use digital media more productively, especially for children with behavioral challenges.
Shayl Griffith, assistant professor in FIU’s Department of Counseling, Recreation and School Psychology, along with professors Daniel Bagner and Katie Hart, led a study focusing on preschoolers who have attention, hyperactivity, or temper issues. The research was conducted at FIU’s Center for Children and Families’ Summer Academy in Liberty City. The program is directed by Hart and supported by The Children’s Trust.
The team observed that screens often serve as a tool to calm or distract children but can also expose them to inappropriate content if not monitored. In low-income households where parents face long work hours and limited support, this reliance on screens is even greater.
Griffith explained the difficulty many families face: turning off devices or transitioning activities can lead to frustration or meltdowns. Parents try to set limits—such as consistent viewing times or reducing device use before bed—but financial strain and lack of resources often make these goals hard to achieve.
“In our digital world, discussions about parenting and technology are just parenting now,” said Griffith.
To address these challenges, the researchers developed a seven-week intervention for 31 families that focused on healthy media habits rather than strict screen time limits. The curriculum encouraged parents to choose educational content, set boundaries around access, and be more involved in their children’s media consumption.
“So the tablet serves less whatever it wants to the child,” Griffith said, “and a little more of what parents want their child to use.”
Parents were advised to switch from algorithm-driven platforms like YouTube to curated apps such as PBS Kids. Watching alongside their children was also recommended so parents could better understand what their kids were viewing and engage in conversations about it.
“Changes can’t be too big because there are a lot of stressors. These are families who are under immense pressure,” said Griffith. “We focused on doable steps that they can maintain over time because the difficulty tends to be time and energy.”
Researchers worked closely with each family to suggest small changes—like reducing screen time before bed—which could improve focus and emotional regulation in children with behavioral difficulties.
“Any small change can spark bigger changes,” Griffith said. “It’s really about breaking things down and picking priorities for each family, depending on their concerns and lifestyles.”
The team plans to expand this approach by applying for funding for a larger study involving 150 families whose children have externalizing behavioral challenges.
As a result of these efforts in Liberty City, some families have shifted from using screens as sources of stress toward tools that promote learning and connection. The researchers hope their approach will help more parents use technology intentionally while supporting their children’s development.
