Yo Elmo

In a presentation to parents last week, I noted the growing “passback phenomena,” when parents who are driving the car hand a cell phone to children for entertainment.

Just released for these back seat cell phone kids:  Elmo’s Monster Maker, the newest app from Sesame Street.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/elmos-monster-maker/id350361202?mt=8

Gen XD

The focus of major European research released a couple weeks ago, predictably highlighted the role of tech.  After all, the data collection, funded by Disney, highlighted Generation XD, (digi-offspring of Gen X.)

But a highly significant finding, which echoes all other research I’ve seen, once again identifies mom as the most admired person.  Dads continue to rank second.  Parents are important, even across the pond.

http://www.marketwire.com/mw/rel_us_print.jsp?id=1099550&lang=null

Down under

New this month, data from the NPD Group indicates almost half of digital downloaders are six years old or younger!  This single statistic is a reminder of the important gatekeeper role for parents.

http://www.npd.com/press/releases/press_100105a.html

The “Zombie Hour”

An interesting research report in the Journal of Family Psychology, published last month, focused on the awkward, high-stress time of day before supper.

In this study, when moms returned home from work, they received reports of the day’s activities.  Dads, who frequently arrived home later, often didn’t hear what happened.  In addition, dads often hibernated alone while mom spent time with the children.

I’m guessing this data has validity beyond the research group.  If so, it may be a needed wake-up call to engage dad, physically and emotionally, in post-workday family life.

http://psycnet.apa.org/index.cfm?fa=search.displayRecord&uid=2009-23534-005

Tech learning

I antiipate that we’ll be seeing more research like this (link below).  This summary, from the University of California-Irvine,  focuses on what some might label the tech-triggered revolution in learning. 

With all the time kids spend online, it’s inevitable there will be implications for schools.  This is merely the tip of the iceberg.

http://www.physorg.com/news178824068.html

Teen boys and body image

A reader of this blog commented, “I can’t believe the incredible variety of links you offer.”

Noted below is another family-related link from an unlikely source:  research that won an award from the International Textiles and Apparel Association.  Due to be published next fall, the data identifies the impact of peers on teen use of tanning booths, waxing and diet pills.  What’s unusual:  teen boys were the research focus.

The research synopsis is worth reading if you work/live with teens.

http://www.baylor.edu/artsandsciences/news.php?action=story&story=64951

Up 68%

That statistic confirms what is obvious: the number of children who own cell phones has increased dramatically, or 68% in the last five years. 

According to statistics released earlier this month, (see link below) the biggest increase has been among 10-11 year olds, but 20% of 6-11 year olds now own cells.

The data summary notes that boys are more likely to IM and use phones as a link to the Internet, while girls make actual phone calls (Imagine that?) and text. 

http://www.mediamark.com/PDF/MRIPR_010410_KidsAndCellPhones.pdf

Saying, “Dada”

I was stunned to read results of new British research about a foundational element in communication:  one in six children have trouble learning to talk.  I wonder how much tech, media and entertainment have influenced these troubling statistics.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/8436236.stm

Cell + sex: a perfect storm

That’s an observation from the Pew Research Center’s senior specialist who wrote the recent report on sexting.    If you have a teen, here’s a link to the data summary which is too important to miss:

http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2009/Teens-and-Sexting.aspx

Too good to miss

“I will make responsible choices.”

That’s the bottom line of research released last month by the Girl Scouts of the USA. Buried in holiday hoopla, the study didn’t receive much media attention.

Let’s hope the good intentions identified by teens participating in the study will translate into ethical and moral behavior in this new year and beyond.  (Link below also leads to link for “tips for parents.”)

http://www.girlscouts.org/research/publications/girlleadership/good_intentions.asp