The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently released updated guidelines on digital ecosystems for children and adolescents, mostly shifting away from firm screen time limits to a more nuanced approach focused on the quality of content.

The new report continues to warn parents of the dangers of children absorbing content that is more commercialized and algorithmic, as these addictive features can produce negative consequences. However, child-centered designs that encourage critical thinking, are age appropriate and foster social connection can provide benefits.

The report emphasizes parental standards to be more focused on content quality instead of screen time limits. Children 18 months and younger are still recommended to limit screen time use because of “immature cognitive processing.”

Leah Singh is the director of the Florida State University Children’s Learning Clinic, a research-based clinic within the Department of Psychology that specializes in evidence-based evaluations of children with ADHD and co-occurring learning and behavior challenges. She has received extensive training in assessment, consultation and intervention across hospital, clinic, university and school settings.

Singh believes the updated guidelines by the AAP are a necessary reflection of the modern world where children and parents can evolve with appropriate media.

“I think the updated American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines are a welcomed and appropriate adjustment,” Singh said. “They align much more closely with advances in research and address current challenges that families face when trying to set appropriate boundaries and monitor their children’s digital use in today’s ever evolving digital world.” 

Media looking to speak with Leah Singh about the latest guidelines on screen time for children can reach out to her via email at singh@psy.fsu.edu.

Leah Singh, director, Children’s Learning Clinic 

What are some of the key adjustments made by the AAP in these updated guidelines?
These updated guidelines acknowledge that screen time alone does not adequately address all the factors that help children develop a healthy relationship with media. This reframe better reflects new research showing that not all screen time is equal. Multiple factors play a role in shaping a child’s digital experience and it is important to consider your child’s strengths and vulnerabilities, what media you child is engaging with, how they are engaging and in what context, and to what extent screen time is interfering with daily activities and overall well-being. High-quality, developmentally appropriate content— particularly when used in moderation and with caregiver involvement — can support learning, social connection and emotion regulation. In contrast, excessive exposure to low-quality, highly commercialized content is more likely to interfere with sleep, relationships, coping skills and well-being, regardless of the amount of time spent on a device.

Importantly, the update allows families to be more intentional rather than simply restrictive. Moving away from rigid screen-time limits empowers parents to have more nuanced, strengths-based conversations with their children — focusing on content quality, prioritizing healthy sleep habits and activities and building healthy relationships.

Overall, the emphasis on quality, context and developmental needs aligns better with real family life, current science and the goal of supporting children’s development in a digital world that isn’t going away.

Your clinic specializes in working with children with ADHD with co-occurring behavioral and learning conditions. What digital media consumption recommendations do you have for these specific individuals?
The core recommendations remain the same, with a strong focus on using digital media in intentional and structured ways. Families are encouraged to prioritize high-quality, developmentally appropriate content and to limit media that is overly commercialized, contains automated algorithms or unvetted information or is designed to keep children engaged for long periods without clear learning value. Establishing clear routines and consistent expectations — such as set times for screen use, screen-free time before bed and watching or playing together when possible — can be especially helpful. Parents are also encouraged to regularly check in on how media use is affecting their child’s mood, sleep, attention and behavior, and to adjust as needed. When used thoughtfully and in balance with physical activity, social connection and adequate sleep, digital media can be a helpful tool rather than a barrier for many children with ADHD.

In your opinion, what are some examples of quality educational media platforms for children?
Some main elements to look for when evaluating digital content include high-quality, child-centered content that intentionally incorporates principles of child development into its design. Higher-quality experiences tend to model social-emotional skills, include clear and age-appropriate learning goals, allow space for creativity and free play. It is also important to look for media that encourages participation — such as asking questions, problem-solving or extending learning offline — rather than passive viewing. Examples include PBS Kids, which offers research-based programming that supports early literacy, math and social–emotional development, and Sesame Street, which intentionally integrates academic skills with emotional learning. For older children, platforms like Khan Academy Kids and National Geographic Kids provide interactive, educational content that encourages curiosity and critical thinking. For parents who want additional guidance, trusted resources such as Common Sense Media and the AAP Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health offer helpful reviews and recommendations to identify apps and shows that support healthy development.

What advice do you have for parents who have concerns about screen time use for their young children?
If you’re worried about your child’s screen time, you’re not alone — and it’s helpful to remember that it’s not just about how much time your child spends on screens, but how screens are being used and how they affect your child. Pay attention to signs such as increased irritability, difficulty transitioning away from screens, sleep disruption or reduced interest in play and social interaction. Setting simple, predictable routines around media use — such as screen-free meals, device-free bedrooms, a consistent cutoff before bedtime and designated times for media use — can make boundaries easier for everyone. When possible, sit with your child and engage with what they’re watching or playing; shared media experiences are often more positive and meaningful. Most importantly, aim for balance: Screens should not crowd out sleep, active play, creativity or family connection. Small, consistent changes can go a long way in helping children build healthy media habits. Talk about media early and keep the conversation going as your child grows. These everyday check-ins help children build digital literacy and give parents valuable insight into how their child is processing and coping with media. Because screen use can feel like a loaded topic, it’s okay to pause, take a breath and approach the conversation with curiosity rather than judgment. Asking open-ended questions and staying open-minded creates space for connection and fosters more constructive problem-solving. The AAP offers a practical family media plan that can help parents and children work together to set healthy digital boundaries.

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Four recent Florida State University graduates have been awarded the 2025 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship, a highly competitive five-year fellowship that supports outstanding students pursuing research-focused graduate degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Eight current FSU students and alumni also received honorable mentions in the latest program.

The fellowship provides three years of financial support, including an annual stipend of $37,000 and recognizes both the recipient’s undergraduate and current graduate institutions. By investing in early-career researchers, the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP) aims to strengthen the quality and capacity of the U.S. scientific and engineering workforce.

“We are incredibly proud of our students and alumni who have been recognized by the NSF GRFP,” said Craig Filar, associate dean of Honors, Scholars, and Fellows. “The range of disciplines and the recognition of researchers at various times in their student careers demonstrates the breadth of preparation and training our students receive in STEM disciplines across campus from their first year through their doctoral work that have led to so many of our students and alumni being recognized for their innovative work as fellows and honorable mentions.”

A native of Tampa, Sebastian Castro (B.S. ‘25 chemical engineering) worked on research projects focused on clean energy and water solutions while at FSU, including splitting water to produce hydrogen, converting carbon dioxide into useful products and developing membranes for desalination.

He began his collegiate journey through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP), which was enriched by his involvement in the Presidential Scholars Program and the Student Engineering Leadership Board.

Castro credits the guidance from faculty and staff as instrumental throughout the fellowship application process, adding: “FSU has supported me every step of the way.”

Castro’s research centers on advancing sustainability through electrochemical processes, a foundation he will continue to build on by improving electrochemical transformations and developing technologies for industrial-scale environmental remediation. This fall, he plans to begin his doctoral degree in chemical engineering at New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering.

“I’m incredibly honored and grateful to receive this fellowship. Beyond the validation of my efforts, it represents the culmination of years of hard work across my coursework, research and extracurricular activities.”

– Sebastian Castro

“I’m incredibly honored and grateful to receive this fellowship,” Castro said. “Beyond the validation of my efforts, it represents the culmination of years of hard work across my coursework, research and extracurricular activities. After earning my doctorate, I plan to work in industry, where I hope to contribute to the global energy transition. My goal is to help overcome key challenges in the design and optimization of electrochemical devices to enable their widespread industrial implementation.”

Nicholas Volya (B.S. ‘23 biochemistry) has focused on advancing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) through the development of radiofrequency amplification by stimulated emission of radiation (RASER) technology while at FSU. His research aims to re-engineer the MRI detector cavity and exploit RASER physics.

A Tallahassee native, Volya is a third-year doctoral student in physical chemistry at North Carolina State University.

“FSU was tremendously impactful on my academic and scientific journey. Every professor encouraged and challenged me to think with clarity and precision.”

– Nicholas Volya

“FSU was tremendously impactful on my academic and scientific journey,” he said. “Every professor encouraged and challenged me to think with clarity and precision, particularly my undergraduate Principal Investigator, Robert Lazenby. He provided the encouragement and resources that allowed me to fully engage with research, and I was proud to be a member of his lab throughout my undergraduate career.”

The NSF GRFP fellowship will support Volya’s current research in the Thesis Lab at North Carolina State University and his plans for a career as a research professor.

“My work on RASER technology is exciting, and I believe it has the potential to fundamentally change how an MRI is performed,” Volya said. “If successful, it could influence the methodology of all magnetic resonance experiments — an ambitious but motivating prospect. My long-term aspiration is to pass on the knowledge and support I have received by becoming a mentor myself.”

Brandon Patron (B.S. ‘20 biological science) returns to FSU in the fall to begin his doctorate in clinical psychology where he will research the effects of early life adversity on adolescent psychological development with consideration to underlying neurobiological mechanisms.

“FSU, and in particular the Children’s Learning Clinic, has provided amazing mentors and support,” said Patron on bridging his biological and psychological journey at the university. “I’ve had the chance to work with amazing researchers and clinicians who have given me insight into intervention research and the time and resources to work on my NSF GRFP proposal. I also had an immense amount of support and guidance from Director and Research Faculty, Leah Singh, who helped review my materials and provided a recommendation.”

“FSU, and in particular the Children’s Learning Clinic, has provided amazing mentors and support. I’ve had the chance to work with amazing researchers and clinicians who have given me insight into intervention research and the time and resources to work on my NSF GRFP proposal.”

– Brandon Patron

Patron expresses gratitude for the NSF GRFP Fellowship which will allow him to focus on his research, exempting him from typical assistantship requirements.

“This fellowship will allow me to spend all my extra time ensuring my research ideas are cutting edge and novel to the literature,” Patron said. “It’s validated my work and assured me that I am indeed worth a career in research.”

Long term, he hopes to open his own research clinic, similar to FSU’s Children’s Learning Clinic, to serve the community, conduct intervention research and formulate precision medicine in response.

“My clinic would differ in that it would focus more on the effects of early life adversity on pathways, such as those of stress and emotion regulation, and how interventions that involve both parent and child can be catered more to the individual family,” Patron said.

Luis E. Blanco (B.S. ‘18 chemical engineering) completed his undergraduate studies at FSU, where he focused on computational protein engineering, biomechanics and microfluidics. After graduation, he co-founded the startup Diatech Diabetes with fellow FSU alumnus John Wilcox. The company addresses issues that patients using diabetes care technology experience.

“FSU is truly unique in how easy it is to build close friendships and get involved,” Blanco said. “I learned to apply for jobs, I started my company, met my wife and made lifelong friendships. I always tell people: ‘FSU attracts some of the smartest and most talented people who also know how to have a good time.’ That combination created an environment where I felt inspired, supported and challenged to dream bigger.”

“FSU is truly unique in how easy it is to build close friendships and get involved. I learned to apply for jobs, I started my company, met my wife and made lifelong friendships. I always tell people: ‘FSU attracts some of the smartest and most talented people who also know how to have a good time.’ That combination created an environment where I felt inspired, supported and challenged to dream bigger.”

– Luis E. Blanco

Blanco has focused primarily on infusion monitoring systems, leading the development of machine learning algorithms to detect insulin delivery failures and conducting preclinical studies and designing sensor-driven research tools.

“Receiving the NSF GRFP is truly life-changing, for me and my family,” Blanco said. “The fellowship has given me clarity, confidence, and financial support to fully commit to this next chapter of my life. At Diatech, we’ve maintained a strong focus on research and have published several articles over the years, and pursuing a doctoral degree will help formalize and mature the skills I’ve developed there.

Blanco will begin a doctorate in mechanical engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) under the supervision of Mechanical Engineering Professor Sumita Pennathur. He seeks to build on his experience by diving deeper into emerging fields like nanotechnology, AI and optics.

“This award brings rare flexibility. I can be more intentional in designing a project that’s both technically ambitious and personally meaningful while building impactful collaborations across UCSB,” he said.

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