How to Make Screen Rules Feel Fair Between Siblings

– with Kaitlin Tiches

Which parental mediation strategy does research say works best—and why?

I sit down with Kaitlin Tiches, a research librarian at Boston Children’s Hospital and the Digital Wellness Lab, who translates the latest media research into practical guidance for families. Kaitlin unpacks parental mediation strategies—from active conversations to co-viewing and boundary-setting—and tackles real challenges like sibling fairness and bedroom device rules. “Our number one suggested rule is screens outside of the bedroom,” she emphasizes. This episode delivers research-backed approaches parents can implement immediately, including autonomy-supportive mediation and why young people themselves are demanding better digital literacy education.

How to Make Screen Rules Feel Fair Between Siblings | Kaitlin Tiches

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Show Notes

 

Which parental mediation strategy does research say works best—and why?

I sit down with Kaitlin Tiches, a research librarian at Boston Children’s Hospital and the Digital Wellness Lab, who translates the latest media research into practical guidance for families. Kaitlin unpacks parental mediation strategies—from active conversations to co-viewing and boundary-setting—and tackles real challenges like sibling fairness and bedroom device rules. “Our number one suggested rule is screens outside of the bedroom,” she emphasizes. This episode delivers research-backed approaches parents can implement immediately, including autonomy-supportive mediation and why young people themselves are demanding better digital literacy education.

 

In This Episode: 

  • (00:00) What a research librarian does to help parents navigate contradictory media studies
  • (05:22) Understanding parental mediation and the three research-backed approaches
  • (08:41) Handling different-age siblings when screen rules feel unfair
  • (13:53) Why bedroom device bans matter and how to explain the rule to kids
  • (20:38) What parents need to know about kids using AI tools
  • (29:26) The one change every family should make this week
  • (31:03) Why young people are demanding a seat at the digital wellness table
  • Share with someone who would benefit, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes!

Resources:

Digital Wellness Lab Website
 https://digitalwellnesslab.org
 Main hub for accessing all research, guides, and resources mentioned in the episode.

Kaitlin Tiches on LinkedIn
 https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlin-tiches/
 Connect with Kaitlin directly and follow her work.

Family Digital Wellness Guide
 https://digitalwellnesslab.org/family-digital-wellness-guide/
 Comprehensive guide separated by developmental stage with parenting practices, trends, and age-appropriate strategies.

Family Guides Collection
 https://digitalwellnesslab.org/family-guides/
 Additional topic-specific guides for families navigating digital wellness challenges.

Pixel Parenting Digital Resources: https://pixelparenting.org/digital-education-resources/
Pixel Parenting Podcast: https://pixelparenting.org/podcast/
Pixel Parenting Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553247026258
Pixel Parenting IG: https://www.instagram.com/pixelparentingtips/

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Pixel Parenting is your bi-weekly guide to raising tech-savvy, balanced kids. Hosted by Patricia Cangas, a mum and a seasoned expert in digital literacy and educational technology, this podcast aims to empower parents to guide their kids’ tech use confidently and thoughtfully.

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