The Science of Media Use and the Teenage Brain with Dr. Douglas Gentile (#23)

Dr. Douglas Gentile is an award-winning research scientist, educator, author, and is professor of developmental psychology at Iowa State University. In this episode, he and Melanie discuss the science that supports the addictive quality of video games and the resistance of parents to believe the evidence supporting the conclusion to the question, "Are video games addictive?"  He hints as to what is coming in the near future in regards to the diagnosis of issues related to screen use and the creation of screening tools to identify when overuse becomes a problem. Dr. Gentile concludes that video games don't allow kids to build the skills they need in the real world and cautions parents, "Don't feed the bears!" He encourages setting limits and creating balance in your family despite the resistance kids may present. "It's worth having the fight...trust that parenting matters."