Megan Moreno, a pediatrician who studies technology and adolescent health, argues that the greatest danger to children’s human connection may be families’ failure to discuss technology openly, rather than artificial intelligence itself. Her comments come as parents confront smartphones, social media, gaming and AI while facing pressure to find a single correct way to manage them.
Moreno said arguments often begin when parents demand a precise accounting of a child’s screen time. That approach can make teenagers defensive and leave parents frustrated. She instead recommends asking what young people do online, what they enjoy, and whether any part of their digital life worries them.
Those conversations can reveal varied experiences. Teenagers may use social media to maintain friendships after moving, create videos for school activities or explore digital design. Others may acknowledge that gaming has become stressful or difficult to control. Moreno said that shifting from accusation to curiosity can ease tension and open broader discussions about health, relationships and daily life.
At a community event, Moreno asked a youth panel whether its members had experienced a positive conversation with a parent about technology. None raised a hand. She said many families routinely discuss school, sports and friendships supportively, yet approach technology mainly through warnings, criticism or fear.
Moreno’s guidance is part of a new book she co-wrote with pediatrician Jenny Radesky. The book presents technology use through relationships, health and well-being, covering devices, social media, video games and AI while acknowledging that digital tools can cause harm and also provide social support or enjoyment. Moreno’s university says the authors’ guidance includes sleep, mental health, physical activity, digital literacy and parents’ own media habits.
She advises parents to admit their own mistakes, learn about the platforms and games their children use, and adjust expectations as children mature. She also suggests connecting online interests with offline activities and discussing how digital platforms are designed to capture attention. The broader questions, she said, concern how technology should be designed, what responsibilities companies have toward children and which policies could support safer digital environments.