Balancing Screen Time for Healthier Family Connections

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by Tiana Lopez | UAB Community Health and Human Services Program (Student)

Photo by Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels.com

In many homes across the Southeast, families may spend evenings under the same roof yet feel worlds apart, each absorbed in their own screens. Phones, tablets, and televisions can provide entertainment and even educational opportunities, but when they begin to replace conversations and shared activities, the impact on parent–child relationships can be concerning.

Studies show that when parents spend too much time on their phones during family activities, they become less emotionally responsive to their children. This lack of responsiveness can leave children feeling overlooked or unimportant and over time may weaken trust and closeness (American Psychological Association, 2025). A recent review also found a two-way relationship between screen use and children’s well-being. Excessive screen time can contribute to emotional and behavioral difficulties, while children who already struggle emotionally are more likely to use screens as a way to cope (Ebert, 2025).

The Southeast is known for its close-knit communities and strong family values, but heavy screen use has the potential to interfere with these traditions of connection. When children feel like devices are competing with them for their parents’ attention, it affects their sense of security and belonging. These feelings can spill into other areas of life, influencing school motivation, friendships, and emotional health.

Fortunately, technology does not need to divide families. The key is balance. Parents can model healthy habits by creating intentional device-free times. Eating meals together without screens or planning one evening each week for family activities such as games, outdoor walks, or simple conversation can reinforce that family time matters. These small steps help children feel valued and show that relationships are a priority.

Parents sometimes worry that children will resist screen limits or that routines will be disrupted. However, research shows that when changes are explained with warmth and consistency, children adapt more quickly than expected. Framing these new routines as fun opportunities for connection rather than as restrictions makes children more willing to participate (Nagata et al., 2024).

Screens are a permanent part of modern life, but they do not have to dominate relationships. By setting aside moments for genuine connection, parents can strengthen bonds, improve communication, and reassure their children that they are more important than any device.

As a parent, how do you ensuring engaging with your children and managing your screen time? As a child, how do you unplug and ensure that you are not spending too much time on screen? Please share your comments below and engage with the article at the Wilkinson Wellness Lab on Facebook.

References:

Screen time and emotional problems in kids: A vicious circle? (2025, June 9). https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2025/06/screen-time-problems-children?utm_source=

Morgan Ebert, Managing Editor. (2025, June 13). Study links screen time to socioemotional problems in children, with bidirectional effects. Contemporary Pediatrics.
https://www.contemporarypediatrics.com/view/study-links-screen-time-to-socioemotional-problems-in-children-with-bidirectional-effects?utm_source=

Nagata, J. M., Paul, A., Yen, F., Smith-Russack, Z., Shao, I. Y., Al-Shoaibi, A. a. A., Ganson, K. T., Testa, A., Kiss, O., He, J., & Baker, F. C. (2024). Associations between media parenting practices and early adolescent screen use. Pediatric Research. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-024-03243-y

Schools as Pillars for Healthy Families in Violent Urban Areas: Spotlight on Alabama

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Urban violence and child maltreatment are pressing concerns in Alabama. In 2021, the state investigated 26,116 reports of child abuse or neglect, underscoring widespread exposure to trauma (Associated Press, 2024).

Magnitude of the Problem

Nationally, about 60% of children are exposed to violence each year, and nearly 40% endure two or more violent acts (Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention [OJJDP], 2009). In Alabama, child abuse and neglect rank as the state’s ninth leading health indicator (Alabama Department of Public Health [ADPH], 2020). Reports of maltreatment rose from 8,466 in 2015 to 12,158 in 2018, reflecting a concerning upward trend (ADPH, 2024).

How Violence Impacts Alabama Families

Children exposed to violence are at increased risk of anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, and poor academic performance (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2024a). In Alabama, repeated exposure to maltreatment contributes to cycles of trauma that strain family health and community well-being (Associated Press, 2024).

How Schools Can Lead Change

1. Create Safe, Trauma-Informed Environments

Schools provide stability through predictable routines, supportive staff, and safe spaces—protective factors that buffer children from the adverse effects of violence (CDC, 2024a).

2. Expand Access to Mental Health and Family Support

Nearly 1 in 5 children exposed to violence show symptoms of PTSD (OJJDP, 2009). Schools can expand access to counselors and social workers, host workshops on coping strategies, and connect caregivers with trauma-informed parenting resources.

3. Strengthen School-Family Partnerships

Parent engagement nights and awareness campaigns help families recognize and respond to signs of child maltreatment (Associated Press, 2024).

4. Build Local and Justice Partnerships

The DOJ highlights that preventing youth violence requires collaboration among schools, law enforcement, and community organizations (OJJDP, 2009). Alabama schools can partner with child protective services and community centers to provide wraparound support.

Conclusion

With rising child maltreatment reports and community violence risks, Alabama schools serve as anchors of hope. By creating safe spaces, expanding services, and working alongside families and justice partners, schools can lead families toward resilience—even in violent urban neighborhoods.

References

Alabama Department of Public Health. (2020). State health assessment: Health indicator 9—Child abuse and neglect. https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/healthrankings/assets/2020_sha_health_indicator_9.pdf

Alabama Department of Public Health. (2024). Child abuse and neglect. https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/healthrankings/child-abuse-and-neglect.html

Associated Press. (2024, April 16). Alabama investigated 26,116 reports of child abuse or neglect in 2021. AP News. https://apnews.com/article/ebdd321ec237298c9972b042e55ff303

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024a). About community violence. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/community-violence/about/index.html

Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. (2009). Children’s exposure to violence: A comprehensive national survey. U.S. Department of Justice. https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/program/programs/cev

Healthy habits while enjoying fun in the sun

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By Haleigh Horton | UAB Community Health & Human Services Program Student

Photo by Kindel Media on Pexels.com

As we approach spring and then move into the summer, it is important to begin considering again our exposure to the sun. Did you know that the beautiful rays that we get from sunlight may also pose a risk to yours and your child’s skin? Focusing on children, it is important to learn how sunshine can affect your child’s skin and learn simple steps to protect them. From wearing protective clothing to using sunscreen, these practices can safeguard your family from harm and promote a healthier sunshine habits. Specific to southern United States, where the sun’s warmth is abundant, it’s vital to be aware of the potential risks posed to children’s delicate skin from harmful UV exposure. Extended sun exposure can lead to various health issues, particularly for children with sensitive skin. The risks go beyond sunburn, encompassing long-term consequences such as premature aging and an increased risk of skin cancer.

To protect children, proactive measures like wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours are important. Embracing sun protection practices ensures the enjoyment of the outdoors while minimizing potential harm to young skin, promoting a healthier future for our little ones. To turn these practices into habits, it is important to incorporate sun protection measures into your daily routine. Wearing protective clothing and adding sunscreen through daily when applying lotion not only reduce the risk of skin cancer, including severe forms like melanoma, but also prevent sunburn, signaling skin damage. Additionally, embracing sun protection promotes
overall skin health by maintaining moisture, preventing dryness, and minimizing premature aging. Sun protection is regarded has not only a benefit to ones long term health, but also is recognized as a part of one self-care regimen. Thusly, wearing wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves, becomes a proactive measure against harmful UV rays. Applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (i.e., 30 SPF or higher) before outdoor activities (i.e., including school or extracurricular activities) offers an additional layer of defense. Seeking shade during peak sunlight hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., becomes a strategic choice to minimize direct sun exposure.

As parents in the South, protecting our children from sun exposure is vital. During spring and summer months, let’s remember to cover up, use the right sunscreen, and be
mindful of peak sunlight hours. Understanding the risks of skin cancer and premature aging highlights the importance of consistent sun protection. By prioritizing sun safety, we contribute to our children’s long-term wellbeing, shaping a healthier future. Let’s champion our kids health together, ensuring our children thrive while under the sun and foster a culture of skin health awareness. For more information about, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website on sun safety here. Do you have additional sun safe tips to share? If so, please share in the comments section here and/or share on a Facebook page @WilkinsonWellnessLab.

References

American Academy of Dermatology Association (n.d.). Sunscreen FAQs. https://www.aad.org/media/stats-sunscreen

Raymond-Lezman, J. R., & Riskin, S. (2023). Attitudes, Behaviors, and Risks of Sun Protection to Prevent Skin Cancer Amongst Children, Adolescents, and Adults. Cureus, 15(2), e34934. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.34934

Salvado, M., Fraga, A., Marques, D. L., Pires, I. M., Gonçalves, C. C., & Silva, N. M. (2021).
Sun Exposure in Pediatric Age: Perspective of Caregivers. Children (Basel, Switzerland),
8(11), 1019. https://doi.org/10.3390/children8111019

SickKids staff. (2024). What’s the best way to protect kids’ skin from sunburn?
HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/whats-the-best-way-toprotect-kids-skin-from-sunburn.aspx

City of Birmingham and Birmingham City Schools working to improve child reading ability

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Angela Wilson | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com

Page pals is a reading initiative created in a partnership between the City of Birmingham and Birmingham City Schools (BCS) with the purpose of improving student’s reading ability, specifically third graders. This initiative is in response to the Alabama Literacy Act, a law that when fully implemented, will prevent a third grade student who is not reading on grade level from moving up to the fourth grade, essentially being “held back” in third grade. Although parents and students will have the ability to go through a remediation process to improve student reading ability, the law is of great concern as only 56% of 3rd grade students in Birmingham City Schools are effectively achieving grade level reading as measured by the 2021 State of Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP).

The City of Birmingham is supporting BCS on-going efforts to improve student reading ability by asking members from the local community, non-profit groups, and corporations to volunteer some of their time to read with the BCS students. Reading to children improves their opportunity to hear others read outside of their normal classroom setting. These efforts have proven to be very beneficial to the students and may boost their interest and proficiency in reading.

Are you interested in volunteering? Page Pals volunteers will go into one of the BCS elementary schools during the students’ library times, spending about thirty minutes of reading time with the students. Volunteers may choose from a list of schools, dates, and times that work best with their schedule. During their selected time, volunteers will read a book to the students that follows a curriculum created by BCS to help them build the background knowledge in science and social studies and to better prepare them for their standardized testing that occurs in April. Volunteers are encouraged to engage with the students by asking them questions periodically, reiterating comprehension and understanding about the book being read, and help grow their love for reading; thereby making a strong connection impact so that they perform better on their Alabama Comprehensive Assessment.

Our local children need our help to ensure their future remains bright, so let’s help to light their path to a brighter future. Sign up to become a Page Pal volunteer. It is easy and free! Simply visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/springpagepals#/ and select your school choice, date and time. Now you’re all set!  If you ‘d like more information about the Page Pals program, you can follow this link at https://www.bhamyouthfirst.org/page-pals/.

Acknowledgement: PHAME-US.com would like to thank you to Mr. Marquise Hollingsworth for your time in support of this blogpost.