Helping Parents Navigate Technology with Young Children through the Chicago Parent Program

June 27, 2026 - 01:29

Group leaders with the Chicago Parent Program have long understood that managing a young child's relationship with technology is not a new struggle. For decades, parents have been figuring out how to handle screen time, video games, and the constant pull of electronics. But the pace of change has accelerated. With social media platforms reaching younger users and artificial intelligence tools becoming part of everyday life, more parents are bringing these concerns to their CPP sessions.

They want practical advice. They want to know how much screen time is too much, how to talk to a five-year-old about what they see online, and how to set limits without starting a daily battle. The research on how all this technology affects developing brains is still evolving, and there are no simple answers. Still, the CPP now has access to more resources than ever before. Group leaders can share concrete strategies for setting boundaries, choosing age-appropriate content, and modeling healthy habits. The goal is not to scare parents away from technology, but to help them feel confident navigating this shifting landscape with their children.