399 | Signs a Child Has Too Much Screen Time: What It Looks Like in the CCPT Playroom

Episode summary

In this episode, I answer a question about recognizing signs of excessive and unrestricted technology use in children and how those patterns show up in the playroom. I discuss common indicators I've observed in CCPT, including difficulty engaging in imaginative play, replicating video games or screen content during sessions, low frustration tolerance, irritability, boredom with toys, emotional dysregulation, and struggles in school. I also explain how heavy screen exposure impacts the nervous system, dopamine response, and overall neurobiology of children, often leaving them emotionally overloaded and disconnected from natural play experiences.

I also explore how to address concerns about technology use with parents in a way that is compassionate, educational, and child-centered. Rather than approaching the conversation with judgment, I emphasize the importance of advocacy, helping parents understand what children may be accessing and how screen overuse can affect emotional and behavioral functioning. This episode is a reminder that technology use is not a minor side issue—it is increasingly central to understanding the children we work with and supporting families in creating healthier environments for growth and regulation.