DALLAS (KDAF) — School’s out, screens are on—and for many kids, that means hours more online. It’s a digital phenomenon experts are calling Screen Surge, and with increased screen time comes increased risk.
Enter Aura, a company dedicated to helping families stay safe in today’s hyper-connected world. As kids dive into video games, social media, and streaming marathons, it’s more important than ever for parents to understand the hidden dangers—and how to address them early.
“Screen time is just the beginning,” tech safety expert Kristin Lewis said. “The real threats are what’s happening on those screens and who might be reaching out from the other side.” That includes online predators, cyberbullying, sexting, and even emotional fallout like screen fatigue or digital burnout.
Where Parents Should Start
Experts recommend beginning with an open, judgment-free conversation. From there, set clear expectations and boundaries together—when screens are allowed, where they’re allowed, and for how long.
Signs of Digital Burnout
Not sure if it’s time for a screen break? Look for red flags like:
- Your child choosing screens over hobbies they used to love
- Becoming irritable or defensive when asked to get offline
- Giving up social, physical, or outdoor activities
“This can be an indication that it may be time to intervene,” Kristin warned.
Tools That Help
Aura’s platform offers tools that let parents set screen limits, monitor usage, and get insights into how digital habits may be affecting their kids’ mental health, sleep, and emotional wellbeing—all without spying or crossing boundaries.
Check out DigitalParenthood.com, a site packed with science-backed tips from clinical psychologists and real-life advice for raising connected kids in a digital world. Parents can also visit aura.com/online-balance to explore additional tools and resources.
