The other day, I sat next to my daughter Pearl while she watched videos on my iPhone.

Perhaps “watched” isn’t the right word. She was transfixed. That little screen held her attention so completely that it was as if the outside world ceased to exist.

As I observed her, I couldn’t help pondering how much digital content our children are exposed to each day. Thanks to social media, video games, streaming sites (both legitimate and illegitimate, I might add), and on-demand video, our children are bombarded with online content in nearly every situation.

Technology certainly has pros and cons for all children, but it can be a complicated presence for children with complex challenges like ADHD and autism.

On one hand, many online apps and games offer these children unique opportunities to engage in cooperative play that they might not otherwise get. Sometimes, these online experiences can even help dysregulated children calm down.

However, screen time cuts both ways.

Kids with ADHD and learning difficulties may have trouble managing screen time and making good decisions about technology. According to two studies performed by University of Missouri psychologist Dr. Micah Mazurek, children with autism were observed to not only receive more screen time, but also have a greater propensity toward becoming addicted to video games.

So what can we do as parents in this increasingly high-tech age?

Recently, I discovered a wonderful resource called Common Sense Media.

Common Sense Media provides guidance for parents in our rapidly changing digital world — recognizing that the media content our children consume and create has a profound impact on their social, emotional, cognitive and physical development.

The comprehensive site contains sections for parents, educators and advocates, sharing relevant content, research and curated media coverage regarding digital technology and its effect on children and families.

Learning to use technology is an essential skill for our kids in today’s culture. As parents, we can help them navigate the online world in a positive way.

Using Common Sense Media, parents and educators can research various aspects of digital content to which our children might be exposed. Core elements of the site include:

• Reviews: age recommendations and parental feedback for movies, TV shows, games and more.
• Top Picks: age-appropriate ideas for your kids’ interests, from websites to apps to shows
• Family Guides: recommendations for various media options based on age
• Parent Concerns: your top questions about technology answered
• Videos: quick video reviews of movies playing in theaters and available on DVD
• News and Advice: short articles addressing parental concerns and issues families face in the digital world today

For families who have children with complex challenges, Common Sense Media even offers a guide for those with learning differences and special needs, with topics running the gamut of academic subjects and skills.

The site rounds up a great list of recommended apps for children with autism or learning difficulties. And they have lists of video games that help children with special needs boost self-regulation, gain reading and writing skills, or even practice social interaction.

I highly encourage all parents of children to explore this vast and wonderful resource!

How does your family navigate the online world together? I’d love to hear in the comments below, or join the conversation on Facebook.