Screens are like ice cream! We can’t expect our boys to exhibit perfect self-control around technology, just like we don’t always have perfect self-control around sweets. Therefore as parents, we have a responsibility to set healthy boundaries for them to guide their technology use. In this conversation, Dr Justin Coulson and Brad Marshall tackle the big topic of ‘gaming’ and screen usage for boys.

Timestamps

• 00:18 Dr Justin introduces Brad Marshall
• 02:46 Defining internet addiction and gaming disorder
• 08:27 When should a parent be worried about screen use?
• 11:06 The main reason boys are drawn into games
• 19:25 The parent struggle
• 21:45 What can parents do?
• 26:05 Using a collaborative approach
• 32:02 How much screen time?
• 38:03 Good content vs bad content
• 42:12 Scenarios from other parents 
• 44:14  Scenario 1 | Gaming and online gambling
• 47:09  Scenario 2 | Rules not changing their habits
• 50:54 Scenario 3 | “They need technology for homework”
• 57:07  Scenario 4 | Can we expect our boys to self-regulate?
• 59:48 Key principles 

Brad Marshall

The Unplugged Psychologist ~ Psychologist and Director of the Internet Addiction Clinic @ Kidspace

I’m Brad Marshall, The Unplugged Psychologist. I’m the Director of the Internet Addiction Clinic @ Kidspace where I have helped hundreds of families struggling with internet, screen and gaming addiction. I provide parents with practical and concrete strategies to manage and maintain their children’s technology diet.

Born and raised in Australia, I have been working with children, adolescents and families since 2006. After completing my undergraduate studies at Macquarie University, I accepted a position in the U.S.A. treating children and adolescents experiencing extreme behavioural difficulties. I then returned to Australia to complete my Masters qualification at the University of Sydney, and more recently a Masters of Research and as a PhD Candidate at Macquarie University studying treatment pathways for children suffering from Internet Gaming Disorder. 

I specialise in treatment of young people experiencing excessive internet use or ‘Internet Addiction’; and related disorders. In my clinic, I routinely help families find a balance between healthy screen time and problematic overuse. 

My parenting book, ‘The Tech Diet for your Child & Teen; The 7 step plan to regain your kid’s childhood (and your Family’s Sanity)’ has now been published worldwide, by HarperCollins. ‘The Tech Diet for your Child & Teen’ provides real-life strategies that any parent can implement to create a healthy balance and put your kids’ development first. Based on solid psychological research explaining why screen addiction is so powerful, my jargon-free advice gives a clear plan for parents who have had enough and are serious about changing the way their kids use and interact with technology.

I am an accomplished and well respected presenter and invited guest speaker, providing professional development to teachers and health professionals, and running seminars for parents, school students and teachers. I also run seminars and workshops in the corporate space, presenting and speaking to staff about the benefits of healthy internet use at home and in the family, and to be productive and balanced when at work. For more information on this or to book a presentation, please get in touch, 

I have been interviewed for my opinion on a scope of mental health issues across the media; including providing consultation for Channel 7’s Sunday Night Program, Channel 9’s The Today Show, and Channel 9’s A Current Affair. I have also been quoted in and interviewed for a multitude of news and newspaper articles. I am an active member of Network for Internet Investigation and Research Australian.

Resources

• The Unplugged Psychologist
• Parenting Video Series
• The Tech Diet for Your Child & Teen | Brad Marshall

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