Dunkley's "Reset your child’s brain: A four-week plan to end meltdowns, raise grades, and boost social skills by reversing the effects of electronic screen-time" (Book Review)

Abstract

Several months ago, a colleague I barely knew pulled me aside as I passed by her in the hallway at work. "Can I talk to you?" she whispered urgently. Without waiting for an answer, she launched into the litany of problems she was having with her eight-year-old son, Ryan. Over the past year, Ryan had become increasingly depressed, irritable, and isolated. Meltdowns and tears over seemingly minor incidents had become a daily occurrence. He was spending less time with his friends, preferring to remain alone in his room for hours, playing games on his cell phone. He was failing nearly every subject in school, and his teachers felt frustrated with his distractibility and lack of organization. Ryan had been evaluated and treated by two child psychiatrists and three therapists over a six-month period. He was first given a diagnosis of attention deficit disorder, then high-functioning autism, and finally bipolar disorder. He was on his fourth medication trial, but his mother felt each regimen only made him worse. "I don't know what to do at this point," she said, frowning. "I feel like something's being missed. I wanted your opinion about all this medication." Sidestepping the medication question, I explained to her that I see children with Ryan's "problem" every day, and I gave her some background on how electronic screen devices irritate the brain and overstimulate the nervous system, especially in children. And I advised her to try a seemingly radical-yet simple-plan before considering any more changes: to remove all video games, handheld electronic devices, computers, and cell phones from Ryan's possession for three weeks-in essence, to put Ryan on an "electronic fast." As we talked further, the explanation began to make sense to her, especially when it occurred to her that Ryan had received his first cell phone-a "smart" one at that-the year before, shortly before the onset of his troubles. Desperate for some improvement, my colleague immediately took action and stuck to the plan I outlined. Four weeks later, she sought me out and excitedly reported that Ryan was doing "much, MUCH better." Her face, body, and even her speech seemed more relaxed. She was inspired enough to continue the "electronic abstinence," and six months later, Ryan would be weaned off all medication. His grades had improved, and he was playing outside with his friends again. "He's back to himself," she told me proudly.