Reset Your Child’s Brain: A Four-Week Plan to End Melt-downs, Raise Grades, and Boost Social Skills by Reversing the Effects of Electronic Screen Time

Integrative psychiatrist Dunckley tackles the hot issue of the effects that electronic devices such as cellphones, computers, and e-readers are having on children’s brains. The effects, she believes, are profound, potentially dangerous, but also reversible. Dividing the book into three parts, she begins by outlining symptoms of and problems developing from Electronic Screen Syndrome (ESS). Parts two and three explain how to “reset” the brain with a three-week electronic fast, and then how to decide whether to reintroduce electronics. Dunckley includes plenty of case studies, which make for interesting reading. Justin’s teacher and dad thought he had ADHD; however, when he eliminated screen time, his symptoms gradually disappeared. A three-year-old girl’s tics—eye-blinking and throat-clearing—vanished when her parents took away her smartphone. Dunckley’s ideas for moderating screen time, such as mandating equal amounts of exercise time, should appeal to parents. Readers will also feel relieved to have such a helpful guide to teaching children that there is more to life than staring at a screen. Agent: Deirdre Mullane, Deirdre Literary. (Aug.)