Limit Kids' Social Media, Expert Tells Parents

Parents gathered Thursday evening at St. Mary's School in Aliso Viejo to learn tips for managing their kids' online, media-saturated lives.

James Steyer, the author of Talking Back to Facebook, was the speaker. "Parents are the first line of defense when it comes to technology and media," he said.

Among his suggestions:

• Set firm time limits: Minimal or no online time for kids under age 2 and an average of two hours a day for older kids
• Unplug: Take personal technology timeouts
• Do your homework: Choose age-appropriate material for all platforms

In his book, Steyer says social media and cellphones have transformed the lives of young people in dramatic and surprising fashion.

The event was sponsored by St. Mary's School as part of its speaker series.