local
High tech kids can code, but can they protect their mental health & limit screen time?
By Hillary Floren at KVIA ABC-7
· July 9, 2026
· 2 min read
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Today's teens can code, 3D print, program robots and more. When adults come along, wanting to limit their exposure to this screentime and this newly-discovered tech world, frustrations arise for both sides.
“It’s really about playing around with technology and differe...
Key takeaway The nonprofit Common Sense Media surveyed a group of teens from 2015 to 2021 between 13 and 18 years old, and found they averaged 8 hours and 39 minutes of screen time per day.
Why this matters in The El Paso
As El Paso 's youth become increasingly adept at coding, 3D printing, and programming robots, the community must consider the broader implications of excessive screen time on their mental and physical health. With local teens likely mirroring the national average of nearly 9 hours of daily screen time, parents and educators in El Paso should prioritize open conversations about technology use. By engaging with their children about the games and platforms they use, parents can help them develop critical thinking skills and a healthier relationship with technology. This is particularly important in a city where expertise in technology can lead to lucrative job opportunities in fields like aerospace engineering, a significant sector in the El Paso area. As summer break provides ample opportunity for screen time to escalate, El Paso families can take this chance to establish limits and foster a balance between technological proficiency and overall well-being.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Today's teens can code, 3D print, program robots and more. When adults come along, wanting to limit their exposure to this screentime and this newly-discovered tech world, frustrations arise for both sides.
“It’s really about playing around with technology and differe...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Hillary Floren at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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