Child Development & Parenting State Specialist
Human Development & Relationships Institute
Hometown: Kewaskum, WI
Dr. Roxy Etta is a Child Development and Parenting State Specialist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension, connecting research to real-world programs that support Wisconsin families and the professionals who serve them. She leads community-based education and continuing education initiatives focused on child development, parenting, family relationships, and the impact of digital media on children and families. Dr. Etta consults with schools, families, and community organizations, translating research into practical strategies to prevent problematic media use and promote positive mental health and healthy development. She has been featured on Good Morning America as an expert on parenting and children’s media use. Dr. Etta earned her PhD in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School of Human Ecology in 2023 and has been recognized as a Millennium Scholar by the Society for Research on Child Development (2017) and an Edward A. Bouchet Honor Scholar by UW-Madison and Yale University (2019).
Talks:
Raising Kids in a Tech-Filled World
Young children now spend nearly 2.5 hours a day on screens, and early media habits can influence their development. This talk gives parents, caregivers, and educators practical strategies to guide media use, support healthy development, and prevent problematic habits before they start.
Media & The Mental Health Crisis
Nearly half of teens are online “almost constantly,” and smartphones and social media are driving today’s youth mental health crisis. This presentation offers prevention strategies for problematic media use and practical, research-informed tools for families, schools, and communities to support emotional well-being starting in the early years.
Healthy Screen Use in Our Communities
Digital media norms are shaped by families, schools, and community organizations. This session highlights collaborative approaches to promote balanced media use, strengthen social and emotional support, and create environments that encourage positive development in children and teens.