Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers Podcast (Delaney Ruston, MD)
Explore every episode of Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers Podcast
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
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| 30 Jul 2020 | How Influencers Make All Their Money, And Why It’s Important | 00:16:54 | |
It is a brand new world where regular people of all ages can become stars on the internet overnight. But how do young influencers become brand marketers? Is it different for female and male influencers? Kids and teens feel connected and trust YouTubers they follow, but are they aware they are being marketed to? And how is this type of marketing affecting our kids' self-esteem? Today’s episode of The Screenagers Podcast features a talent manager for influencers who gives a behind-the-scenes look at these questions, along with teens who share their personal experiences. | |||
| 27 May 2024 | How Media Is Fueling A Risky Sexual Practice Among Teens | 00:26:28 | |
In today’s episode, Dr. Delaney Ruston talks with author Peggy Orenstein about a media-fueled risky sexual practice that is happening among some teens today — choking, also called sexual strangulation. Orenstein, who has spent many years researching sexuality among youth for her books “Girls and Sex” and “Boys and Sex,” investigated the topic of sexual choking for a New York Times article that was published last month. Today, Orenstein shares some of her findings from that investigation, including the influence of pornography and other media on this new trend. What are the psychological and physical risks of this practice? And what are ways to have productive conversations with young people on this and related topics? This episode also includes a 19-year-old discussing her concerns about sexual choking. This episode is intended for adult audiences. Featured Expert Research References The Troubling Trend in Teen Sex -New York Times Article by Peggy Orenstein What is rough sex, who does it, and who likes it? Findings from a probability sample of US undergraduate students (Archives of Sexual Behavior) Additional Links Yes Your Kid: What Parents Need to Know about Today’s Teens and Sex, by Debby Herbenick Sex, Teens, and Everything in Between, by Shafia Zaloum Want Me by Tracy, by Clark Flory Girls and Sex, by Peggy Orenstein Boys and Sex, by Peggy Orenstein Time Code 00:00 Introduction to the Screenagers Podcast 00:17 The Shocking Reality of Choking in Sexual Encounters Among Youth 01:18 Mainstream Media's Role in Normalizing BDSM and Choking 02:02 Insightful Conversation with Peggy Ornstein on Sexual Strangulation 05:42 The Alarming Data on Choking Among College Students 07:42 The Influence of Media and Social Media on Sexual Behavior 13:24 Addressing the Risks and How to Talk About Them 20:56 Empowering Youth to Speak Out and Advocate for Safety 24:12 Concluding Thoughts and Resources for Challenging Conversations | |||
| 05 Feb 2024 | How to Address the Hardest Screen Time Parenting Dilemmas | 00:26:37 | |
In this episode, Dr. Ruston tackles some of the thorniest screen time parenting issues with social worker Charlie Appelstein. Appelstein is the author of the popular book No Such Thing As A Bad Child. Using the framework of strength-based parenting, they explore strategies to help when youth break screen time rules and lie. They talk about creating fair consequences and what to do when teens are overly dismissive and mean to their parents. With over 40 years of working with youth and parents, Appelstein has a wealth of effective interventions at his fingertips.
Featured Expert
Time code of the episode00:04 Introduction 01:15 Understanding Strength-Based Parenting 02:14 Applying Strength-Based Parenting in Real-Life Scenarios 02:38 Addressing the Issue of Chores and Screen Time 05:10 The Power of Positive Reinforcement 06:12 Dealing with Adolescent Anger and Separation 09:03 Setting Boundaries and Consequences 21:21 Understanding and Addressing Lying 25:57 Conclusion: The Power of Reframing and Strength-Based Parenting
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| 25 Jan 2021 | Violence In Video Games And Shows, Why Should We Care? | 00:18:31 | |
Everyone knows that many young people play video games based on violent themes, and that shows have far more violence than when adults were kids. When COVID hit, many parents started to allow their kids to play games that they wouldn't have before COVID just because it has been such a source of connection and whatnot. In today’s episode of The Screenagers Podcast, Dr. Delaney Ruston wants to understand what are the ways that this violence impacts our youth. We hear from one of Dr. Ruston’s favorite researchers in this area, Douglas Gentile, Ph.D., a child psychologist who has been doing groundbreaking research in this field for over 25 years. | |||
| 21 Dec 2021 | One Girl's Experience With Online Gaming And Strangers | 00:17:10 | |
In today’s episode of The Screenagers Podcast, Dr. Delaney Ruston talks with an 11-year-old girl, Mira, regarding what she likes about the popular gaming platform Roblox and the video game Minecraft. Mira also shares experiences she’s had with strangers while gaming. Mira discusses specific encounters and how she has handled such situations. Mira’s mom joins for part of the episode. If you have kids who do online gaming, listening to this episode with them can help spark important conversations. | |||
| 01 Apr 2024 | Acing Screen Time Conflicts with Lisa Damour | 00:40:40 | |
Parenting kids has always had challenges, but now, in the tech revolution, conflicts are at a new level. The good news is that research shows that conflicts done well have all sorts of benefits for youth. But how do we ensure healthier conflicts? On today’s episode, Dr. Ruston talks with Lisa Damour, Ph.D. psychologist and author of three New York Times best-selling books about adolescents, including “The Emotional Lives of Teenagers.” The episode explores teen psychology, common screen time arguments, and several approaches to having healthier conflicts. The episode is intended for adult and youth audiences. Featured ExpertLisa DamourResearch ReferencesThe role of music in adolescents' mood regulation (Sage Journal)Extreme Metal Music and Anger Processing (Frontiers in Human Neuroscience)The appeal of sad music: A brief overview of current directions in research on motivations for listening to sad music (The Arts in Psychotherapy)Additional LinksBooks by Lisa Damour: The Emotional Lives Of Teenagers
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| 29 Apr 2024 | Mean Behind The Screens | 00:27:06 | |
Sometimes, gaming is not all fun and games. Foul words and degrading comments are all too common when kids and teens play video games together. From first-person shooter games like Call of Duty to building games like Minecraft and Roblox, competitive banter can be ugly. In this episode, Dr Ruston talks with Dr. Kishonna Gray, assistant professor of digital studies at the University of Kentucky, who researches various human dynamics that occur during video gaming. Dr. Gray works with parents and youth on how to manage the hard parts of gaming culture and shares many insights and solutions on today’s show. A teen gamer adds thoughts as well. The episode is intended for adult and youth audiences.
EPISODE NOTESFeatured Expert | |||
| 08 Jul 2024 | From Junk Food to Social Media: How Teens Get Manipulated | 00:22:48 | |
How do we get our kids to make healthier choices when it comes to resisting junk food, smoking, or social media? In today’s podcast episode, Dr. Ruston talks with David Yeager, a leading researcher in the science of youth behavior change, motivation, and the power of mindsets, which are essentially our beliefs. Yeager studies show what happens when youth — who don’t like to be manipulated — are taught about companies’ manipulative tactics. This episode also features segments from our movie, Screenagers Under the Influence, which address the impacts of deceptive marketing by e-cigarette companies like Juul. This episode is intended for adult and youth audiences. Featured Expert
Research References Harnessing adolescent values to reduce unhealthy Snacking (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America) Values-Alignment Messaging Boosts Adolescents' Motivation to Control Social Media Use (Child Development)
Additional links Book: "10 to 25, The Science of Motivating Young People," by David S. Yaeger Stanford Research into the Impact of Tobacco Advertising Movie: Screenagers Under The Influence The Influence of the National truth® Campaign on Smoking Initiation
Time code 00:00 Introduction to Screenagers Podcast 00:36 The Art and Science of Communicating with Teens 01:22 Interview with Researcher David Yeager 02:26 Screenagers Under the Influence: Vaping and Juul 06:44 The Junk Food Industry's Manipulative Tactics 19:04 Impact of Anti-Smoking Campaigns 21:56 Conclusion and Call to Action
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| 27 Jul 2021 | Two Moms, Two Experiments In Less Screen Time | 00:14:02 | |
In today’s episode of The Screenagers Podcast, Dr. Delaney Ruston talks with two mothers who have been working to have specific family times with less screen interference. First is a mom of four and her experience of doing screen-free family Sundays. Learn about the upsides and the challenges. The other is a mom in Alaska who has prioritized reading with her kids and how they keep screens at bay during this sacred time. This episode can be a good launching point for experimenting with new screen-free times in your home. | |||
| 15 Apr 2025 | Tradwives, the Manosphere, and Online Sexism: What Can Parents Do? | 00:32:01 | |
How can we help girls develop a sharp, critical perspective on gender inequality without dampening their ambitions? How do we guide boys to recognize how rigid gender roles harm them too? With the popular Netflix series Adolescence sparking intense discussions about gender attitudes and aggression, these questions are more pressing than ever. And how can we educate kids about the harmful effects of the "tradwife" trend spreading on social media? In this episode of Parenting in the Screen Age, host Dr. Delaney Ruston explores the psychological impacts of both online and offline sexism with Jo-Ann Finkelstein, PhD, clinical psychologist and author of Sexism and Sensibility. Their conversation uncovers the damaging gender messages young people receive through social media — and offers practical solutions. This episode is ideal for both adults and tweens.
Featured Expert
Books Sexism & Sensibility: Raising Empowered And Resilient Girls In The Modern World by Jo-Ann Finkelstein, PhD
Research References Social Media Use and Adolescent Mental Health: Findings From the UK Millennium Cohort Study (e Clinical Medicine) Adolescents’ Modern Media Use and Beliefs About Masculine Gender Roles and Norms (Journalism and Mass Communication Quarterly)
Additional Links Blog: The Feminist Parenty, Jo-Ann Finkelstein, PhD
Time Code 00:00 Introduction 00:34 Meet Dr. Jo-Ann Finkelstein 02:00 The Tradwife Phenomenon 04:39 Understanding Sexism and Its Impact 05:58 Raising Empowered Girls 09:14 Involving Boys in the Conversation 25:45 Navigating Social Media Influences 30:50 Conclusion and Resources
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| 21 Oct 2024 | The Sleep Crisis: Addressing Melatonin and Tech as Sleep Aids | 00:26:00 | |
In this episode of the Screenagers podcast, Dr. Delaney explores the alarming rise of sleep deprivation among teens starting in 2012, coinciding with the rise of screen time. Featuring clips from Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition and insights from experts Lauren Hale, PhD, and Judith Owens, MD, the episode delves into new brain science around kids and sleep deprivation and health risks linked to melatonin. Listeners are provided practical advice on how to promote healthy sleep habits, including preventing dependency to digital devices and melatonin.
00:00 Introduction to Screenagers Podcast 00:29 The Sleep Deprivation Epidemic 02:08 Scientific Insights on Sleep and Brain Health 03:47 Impact of Devices on Sleep 06:23 The Melatonin Debate 08:33 Melatonin Usage and Risks 12:49 Melatonin and Puberty 14:00 Concerns About Long-Term Melatonin Use in Children 14:43 Marketing Melatonin as a Natural Sleep Aid 15:36 The Dangers of Conditioning Kids to Need Sleep Aids 18:03 Parental Strategies for Managing Device Use 19:28 Real-Life Examples of Device Management 21:19 Encouraging Better Sleep Habits in Teens 23:14 Final Thoughts on Melatonin and Sleep Dependency 25:11 Conclusion and Podcast Information
Resources: Lauren Hale, Ph.D. Bio: https://publichealth.stonybrookmedicine.edu/faculty/LaurenHale Study #1 “Researchers followed nine and ten year olds, and at baseline, they collected data from the kids, from the parents, and analyzed brain skins. Then they followed up with them two years later. The kids, who were insufficient sleepers Compared to the kids who were sufficient sleepers, had changes in their brain development, especially in areas like the basal ganglia and the temporal lobe. And this corresponded with worse mental health outcomes, worse behavioral outcomes, and measurements of intelligence were lower. This is concerning that insufficient sleep among kids may have lasting consequences. Um, brain development, and possibly into adulthood.”
Study #2 “My team and I analyzed numerous studies in which we included youth age 6 to 17. And we showed that just having a mobile device, which includes a phone, a tablet, In the bedroom, even if they didn't use it, was associated with almost a two fold risk of insufficient sleep duration.”
Judy Owen, M.D. Bio: https://www.childrenshospital.org/directory/judith-owens Study #1 "Recent study... over 500 percent increase in accidental ingestions of melatonin... poison control center reports of a child accidentally taking melatonin."
Study #2 "...study that was published out of Canada a few years ago that looked at a wide range of preparations of melatonin that were labeled as being five milligrams. And they... analyzed, with a specific chemical test, how much melatonin these preparations actually contained. It ranged from zero milligrams to 20 milligrams. And in addition to that, about a quarter of the samples they tested had serotonin... Serotonin is what we call a precursor of melatonin. So serotonin is metabolized into melatonin."
Study #3 "We know that melatonin... has an effect on reproductive hormones... There may be some impact on pubertal development of melatonin. Melatonin in humans could potentially have two different effects. It could delay the onset or the beginning of puberty development because it has these suppressing effects on reproductive hormones, or alternatively, if you stop melatonin use in a prepubertal child... you could actually trigger them into early puberty... We have data in animal models that suggests that melatonin has these effects. We don't have that evidence yet in humans... One study looked very short term on the effects of melatonin in children with autism and measured their reproductive hormones as well as some other chemicals in the body and brain and did not find any effect in the short term, but again, the long term meaning of melatonin... years worth of use of melatonin." Boafo, A., Greenham, S., Alenezi, S., Robillard, R., Pajer, K., Tavakoli, P., & De Koninck, J. (2019). Could long-term administration of melatonin to prepubertal children affect timing of puberty? A clinician’s perspective. Nature and Science of Sleep, Volume 11, 1–10. | |||
| 13 Nov 2020 | Inoculating Youth With The Truth About Vaccines | 00:12:23 | |
False information about vaccines has been around before social media, but now it can spread that much faster. The results have been deadly. We all want safe and effective vaccines against COVID. In today' episode of The Screenagers Podcast, Dr. Delaney Ruston breaks down some of the false information around vaccines, explores amazing vaccine history, and relates this all to COVID. We also hear from kids and from a renowned vaccine researcher, Dr. Parker Small. | |||
| 12 Aug 2024 | How Smartphones Are Pushing Schools to Breaking Point | 00:30:26 | |
In this episode of The Screenagers Podcast Dr. Delaney Ruston is joined by her film and Screenagers partner, Lisa Tabb, to discuss their 'Away for the Day' campaign, which aims to remove smartphones and smartwatches from students during school hours to improve their academic and social well-being. They explore the campaign's benefits, the rapid rise of this challenge in elementary schools, and myths surrounding phone policies. Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, author of the current NY Times bestselling book The Anxious Generation, also joins Delaney to discuss the negative impact of digital distractions on education. The episode highlights the global movement towards phone-free schools and urges listeners to support the initiative by visiting awayfortheday.org. The episode also includes an exciting announcement about the upcoming new Screenagers film, which will be released in September called Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition.
Show Notes Featured Expert
Research References
Additional links Movies: Screenagers Movies
Time code 00:00 Introduction and Exciting Announcement 01:01 Special Episode: Away for the Day Campaign 02:20 Benefits of Phones Away for the Day 03:52 Global Adoption of Away for the Day Policies 11:38 Challenges and Pushbacks 17:51 Student Perspectives and School Experiences 20:43 Interview with Jonathan Haidt 29:29 Conclusion and Call to Action
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| 02 Dec 2024 | How to Motivate Our Kids Without Nagging Them! | 00:44:01 | |
Dr. Delaney sits down with acclaimed developmental psychologist David Yeager, Ph.D., to discuss his groundbreaking book, 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People. Together, they delve into the transformative power of adopting a mentor mindset to simplify parenting — especially when tackling tech time challenges. Learn why combining high standards with high support is a game-changer, and uncover the key elements of "wise feedback" that make it so impactful, as shown across various studies. This episode offers science-backed communication techniques on topics like respectful versus disrespectful language, validation, cooperative problem-solving, and more. Parents will walk away with practical strategies to approach screen time struggles with confidence and clarity.
Featured Expert
Books The Science of Motivating Young People, by David Yeager Belonging: The Science of Creating Connection and Bridging Divides, by Geoffrey L. Cohen
Research References
Time Code 00:00 Introduction to the Screenagers Podcast 00:23 Meet David Yeager: Growth Mindset and Mentor Mindset 02:34 The Mentor's Dilemma: Balancing Criticism and Support 04:23 Wise Feedback: The Key to Motivating Youth 10:17 Transparency and Benevolent Intentions 12:45 Understanding Adolescent Motivation: Status and Respect 17:42 The Role of Testosterone in Adolescent Development 20:47 Respectful Communication: The Vegemite Experiment 24:15 Testosterone and Behavior 25:50 Parenting Challenges and Mentor Mindset 27:04 The Science of Nagging 29:25 Effective Communication with Teens 32:45 Collaborative Troubleshooting 34:41 Balancing Screen Time and Life Goals 36:53 The Enforcer vs. Mentor Mindset 41:30 Concluding Thoughts and Resources
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| 09 Feb 2021 | Recovered Gaming Addict Shares His Story And Advice | 00:24:21 | |
Frustrated with his obsession with video gaming, Cam Adair wrote a post about his struggles that went viral. This led to his starting a movement that has brought together thousands to work to create a balanced life at Gamequitters.com. Cam is an international speaker who shares his story about gaming addiction and offers advice to youth and their parents. In today's episode of The Screenagers Podcast, he shares his powerful personal story along with his wealth of insights for any youth who enjoys video gaming and any parent who is working to ensure a balanced life for their child. | |||
| 29 Nov 2023 | A Teen Run Instagram Account Shook a School and the Lessons Learned | 00:48:40 | |
In this episode of The Screenagers Podcast, Dr. Delaney Ruston interviews journalist Dashka Slater about her new book, Accountable, where she writes about the true story of a social media account run by a small group of teens who posted racist memes. The account spread quickly and got edgier as it went. The book follows the account’s profound effect on the teens, friends, and high school. Dr. Ruston's interview with Slater dives into issues like what compels teens to do things they know are out of bounds, such as acts of racism, the difference between guilt and shame, and transformative justice. Slater discusses methods of communicating with children about preventing doing such acts, and Dr. Ruston provides strategies for them to use when they encounter friends who do, and shares advice for parents and teens on dealing with the repercussions of online racism and the complexities of forgiveness and empathy. Here is a link to Dashka Slater’s website, where you can find a link to her book and much more. Here is Slater’s Substack, where she has lesson plans, too.
00:04 Introduction and Overview 01:04 The Epidemic of Online Racism 01:43 Unveiling the Story of 'Accountable' 02:42 The Impact of Racist Online Activities 03:01 The Discovery and Consequences of the Racist Account 08:34 The Role of Video Games in Promoting Offensive Language 10:10 The Creation and Spread of the Racist Account 11:35 The Bystander Effect and Group Dynamics 18:52 The Impact on the Victims 21:38 Understanding Different Types of Justice 24:56 The Role of Restorative Justice in Schools 44:43 The Power of Forgiveness and Healing 47:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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| 09 Sep 2024 | Parenting Tips from Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition | 00:13:09 | |
In this episode of the Screenagers podcast, physician/filmmaker Dr. Delaney Ruston gives some parenting highlights from her new movie Screenagers: Elementary School Edition. Key topics include handling meltdowns during screen time transitions, promoting open communication around social media, and mitigating the negative impacts of violent media. Practical parenting strategies and the importance of active mediation are emphasized, alongside insights from child psychologist Lizz Dexter-Mazza, PsyD, and media researcher and psychologist Doug Gentile, PhD.
00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdote 00:49 Meet Delaney Rustin and Screenagers 00:57 Overview of Screenagers Elementary School Edition 01:49 Parenting Solutions for Screen Time Meltdowns 02:08 Understanding and Managing Meltdowns 03:37 The Importance of Consistency 04:33 Seeking Help for Persistent Issues 04:52 Safety First: Encouraging Open Communication 07:31 Active Mediation vs. Co-Viewing 10:48 Motivational Interviewing with Teens 11:43 Conclusion and Additional Resources
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| 26 Dec 2020 | Tips From A Therapist Of Teens With Problematic Tech Use | 00:23:25 | |
These days Dr. Delaney Ruston hears parents’ concerns around all the video gaming their kids are doing — as well as social media and other screen time. Some are worried about the risks of developing an addiction to technology. in today's episode of The Screenagers Podcast, Dr. Ruston talks with Ed Spector, Psy.D., a psychologist who has specialized in working with young people who have been struggling with problematic video gaming and internet use for over a decade. What is gaming disorder, and why do roughly 50% of teens report feeling addicted to technology? Most importantly, what strategies does Dr. Spector use with his clients that can help all parents help their kids gain more balance in their tech lives, particularly now during COVID? | |||
| 19 Feb 2024 | How Self-Compassion Can Make Parenting Easier | 00:33:20 | |
In this episode of The Screenagers Podcast, Dr. Delaney Ruston talks to author and psychologist Dr. Kristin Neff, Ph.D., about the power of self-compassion. They discuss the prevalent issue of self-criticism among parents, particularly regarding screen time, and how adopting self-compassion can help navigate such challenges. Dr. Neff and Dr. Ruston share personal parenting experiences along the way. The episode provides practical advice to help listeners, parents, and teens initiate their own self-compassion practice.
Featured Expert
Research References Meeting Suffering With Kindness: Effects of a Brief Self-Compassion Intervention for Female College Students (Journal of Clinical Psychology) Self-compassion and Psychological Resilience Among Adolescents and Young Adults (Self and Identity) Development and Validation of the Self-Compassion Scale for Youth (Journal of Personality Assessment) The Development and Assessment of a Scale to Measure Self Assessment (Self and Identity) Time code of the episode00:04 Introduction and Personal Reflections 00:26 Understanding Self Compassion 00:48 Interview with Kristin Neff 02:29 Exploring the Concept of Self Compassion 04:59 Applying Self Compassion in Personal Life 05:45 Challenges and Misconceptions about Self Compassion 07:08 Understanding Self Criticism 11:44 Applying Self Compassion in Parenting 12:45 Balancing Fierce and Tender Self Compassion 15:59 Growing Compassion through Personal Struggles 18:08 A Day at the Park: A Parent's Perspective on Autism 19:04 The Struggles of Parenting and the Power of Self-Compassion 20:26 Research Insights: Self-Compassion in Parenting Autistic Children 22:05 The Impact of Self-Compassion on Teens and Motivation 23:10 Practical Steps to Cultivate Self-Compassion 29:32 The Role of Self-Compassion in Authenticity and Relationships 31:58 Resources and Tools for Developing Self-Compassion 32:42 Conclusion: The Power of Self-Compassion in the Screen Age | |||
| 15 Apr 2024 | Absolute Yes To Fighting Less (Rerun) | 00:21:50 | |
We're bringing back this episode today to help with the common arguments in the home about screen time and what to do. What is a parenting strategy that can promote healthy screen use, and other positive behaviors, while at the same time decrease fighting? In this episode of The Screenagers Podcast, Dr. Delaney Ruston talks with one of her favorite parenting experts, Dr. Tammy Fisher Huson, about a strategy that has made a real difference in Dr. Ruston's own home. | |||
| 13 Jan 2025 | Talking to Your Teen About Sex: Advice for Parents | 00:20:16 | |
Dr. Delaney is joined by Laura Kastner, PhD, a clinical psychologist and author of multiple parenting books. Together, they delve into strategies for talking to our teens about sex and not letting taboo or embarrassment get in the way of what can be vital conversations. Covering topics such as consent and alcohol they emphasize the significance of being an 'askable parent' through encouraging open conversation and not being afraid to talk plainly about what can be perceived as delicate or awkward topics for both teens and parents.
Featured Expert
Books Getting To Calm: Cool-headed strategies for parenting tweens and teens The Launching Years: Strategies for Parenting from Senior Year to College Life The Seven-Year Stretch: How Families Work Together to Grow Through Adolescence
Time Code 00:00 Introduction to the Screenagers Podcast 00:37 Meet Dr. Laura Kastner: Expert on Parenting Teens 00:48 The Importance of Open Communication 01:13 Challenges in Discussing Physical Intimacy 02:19 Addressing Taboos and Difficult Topics 03:27 Psychological Immunization and Early Conversations 04:48 Practical Tips for Parents 05:28 Real-Life Examples and Focus Groups 08:45 The Role of Humility in Parenting 10:28 Discussing Consent and Alcohol 17:30 Concluding Thoughts and Resources | |||
| 13 May 2024 | Screen Time Parenting With Positive Discipline | 00:35:02 | |
In today’s episode, Dr. Delaney Ruston talks with Casey O’Roarty, Med., who is a well-recognized expert in Positive Discipline, particularly when it comes to tweens and teens. She is the author of Joyful Courage and the host of the Joyful Courage podcast and has spent over 15 years working with families. In this episode, Casey provides real-life anecdotes about when kids sneak screen time when they have meltdowns and other behaviors, and she explores fostering curiosity, addressing meltdowns, and finding the delicate balance between having firmness while fostering a strong parent-child relationship. In addition, another guest, a mother of three kids, shares her experience with ditching her old parenting ways to adopt the Positive Discipline approach. Show Notes
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| 01 Jul 2020 | Brain Biology and Preventing Excessive Video Gaming | 00:17:57 | |
Why do some kids and teens get overly frustrated and bored when it’s time to turn off their video games? How to know when game playing has become excessive? What are tips that all families should know for ensuring healthy video game play? In today’s episode of The Screenagers Podcast, Dr. Delaney Ruston explores these issues along with a new model of brain biology to help explain irritability and boredom associated with video gaming. We hear from teens along with psychiatrist Dr. Clifford Sussman who specializes in helping young people regain tech balance. We also hear from Andrew Fulton who was in the film, Screenagers, when he was getting treatment at an internet rehab center, and is now working at the same center helping others recover from videogame overuse. | |||
| 18 Nov 2024 | Why School Safety Experts Want Phone Bans | 00:22:09 | |
In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Delaney dives into a question that sparks debate among educators, parents, and safety experts: Is it safer for students to have their phones during a school lockdown, or could it do more harm than good? To tackle this complex topic, Dr. Ruston speaks with a school superintendent, two police officers, and Clayton Cranford, a retired school resource officer and founder of Total Safety Solutions. Cranford, who works with schools across the country to improve safety protocols, brings a wealth of real-world experience to the conversation. Our guests describe scenarios where misinformation and panic have escalated in lockdown situations due to student cell phone use—and how this has, at times, interfered with emergency response efforts. Together, the guests unpack the pros and cons of current phone policies and offer practical recommendations to strike the right balance between connectivity and safety. To learn about 'Away for the Day', the Screenagers campaign to get phones and smartwatches out of schools visit AwayForTheDay.org
Featured Expert
Resources
Time Code 00:00 Introduction to Screenagers Podcast 00:50 The Case for Phone-Free Schools 01:45 School Safety Concerns and Phone Policies 02:17 Interviews with Experts on School Safety 03:15 Real-Life Incidents and Lessons Learned 05:10 Expert Opinions on Phone Policies 05:25 Challenges Faced by School Administrators 06:38 Understanding Swatting Incidents 09:37 Interview with Clayton Cranford 10:07 Best Practices for School Safety 14:01 The Impact of Phones on School Safety 19:40 Conclusion and Resources
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| 18 Mar 2024 | Snapchat Uncovered - Teens Discuss Pitfalls of this Popular App | 00:19:47 | |
Concerns over Snapchat use by its many young users seem to be discussed much less than concerns over TikTok and Instagram. Yet, issues with Snapchat are plenty — be it social conflicts or the sexually explicit material that can be seen on the app. In today's episode, Dr. Ruston discusses these topics and more with a high school boy and a young woman in college. The guests discuss problems created by the App's Snapscore feature, which is a ranking given to users based on how many snaps they send or receive. In addition, they talk about social conflicts that can happen on the app, issues around sexual content, and suggestions to parents regarding when to allow the app and how to talk about it with kids. Additional LinksHow Snapchat defines Snapscore Snapchat’s Discover page and connection to Cosmo | |||
| 11 Jul 2023 | When Screen Time Rules Are Broken | 00:11:14 | |
Today on The Screenagers Podcast, Dr. Delaney Ruston discusses skillful ways to respond when your kids break the family tech rules. One of the most challenging things for parents is knowing how to respond when kids break rules around screen time. Dr. Ruston talks about increasing the chances of kids following rules by getting collaborative input from them. | |||
| 03 May 2021 | School's In And So Is Anxiety | 00:15:31 | |
This spring, as vaccination rates increase, more schools are opening their campuses for in-person learning. At the same time, anxiety about returning to school is high for many youth. How do we help our kids and teens who are experiencing anxious feelings related to school? To address this topic on The Screenagers Podcast, Dr. Delaney Ruston speaks with a high school student and two child psychologists, Dr. Elizabeth Englander, a researcher, and Dr. Laura Kastner, a clinical psychologist. | |||
| 28 Aug 2020 | New Science On Sleep, Our Kids, And What To Do | 00:17:20 | |
With back to school starting, and with all the online and offline stressors our kids are facing, The Screenagers Podcast is about improving their well-being by focusing on healthy sleep. Have your kids and teens listen to this show with you! Hear fascinating insights from Dr. Judy Owens, the Director of Sleep Medicine at Boston Children's Hospital, and a neurology professor at Harvard Medical School. Explore the latest brain research with neuroscientist Adriana Galvan from UCLA and hear ideas from parents and a teen. Learn new ideas around increasing your child’s chance of getting brain-nourishing sleep now — during these incredibly challenging times — and into the future. | |||
| 04 Mar 2024 | Is Social Media Addiction A Real Thing? | 00:27:17 | |
In this episode, Dr. Delaney Ruston dives into the pressing issue of social media addiction through the story of one young person, Lars, and insights from the chief of addiction medicine at Stanford, Ana Lembke, MD, and longtime media researcher Douglas Gentile, PhD. Through Lar’s struggle with social media addiction, listeners gain an intimate look at the impact of social media on mental health and identity. The episode sheds light on the various ways compulsive social media use can impact a young person and delves into the science behind digital addiction. Ultimately, Dr. Ruston and her guests offer valuable tips on how to know when social media use is in the zone of a clinical addiction and, most importantly, how to help teens who are in that zone, or wobbling there, to break free. Featured ExpertsAdditional LinksAnna Lembke’s book, Dopamine Nation Time code of the episode00:00 Introduction to Social Media Addiction 00:37 The Lawsuits Against Social Media Giants 01:47 Interview with Experts on Social Media Addiction 02:15 The Power of Social Media and Its Impact 04:19 The Journey of a Social Media Influencer 09:43 The Struggle with Mental Illness and Technology 11:11 The Science Behind Social Media Addiction 13:40 Understanding Addiction on a Spectrum 19:27 The Impact of Overabundance on Mental Health 20:19 Recovering from Social Media Addiction 24:54 Helping Others Overcome Social Media Addiction 25:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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| 26 Aug 2024 | How ZYN's Social Media Strategy is Driving Teen Nicotine Addiction | 00:18:47 | |
There was JUUL. Now there is ZYN. Big Tobacco is continuing to make its business model addiction, and its customer base teens and young adults. In today’s episode, Dr. Delaney Ruston talks with Dr. Robert Jackler, an expert on how Big Tobacco targets teens with slick and deceptive advertising and misleading products. Dr. Jackler, a professor at Stanford, talks about ZYN, the small flavored nicotine pouches that are going viral on social media. Created as a so-called safer means of harm reduction for vapes and cigarettes, ZYN packs a powerful punch of nicotine, making them just as harmful. Dr. Jackler, who conducted research on pouch nicotine for the World Health Organization, shares how ZYN is being deceptively marketed to teens, how they lead to nicotine addiction, and what parents and teens can do to help those who are hooked. This episode is intended for adult and youth audiences. Featured Expert Research References Stanford Research into The Impact of Tobacco Advertisin Additional Links UCSF Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education Truth Initiative: This Is Quitting
Time Code 00:00 The Rise of Nicotine Addiction 00:28 Introduction to the Screenagers Podcast 00:45 Expert Insights with Dr. Robert Jackler 01:10 The Dangers of Nicotine Pouches 03:07 Tobacco Industry Tactics 06:16 Marketing Strategies Targeting Teens 09:14 Flavors and Their Appeal 14:16 Quitting Nicotine: Strategies and Support 17:42 Conclusion and Resources | |||
| 27 Jan 2025 | Teens, Roblox, and Real Money: A Parents Guide to In-Game Purchases | 00:26:27 | |
Dr. Delaney dives into the world of Roblox and examines how in-game purchases impact young people, featuring insights from two young Roblox players and Mark Edwards, a therapist specializing in excessive video game use among teens. The episode explores the challenges of spending real money on virtual items in games like Roblox and Fortnite — think Robux or V-Bucks — and delves into key issues such as personal values, impulse control, financial literacy, and addiction. Designed for both adults and teens, this episode also provides practical advice for parents on fostering conversations about digital spending and guiding their kids toward making more thoughtful financial decisions in the gaming world
Guest: Mark Edwards, MS, MFT
Time Codes: 00:00 Introduction 01:04 Interview with Teen Roblox Players 04:35 Therapist's Perspective on Virtual Spending 06:35 Understanding Loot Boxes 10:19 Parental Guidance and Financial Literacy 15:55 Practical Tips for Parents 25:11 Conclusion and Resources | |||
| 24 Jun 2024 | How Our Own Trauma Impacts Our Parenting | 00:31:36 | |
How can the big and little “t” traumas parents have experienced in their lives negatively impact their parenting around screen time? In this episode, Dr Ruston engages in a profound conversation with therapist Dr. David Johnson, who was the CEO of one of Seattle’s leading mental health providers, Navos, and has 48 years of experience in individual and family therapy. Dr. Johnson provides a unique perspective on common ways past traumas show up in parent-child struggles, whether over video gaming, social media, or other areas. Dr. Ruston courageously opens up about how some of her past traumas impacted her parenting. Throughout the episode, Delaney and David offer listeners many strategies to help prevent their past adversities from sabotaging their current parenting efforts. This episode is intended for adult audiences. Featured Expert
Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction: The Impact of Parental Trauma on Parenting 01:16 Meet Dr. David Johnson: Insights on Trauma and Parenting 02:10 Understanding Trauma: Definitions and Effects 04:57 Trauma Responses and Their Impact on Behavior 08:15 Screen Time Conflicts: Analyzing Parental Reactions 10:41 The Power of Insight and Intention in Overcoming Trauma 27:58 Family Dynamics and Counseling: Strategies for Healing 30:32 Conclusion and Invitation to Engage | |||
| 16 Dec 2024 | Jonathan Haidt Explains the Youth Mental Health Crisis (Encore) | 00:22:49 | |
This holiday season, it is inevitable that many young people will be gifted new smartphones, smartwatches, video games and other personal technology. With this in mind, today we're bringing back this important conversation with Jonathan Haidt, author of one of 2024's most talked about and best selling books The Anxious Generation, who joined Dr. Delaney to discuss the sheer amount of time that young people are on screens and the connection of this to the rise in mental health problems. What do actual experiments show us about the link between teen mental health and screen time? Why is the time of puberty particularly concerning when it comes to handing over smartphones and social media? Why does social media seem to impact girls more negatively than boys? These are just some of the questions that this episode addresses. In addition, Haidt offers two solutions for improving teen mental health. This episode is not just for adults but also for teens who are directly affected by these issues. Please note, suicidal ideation is mentioned briefly in the episode.
Featured Expert
Research References Links to research discussed in the episode
Additional Links The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
Time Code 00:00 Introduction to The Screenagers Podcast 00:23 Meet Jonathan Haidt, Author and Social Psychologist 01:29 The Anxious Generation: Key Insights 02:06 Impact of Social Media on Mental Health 03:52 Gender Differences in Mental Health Trends 05:57 Correlational and Experimental Studies on Screen Time 09:04 The Natural Experiment of Facebook's Rollout 12:31 The Hidden Dangers of Social Media 16:59 Aggression and Social Cruelty Online 19:25 Proposed Solutions and Parental Involvement 21:21 Conclusion and Resources | |||
| 13 Jun 2023 | Podcast Recommendations for the Whole Family This Summer | 00:09:17 | |
In today’s episode of The Screenagers Podcast, Dr. Delaney Ruston shares recommendations for podcasts that you can listen to with your family this summer. So why these recommendations? Well, one of the objectives of the Screenagers movement is finding ways to connect youth and adults for meaningful conversations, not just about tech in our lives, but ways to help build in our kids' critical thinking, empathy, communication skills, and Dr. Ruston is a strong believer that listening to podcasts together and then discussing them can be a really terrific way to do that. It's also a way to celebrate one of the pearls of our tech revolution: the ability of people to become podcasters and to share science, stories, advice, and more.
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| 22 Jan 2024 | Decoding Adolescent Decision Making on Screens and Off | 00:18:49 | |
In this episode of The Screenagers Podcast, Dr. Ruston focuses on the science behind teen risky decision-making, both online and offline. Dr. Ruston speaks with researchers who shed light on the latest brain science, helping us better understand the biology behind adolescents' decision-making processes. With insights from experts such as psychiatrist Dr. Anna Lembke and psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour, parents will glean practical advice on guiding their children toward wiser decisions and setting fair consequences for rule-breaking. EPISODE NOTES Research References Adolescents’ Cognitive Capacity Reaches Adult Levels Prior to Their Psychosocial Maturity: Evidence for a “Maturity Gap” in a Multinational, Cross-Sectional Sample (Law and Human Behavior) Biological substrates of emotional reactivity and regulation in adolescence during an emotional go-nogo task (Biological Psychiatry)
Featured ExpertsTime code of the episode00:04 Introduction and the Complexity of Decision Making 01:23 Understanding the Science Behind Teen Decision Making 02:55 The Role of Emotions in Decision Making 05:05 Real-life Consequences of Rash Decisions 06:17 The Neuroscience of Adolescence 07:38 The Impact of Emotions on Teenagers' Decision Making 10:30 Strategies for Parents to Help Teens Make Wiser Decisions 13:19 The Importance of Setting Limits and Fair Consequences 16:50 Understanding and Empathizing with the Challenges Teens Face 17:50 Conclusion: Encouraging Wise Decision Making
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| 04 Nov 2024 | Kids Using AI Chatbots: The Risks Parents Can’t Ignore | 00:31:05 | |
Host Dr. Delaney interviews Natalie Foos, director of VoiceBox and lead author of the eye-opening report, “Coded Companions: Young People’s Relationships with AI Chat Bots." The discussion centers on the risks posed by AI chatbots in young people's lives, using examples like Snapchat’s My AI and the AI companion app Replika. The report provides concrete examples of deeply troubling things the AIs said to users during testing, conducted with young adults aged 18 to 24. They discuss concerning features, such as how My AI uses location tracking to target young users with ads and emphasize the importance of educating both youth and adults about the potential dangers of AI companions, particularly regarding data privacy, emotional impact, and ethical implications.
Resources Coded Companions: Young People’s Relationships With AI Chat Bots Natalie Foos, Director of VoiceBox Can A.I. Be Blamed for a Teen’s Suicide?, New York Times, Oct 24, 2024
Time Codes: 00:00 Introduction to Screenagers Podcast 00:11 Exploring Companion Chatbots 00:28 Interview with Natalie Foos: VoiceBox and Youth Voices 00:57 Coded Companions Report: AI Chatbots and Youth 01:26 Snapchat's MyAI: Features and Concerns 05:43 Replika: Customizable AI Companions 12:40 Ethical Concerns and Data Privacy 16:42 Emotional Impact of AI Relationships 25:38 Potential Harms and Risks 28:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts | |||
| 19 Jun 2023 | Teen Love, Hookups And How To Talk About It All | 00:15:33 | |
Summer's heating up. In today's episode of The Screenagers Podcast, Dr. Delaney Ruston explores how we can help teens have a better understanding of what makes up positive romantic relationships, including physical intimacy. In a past survey, teens between the ages of 14 and 17 were asked what sources help them understand sex. Thirty-one percent responded that helpful information was most likely to come from parents and 22 % said friends. Dr. Ruston says parents are a great resource if they want to take on this challenge and get better at it.
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| 22 Jul 2024 | Instagram Unfiltered: Teens Tell All | 00:29:28 | |
In this episode of the Screenagers podcast, Dr Ruston talks with three teen girls from middle school, high school, and college about their experiences, both good and bad, with Instagram. They discuss why they joined the platform, how they use it, and the types of content they see, including ads and influencer posts. The conversation delves into the emotional impact of social media, including issues of comparison, curated posts, and the prevalence of ads. In addition, they touch on issues of subliminal messaging and the risks and benefits of posting about one’s true emotional state. This episode is intended for adult and youth audiences. Time Code 00:00 Introduction to the Screenagers Podcast 01:20 Meet the Teen Guests 02:31 First Impressions of Instagram 04:54 The Allure and Pitfalls of Instagram 09:16 Ads and Influencers: A Deep Dive 13:10 The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health 22:35 Likes, Comments, and Posting Etiquette 27:18 Final Thoughts and Farewell
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| 12 Jul 2021 | Parents In Conflict Over Screen Time | 00:15:18 | |
We've all heard the importance of parents showing a united front to their kids about rules. It’s a good thing to be united, but what about when you’re not? In this episode of The Screenagers Podcast, Dr. Delaney Ruston looks at strategies parents can turn to when in disagreement — whether married or divorced. We gain insights from clinical psychologist Laura Kastner, Ph.D., and school counselor Tammy Fisher Huson, Ph.D., who both have spent decades working with youth and parents. And we hear from researcher, Doug Gentile, who followed 1400 families for a year regarding family rules. | |||
| 11 Dec 2023 | How Much Do We Really Know About Teen Vaping? | 00:21:38 | |
On today's episode of The Screenagers Podcast, Dr. Delaney Ruston dives into the world of teens, vaping, and the cunning tactics e-cigarette companies use on social media. We'll uncover the health hazards of vaping, examine how influencers glamorize it, and we will expose deceptive marketing strategies. Joining me are Dr. Pam Ling and Rob Jackler, featured in my latest film, Screenagers Under The Influence: Addressing Vaping, Drugs, and Alcohol in the Digital Age. They shed light on vaping's dangers and the industry's slick ploys to lure in young people. I also discuss how to empower our youth to see through these manipulations and protect themselves from the vaping industry's grasp. Research References Young adult responses to COVID-19 themed tobacco and nicotine product marketing on social media (British Medical Journal). #ecig: How Social Media is Changing the Ad Game (Johnson & Wales University) Effects of Social Media on Adolescents’ Willingness and Intention to Use E-Cigarettes: An Experimental Investigation (Nicotine and Tobacco Research) New Approach to Decrease Smoking Among Young Adult Bar Patrons (Tobacco Induced Diseases) Time Code 00:04 Introduction to the Podcast 00:10 Understanding the Vaping Industry and Its Influence on Teens 00:36 The Role of Social Media in Promoting Vaping 01:55 The Misconceptions about Vaping and E-cigarettes 03:22 The Dangers of Vaping and E-cigarette Chemicals 06:09 The Deceptive Marketing Strategies of Vaping Companies 07:47 The Impact of Influencer Marketing on Vaping 11:50 Activism and Its Role in Combating Vaping 14:57 The Role of FDA and Regulatory Loopholes 19:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts | |||
| 31 Mar 2025 | Inside a Middle School’s Fight Against Smartphone-Fueled Cruelty and Bullying | 00:25:36 | |
In many schools today, students hesitate to give class presentations — not because of stage fright, but because they're afraid of being secretly recorded and mocked on social media. Principals across the country are spending their time managing the aftermath of incidents sparked by viral trends like “Ship or Dip” posts. Physical altercations between students are often filmed by bystanders and shared online, amplifying the harm. In this episode, Dr. Ruston visits a middle school in Washington State and sits down with Principal Zach to explore what happened when phones were allowed on campus — and how things changed dramatically once new policies were put in place. Zach shares the powerful transformation his school has experienced, and how restorative practices are helping students learn healthier ways to resolve conflict. This episode is intended for both adult and teen audiences.
Featured Expert Zach - Middle School Principal
Additional Links Cyberbullying: How does your child define it? Truths And Myths About Cyberbullying
Time Code 00:00 Introduction and Personal Story 00:27 The Impact of Smartphones in Schools 01:11 Real-Life Examples of Digital Cruelty 03:44 School Policies to Combat Phone-Related Issues 04:02 Principal Zach's Experience and Insights 07:10 The Culture Shift and Restorative Practices 13:02 Student Rights and Reporting System 16:07 Understanding Multiple Perspectives 16:52 Building Empathy and Conflict Resolution 19:15 Restorative Circles and Safe Spaces 21:10 The Role of Social Media in Conflict 23:26 Addressing Inappropriate Behavior 24:02 Conclusion and Resources
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| 08 Oct 2024 | Tackling Problematic Social Media Use | 00:24:07 | |
In this episode, host Dr. Delaney discusses problematic social media use with therapist and media addiction expert Tracy Markle. Tracy is the founder and co-director of the Digital Media Treatment and Education Center in Boulder, Colorado. Tracy explains the critical effects social media can have on teen mental health, particularly in girls and shares the therapeutic approaches she used in working with one teen girl in overcoming problematic social media. Markle employs a family system approach and shares insights on how she included the mom in the treatment approach.
Resources: Tracy Markle, MA, LPC founder of Digital Media
Time Code: 00:00 Introduction to Screenagers Podcast 01:41 The Impact of Social Media on Teens 02:38 Case Study: A High Schooler's Struggle 03:53 Therapeutic Approaches and Family Systems 05:56 Challenges and Consequences of Social Media Overuse 14:34 Motivational Interviewing and Setting Boundaries 29:25 Skill Building and Final Thoughts
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| 10 Jul 2020 | TikTok's Allure (and How Two Teens Cut Back) | 00:16:37 | |
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| 23 Sep 2024 | Instagram Unfiltered: Teens Tell All (Encore) | 00:29:28 | |
In recent days, Instagram has launched a range of new features designed to protect teens who are using the platform. Today we revisit this episode of the Screenagers podcast where Dr. Ruston spoke with three teen girls from middle school, high school, and college about their experiences, both good and bad, with Instagram. They discuss why they joined the platform, how they use it, and the types of content they see, including ads and influencer posts. The conversation delves into the emotional impact of social media, including issues of comparison, curated posts, and the prevalence of ads. In addition, they touch on issues of subliminal messaging and the risks and benefits of posting about one’s true emotional state. This episode is intended for adult and youth audiences.
Time Code 00:00 Introduction to the Screenagers Podcast 01:20 Meet the Teen Guests 02:31 First Impressions of Instagram 04:54 The Allure and Pitfalls of Instagram 09:16 Ads and Influencers: A Deep Dive 13:10 The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health 22:35 Likes, Comments, and Posting Etiquette 27:18 Final Thoughts and Farewell | |||
| 17 Feb 2025 | What Does “Hookup Culture” Actually Mean? Answers for Parents and Teens | 00:30:00 | |
Host Delaney Ruston, MD, delves into this complex topic with Lisa Wade, PhD, researcher and author of American Hookup. Lisa shares insights from her 15 years of research, offering a deep understanding of sexual dynamics on college campuses, as explored in her book. We examine the nuances of the term "hookup," the implications of hookup culture, the role of alcohol, and the varied experiences of students. This episode is essential for both parents and students, addressing misconceptions and providing practical advice for navigating relationships and sexual encounters in the complex college landscape.
Featured Expert
Books American Hookup: The New Culture of Sex on Campus, By Lisa Wade, PhD
Time Code 00:00 Introduction 03:21 Interview with Lisa Wade 05:58 Understanding What is meant by ‘Hookup Culture’ 07:21 The Role of Alcohol 09:34 Student Perspectives 20:52 Parental Guidance and Advice 27:07 Conclusion and Resources | |||
| 10 Feb 2025 | Is It Okay for Kids and Teens to Be Angry With Their Parents? | 00:21:34 | |
Parents know it can be tough when their kids and teens get mad at them for establishing a boundary. It can make parents feel uncomfortable, question their boundaries, or shy away from setting them altogether. Dr. Delaney speaks with psychologist Karen Pavlidis, Ph.D., about how to think about—and what to do about—our struggles when facing our kids’ and teens’ anger. How can parents know which boundaries are fair? Why is psychological control a real no-no, and what does research teach us about being overly permissive? This episode is full of practical pointers—whether you’re a parent who feels shaken when your child is angry at you or simply looking for more advice on setting boundaries.
Featured Expert
Research References Parent Training in Non-Violence Resistance For Adult Entitled (Family Process)
Additional Links
Time Code 00:00 Introduction and Story Setup 02:14 A Parent's Dilemma: Handling Children's Anger 03:46 Expert Insights: Navigating Emotional Reactions 07:28 Balancing Boundaries and Emotional Health 25:31 Role-Playing Effective Parenting Strategies 29:34 Conclusion and Key Takeaways | |||
| 15 May 2021 | Calling All Kids And Adults: Let’s Rethink Cyberbullying | 00:30:08 | |
When it comes to cyberbullying, what's fact and what's fiction? What do all kids need to know about how to handle online cruelty and how to help those getting targeted? And what can parents and schools do to be most helpful? On this episode of The Screenagers Project, Dr. Delaney Ruston speaks with psychologist Dr. Elizabeth Englander, who has spent decades researching and writing books on these topics. | |||
| 03 Jun 2021 | One Family’s Weekly Unplugging Ritual | 00:20:15 | |
We are doing episodes on ways families experiment with having specific times for more togetherness and less screen interference. Today's episode of The Screenagers Podcast is with Tiffany Shlain and her daughter, Odessa. Tiffany is the founder of the Webby Awards, a filmmaker, and the author of the book 24/6. The podcast explores her family’s weekly ritual of unplugging Friday night to Saturday evening for “Tech Shabbat.” Tiffany and Odessa explain the what, why, and how of their weekly practice. | |||
| 24 Jun 2023 | Love Ambush | 00:10:25 | |
Discover the powerful strategy of a "love ambush" and becoming a mental health warrior. In this episode of The Screenagers Podcast, Dr. Delaney Ruston unveils the transformative impact of showing up unannounced to support those facing mental health challenges. Through personal stories and practical advice, Dr. Ruston unveils an approach to combatting isolation and building a caring team. | |||
| 05 Aug 2024 | How A Teen Run Instagram Account Shook a School (Encore) | 00:48:40 | |
We're revisiting this poignant episode that highlights how important it is for parents to regularly check-in with their kids about their online activity and behaviors. Dr. Delaney Ruston interviews journalist Dashka Slater about her book, Accountable, where she writes about the true story of a social media account run by a small group of teens who posted racist memes. The account spread quickly and got edgier as it went. The book follows the account’s profound effect on the teens, friends, and high school. Slater dives into issues like what compels teens to do things they know are out of bounds, such as acts of racism, the difference between guilt and shame, and transformative justice. Slater discusses methods of communicating with children about preventing doing such acts, and Dr. Ruston provides strategies for them to use when they encounter friends who do, and shares advice for parents and teens on dealing with the repercussions of online racism and the complexities of forgiveness and empathy. Here is a link to Dashka Slater’s website, where you can find a link to her book and much more. Here is Slater’s Substack, where she has lesson plans, too.
00:04 Introduction and Overview 01:04 The Epidemic of Online Racism 01:43 Unveiling the Story of 'Accountable' 02:42 The Impact of Racist Online Activities 03:01 The Discovery and Consequences of the Racist Account 08:34 The Role of Video Games in Promoting Offensive Language 10:10 The Creation and Spread of the Racist Account 11:35 The Bystander Effect and Group Dynamics 18:52 The Impact on the Victims 21:38 Understanding Different Types of Justice 24:56 The Role of Restorative Justice in Schools 44:43 The Power of Forgiveness and Healing 47:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts | |||
| 08 Jan 2024 | How Does Our Digital Age Impact Teen Weed Use? | 00:23:38 | |
In this episode of The Screenagers Podcast, Dr. Delaney Ruston explores the complex issue of weed use among teenagers in today's digital world. The discussion delves into how cannabis is portrayed and often glamorized on social media and the potential risks this poses to young people, including addiction and mental health concerns. The episode also sheds light on the cannabis industry’s lack of stringent regulation and the dangers of high THC products. Importantly, Dr. Ruston offers practical strategies for parents to engage in effective and meaningful conversations with their teens about cannabis use. Research References Potency levels of regulated cannabis products in Michigan 2021–2022 (Journal of Forensic Sciences) Recent rapid decrease in adolescents’ perception that marijuana is harmful, but no concurrent increase in use (Drug and Alcohol Dependence) Acute Mental Health Symptoms in Adolescent Marijuana Users (JAMA Pediatrics)
Featured Experts
Additional Links
Time code of the episode 00:04 Introduction to the Podcast 00:38 Teenagers' Perspective on Cannabis and Social Media 01:53 The Intersection of Cannabis Use and Screen Time 02:28 Medical Misconceptions about Cannabis 03:59 Personal Stories of Cannabis Use and Mental Health 04:19 The Risks of Cannabis Use for Mental Health 05:47 The Reality of Cannabis Addiction 09:26 The Impact of High THC Concentration in Cannabis 11:28 The Role of Vaping in Cannabis Use 12:33 The Need for Regulation in the Cannabis Industry 16:11 Strategies for Talking to Teens about Cannabis 18:52 Seeking Help for Cannabis Addiction 21:19 Personal Strategies for Decreasing Cannabis Use 22:27 Conclusion and Acknowledgements | |||
| 06 Jun 2023 | Summer Reset — Online and Offline | 00:09:44 | |
Youth will have more time to breathe and explore their interests beyond school, but so often, downtime becomes screen time. Summer’s wide open time spans can heighten battles over technology use. This is the perfect time to revisit your family rules, see what’s working and what’s not, and come up with summer guidelines. | |||
| 03 Feb 2025 | How Smartwatches Are Subverting School No-Phone Policies | 00:21:43 | |
It’s no surprise that smartphones in the classroom can cause serious disruptions to learning. But what about smartwatches? Dr. Delaney explores the rising issue of wrist-based computers in schools and how one school has decided to tackle the problem. She speaks with K-8 school counselor and Nurtured Heart practitioner Dr. Tammy Fisher to learn how implementing Away for The Day guidelines, and using clear, consistent rules around smartwatches, has helped her school not only create a more focused and engaged classroom but also build resilience in their youth. This episode is intended for adult and youth audiences.
Featured Expert
Books Fearless Parenting: Stepping into Life’s Greatest Role, by Dr. Tammy Fisher There’s Always Something Going Right: Workbook for Creating Truly Great Schools, by Louisa Triandis LCSW and Dr. Tammy Fisher
Additional Links Away for The Day: The Screenager’s Campaign for phones and smartwatches away during school Screenagers: Why School Safety Experts Want Phone Bans Screenagers: How Smartphones are Pushing Schools to the Breaking Point
Time Codes: 00:00 Introduction to Screenagers Podcast 00:27 The Smartwatch Challenge in Schools 00:55 Away for the Day Campaign 01:28 Smartwatch Distractions in the Classroom 03:00 Expert Insights: Dr. Tammy Fisher 04:31 Implementing Absolute Clarity 09:24 Building Resilience in Kids 11:53 Nurtured Heart Approach 14:53 Focusing on Absolute Yes 19:31 Final Thoughts and Resources
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| 01 Oct 2024 | How to Delay Social Media and Smartphone Use With Wait Until 8th | 00:28:50 | |
Founder of the "Wait Until 8th" movement, Brooke Shannon, joins Dr. Delaney Ruston for a conversation. Brooke shares insights on the Wait Until 8th pledge, its community-based approach, and strategies for parents to manage digital exposure responsibly. The conversation also covers personal experiences, handling pushbacks, and practical steps for parents who have already given their kids smartphones and/or social media but decide they want to rein in their use.
Time Code: 00:00 Introduction to Screenagers Podcast 00:31 Introducing Brooke Shannon and Wait Until 8th 02:47 How the Wait Until 8th Pledge Works 04:20 Partnership with Screenagers and Community Impact 07:46 Brooke's Personal Story and Motivation 13:57 Challenges and Pushbacks 19:25 Practical Tips for Parents 20:38 Parental Controls and Ongoing Conversations 27:43 Concluding Thoughts and Future Episodes
Resources:
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| 03 Mar 2025 | How One School’s Bold Move to Lock Away Phones Transformed Learning | 00:19:02 | |
What happens when a high school struggling with smartphone distractions takes a bold step and starts locking away all devices — midway through the school year? Even more unusual: the phones aren’t just put away; they’re locked up in classrooms for the entire day, except during lunch. Dr. Delaney interviews Principal Deanna Albert to explore how implementing ‘Away for the Day’ policies transformed both learning and social interactions at Hardin High School. Deanna shares the challenges and successes of making this shift, including how it improved student engagement, reduced distractions, and curbed social media-related issues.
Featured Expert Principal Deanna Albert
Additional Links
Time Code 00:00 Introduction 00:15 About Screenagers & Away For The Day 01:04 Campaign Success and Challenges 01:38 Issues with Phone Policies in Schools 02:29 Interview with Principal Deanna Albert 04:42 Implementing the New Phone Policy 08:43 Positive Outcomes and Challenges 11:23 Community and Legal Implications 15:14 Final Thoughts and Resources
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| 17 Mar 2025 | Raising Independent Kids: The Issue of Phone Trackers with America’s ‘Worst’ Mom | 00:34:22 | |
Kids and teens are experiencing less independence than in the past — whether due to screen time, parents' fears of letting them roam freely, or other factors. It’s a problem. But why? And what can be done? In this episode, host Dr. Delaney Ruston discusses this important topic with journalist Lenore Skenazy, who was labeled “America's Worst Mom” after letting her 9-year-old take the New York City subway home alone. Skenazy has spent years sounding the alarm on the harms of decreased youth autonomy, including co-founding Let Grow with psychologists Jonathan Haidt and Peter Gray. This episode explores the factors contributing to decreased independence and offers tools for parents and schools to combat this trend. It also examines the role of technology and tracking devices in this context, addressing both their benefits and potential pitfalls. This episode is intended for adult and teen audiences.
Featured Expert
Books Free Range Kids by Lenore Skenazy
Research References Mott Poll Report: Promoting children’s Independence: What parents say vs do Media violence, physical aggression, and relational aggression in school age children: a short-term longitudinal study. (Aggressive Behavior)
Additional Resources
Time Code 00:00 Introduction 00:20 The Decline of Children's Autonomy 01:02 Challenges in Encouraging Independence 01:22 Parental Concerns and Media Influence 02:00 Exploring Solutions with Lenore Skenazy 02:39 Lenore's Controversial Parenting Decision 08:21 The Birth of Free Range Kids Movement 10:07 Statistics and Parental Fears 18:05 Let Grow Initiative and School Programs 22:34 Technology's Role in Children's Independence 32:44 Conclusion and Resources
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| 28 Aug 2021 | Why Care About Social And Emotional Learning? | 00:12:37 | |
As teens head back to school with even more emotional challenges than ever before due to the pandemic, providing them tools to address such challenges is crucial. Studies show that Social and Emotional Learning, called SEL, can help improve emotional well-being, academics, and more. In this episode of The Screenagers Podcast, Dr. Delaney Ruston talks with Jordan Posamentier, Director of Policy and Advocacy for Committee for Children, about what constitutes effective SEL programs and how specifically all of us can advocate for getting SEL into all schools. | |||
| 08 Oct 2020 | How To Spot And Stop The Spread of Disinformation | 00:21:00 | |
Now more than ever, it is crucial to have the ability to spot disinformation on the internet. How skillful are our kids at spotting disinformation? In this episode of The Screenagers Podcast, we meet the director of the Stanford History Education Group, Joel Breakstone, PhD, who has researched this topic — and it is not pretty. His team has analyzed how college students, historians, and fact-checkers evaluate websites in order to create effective strategies for spotting disinformation. We learn why the C.R.A.P. Test is outdated, and we hear from teens about how they decide not to reshare a post on social media. | |||
| 30 Dec 2024 | Managing Meltdowns and Easing Sibling Screen Time Conflicts | 00:21:13 | |
This episode looks at solutions for when screens and devices like tablets are causing conflict in the home, especially when it is time for them to be turned off! Siblings will often find themselves in conflict over devices and screen time, whether arguments over whose turn it is, jealousy over differing time allowances and scenarios wherein the younger sibling is a thorn in the side of the older sibling. Therapist, author and leading expert on youth and family dynamics, Laura Kastner, PhD, shares her expertise on behavioral management, and how it relates to sibling fights. Also, author Emily Cherkin, MEd and researcher Caroline Fitzpatrick, PhD, share more ideas on preventing and responding to screen related meltdowns, setting boundaries, and fostering emotional regulation in our kids. Practical tips include redirecting attention, “planned ignoring”, and creating family screen time/media plans (or rules) with little kids—not just teens.
Featured Experts Laura Kastner, PhD Emily Cherkin, MEd Caroline Fitzpatrick of, PhD
Books Getting to calm & Wise-Minded Parenting, by Laura Kastner The Screentime Solution, by Emily Cherkin
Research References Fitzpatrick, C., et al. Early-Childhood Tablet Use and Outbursts of Anger. JAMA Pediatrics, 2024.
Additional Links Family media plan for Video Gaming
Time Code 00:00 Introduction to Planned Ignoring 00:19 Screen Time Struggles and Sibling Conflicts 01:20 Expert Insights: Laura Kastner 02:54 Behavioral Management Techniques 08:42 Handling Screen Time Tantrums 11:15 Practical Tips for Screen Time Transitions 14:06 Research on Screen Time and Emotional Regulation 18:55 Creating Family Screen Plans 19:51 Conclusion and Resources
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| 10 Jun 2024 | Jonathan Haidt Explains the Youth Mental Health Crisis | 00:22:49 | |
Is social media, smartphones, and the sheer amount of time that young people are on screens really the main reason for the rise in mental health problems of today’s youth? On today’s episode, we delve into this pressing issue with Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist, and author of the current New York Times bestselling book, "The Anxious Generation". His insights provide a clear and compelling explanation of why this indeed is likely the case. Beyond just correlational studies, what do actual experiments show us about the link between teen mental health and screen time? Why is the time of puberty particularly concerning when it comes to handing over smartphones and social media? Why does social media seem to impact girls more negatively than boys? These are just some of the questions that today’s episode addresses. In addition, Haidt offers two solutions for improving teen mental health. This episode is not just for adults but also for teens who are directly affected by these issues. Of note, suicidal ideation is mentioned briefly in the episode. Featured Expert Research References Links to research discussed in the episode Additional Links The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt Time Code 00:00 Introduction to The Screenagers Podcast 00:23 Meet Jonathan Haidt, Author and Social Psychologist 01:29 The Anxious Generation: Key Insights 02:06 Impact of Social Media on Mental Health 03:52 Gender Differences in Mental Health Trends 05:57 Correlational and Experimental Studies on Screen Time 09:04 The Natural Experiment of Facebook's Rollout 12:31 The Hidden Dangers of Social Media 16:59 Aggression and Social Cruelty Online 19:25 Proposed Solutions and Parental Involvement 21:21 Conclusion and Resources | |||
| 10 Aug 2020 | Absolute Yes To Fighting Less | 00:21:21 | |
Arguments in the home about screen time are common and more so when school is in session, so what to do? What is a parenting strategy that can promote healthy screen use, and other positive behaviors, while at the same time decrease fighting? In this episode of The Screenagers Podcast, Dr. Delaney Ruston talks with one of her favorite parenting experts, Dr. Tammy Fisher Huson, about a strategy has made a real difference in Dr. Ruston's own home. *And one quick note, past episodes were intentionally created for parents to listen to with their kids but this one is more geared for parents. That said, if you do share it with your kids or teens it may spark a helpful conversation about how your communication is going. | |||