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The Screenagers Podcast

Kids & Family Podcasts

Join Delaney Ruston, MD, a leading authority on parenting in the digital age and the filmmaker of the award-winning Screenagers movies, as she explores strategies for raising screen-wise and tech-balanced youth. Through interviews with researchers, thought leaders, and young people themselves, The Screenagers Podcast delivers the latest in science along with practical tips and important insights that parents will want to share with their kids and teens.

Location:

United States

Description:

Join Delaney Ruston, MD, a leading authority on parenting in the digital age and the filmmaker of the award-winning Screenagers movies, as she explores strategies for raising screen-wise and tech-balanced youth. Through interviews with researchers, thought leaders, and young people themselves, The Screenagers Podcast delivers the latest in science along with practical tips and important insights that parents will want to share with their kids and teens.

Language:

English


Episodes
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How Smartwatches Are Subverting School No-Phone Policies

2/3/2025
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 Dr. Tammy Fisher, Ph.D. 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 Nurtured Heart Institute 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

Duration:00:21:43

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Teens, Roblox, and Real Money: A Parents Guide to In-Game Purchases

1/27/2025
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

Duration:00:26:27

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Talking to Your Teen About Sex: Advice for Parents

1/13/2025
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 Laura Kastner, PhD Books Wise-Minded Parenting 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

Duration:00:20:16

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Managing Meltdowns and Easing Sibling Screen Time Conflicts

12/30/2024
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 Tablets 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

Duration:00:21:13

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Jonathan Haidt Explains the Youth Mental Health Crisis (Encore)

12/16/2024
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 Jonathan Haidt, PhD 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

Duration:00:22:49

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How to Motivate Our Kids Without Nagging Them!

12/2/2024
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 David Yeager, PhD 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 Yeager, D. et al. Breaking the cycle of mistrust: Wise interventions to provide critical feedback across the racial divide. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 143(2), 804–824, 2014. Dobson, K. et al. A Transparency Statement Improves Community-Police Interactions. Research Square (Research Square), 2022. Yeager, D. et al. A Transparency Statement Transforms Community-Police Interactions. Research Square (Research Square), 2022. Telzer, E. et al. Ventral striatum activation to prosocial rewards predicts longitudinal declines in adolescent risk taking. Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, 3, 45–52, 2013. 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

Duration:00:44:01

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Why School Safety Experts Want Phone Bans

11/18/2024
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 Clayton Cranford Resources Away for the Day Common Pushbacks Total Safety Solutions, LLC 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

Duration:00:22:09

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Kids Using AI Chatbots: The Risks Parents Can’t Ignore

11/4/2024
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 VoiceBox VoiceBox’s Ambassador Program 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

Duration:00:31:05

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The Sleep Crisis: Addressing Melatonin and Tech as Sleep Aids

10/21/2024
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. Time Codes: 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.” Yang, F. N., Xie, W., & Wang, Z. Effects of sleep duration on neurocognitive development in early adolescents in the USA: a propensity score matched, longitudinal, observational study. The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, 6(10), 2022. 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.” Carter, B., et al. Association Between Portable Screen-Based Media Device Access or Use and Sleep Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Pediatrics, 170(12), 1202–1208, 2016. 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." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Pediatric Melatonin Ingestions — United States, 2012–2021. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 71(22), 725–729. 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." Erland, L. A. E., & Saxena, P. K. (2017). Melatonin Natural Health Products and Supplements: Presence of Serotonin and Significant Variability of Melatonin Content. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 13(02), 275–281. Study #3 "We know that melatonin... has an effect on reproductive hormones... There may be...

Duration:00:26:00

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Tackling Problematic Social Media Use

10/8/2024
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

Duration:00:24:07

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How to Delay Social Media and Smartphone Use With Wait Until 8th

10/1/2024
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: Wait Until 8th Brooke Shannon Smartphone alternatives Social media family-conversation guide

Duration:00:28:50

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Instagram Unfiltered: Teens Tell All (Encore)

9/23/2024
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

Duration:00:29:28

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Parenting Tips from Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition

9/9/2024
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

Duration:00:13:09

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How ZYN's Social Media Strategy is Driving Teen Nicotine Addiction

8/26/2024
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 Dr. Robert Jackler Research References Stanford Research into The Impact of Tobacco Advertisin Additional Links Quit The Hit Hope Lab 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

Duration:00:18:47

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How Smartphones Are Pushing Schools to Breaking Point

8/12/2024
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 Jonathan Haidt Research References Away For The Day 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

Duration:00:30:26

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How A Teen Run Instagram Account Shook a School (Encore)

8/5/2024
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

Duration:00:48:40

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Instagram Unfiltered: Teens Tell All

7/20/2024
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

Duration:00:29:28

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From Junk Food to Social Media: How Teens Get Manipulated

7/8/2024
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 David Yeager, PhD 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 Robert Jackler, MD 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

Duration:00:22:48

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How Our Own Trauma Impacts Our Parenting

6/24/2024
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 David Johnson Ed.D LMHC 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

Duration:00:31:36

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How Parents’ Big and Little “t” Traumas can Impact Parenting Screen Time

6/24/2024
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 David Johnson Ed.D LMHC 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

Duration:00:08:43