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 strategi...
How Smartwatches Are Subverting School No-Phone Policies
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
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21:43
Teens, Roblox, and Real Money: A Parents Guide to In-Game Purchases
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
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26:27
Talking to Your Teen About Sex: Advice for Parents
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
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20:16
Managing Meltdowns and Easing Sibling Screen Time Conflicts
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
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21:13
Jonathan Haidt Explains the Youth Mental Health Crisis (Encore)
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
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.
USA