What Does “Hookup Culture” Actually Mean? Answers for Parents and Teens
Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers Podcast
Release Date: 02/17/2025
When Co-Parents Clash Over Screen Rules
Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers Podcast
Struggling to get on the same page with your co-parent about screen time rules? Worried that enforcing boundaries might harm your relationship with your teen? In this episode, Delaney talks with renowned family psychologist and author Dr. Laura Kastner about the tricky — but crucial — process of setting and upholding screen time rules. Together, they explore a practical roadmap built around The Four Cs: Calm, Confidence, Co-Parent Unity, and Collaboration. Packed with relatable examples and expert-backed strategies, this conversation will help you navigate resistance and hold boundaries...
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Are AirPods Ruining Our Kids’ Hearing?
Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers Podcast
How risky are the high volumes blasting through the earpods that poke into our kids’ ears? What about our adult ears? In this episode, Dr. Delaney Ruston explores the fascinating world of hearing health and the risks associated with exposure to loud noises, especially through headphones and earphones. Delaney is joined by Dr. Robert Jackler, MD, a researcher and neurotologist from Stanford, who discusses the mechanics of hearing loss, the dangers of excessive noise exposure, and practical steps to protect hearing. The show provides numerous productive ways for parents and...
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Boredom In, Boredom Out: How Teens Experience Social Media
Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers Podcast
Why is it so hard for teens and young adults to cut back on social media — even when they truly want to? What emotional triggers keep pulling them back onto apps, and what actually happens once they're there? In this episode of Parenting in the Screen Age, host Dr. Delaney Ruston explores these questions with Dr. Katie Davis, a leading expert on youth and technology. Dr. Davis is a professor at the University of Washington’s Information School, with an adjunct appointment in the College of Education. She co-directs the UW Digital Youth Lab and is the author of three books on how technology...
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Screen Time, Teens and Therapy: What Parents Need to Know
Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers Podcast
In this episode of 'Parenting in the Screen Age,' host Delaney Ruston discusses the critical role of counseling and therapy for teen mental health. Joined by Laura Kastner, PhD, author of acclaimed parenting books and a teen and family therapist for over 30 years, they debunk common myths about therapy and explore effective ways parents can support their teens struggling with depression, anxiety, and tech overuse. The conversation offers insights into how to identify when professional help is needed, and emphasizes the necessity of family involvement in therapy. ...
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How Screens Trap Teens In Depression — Jean Twenge Explains the Trap
Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers Podcast
Are screens just a habit for young people, or something far more harmful? In this episode, psychologist and researcher Dr. Jean Twenge, author of iGen and Generations, breaks down how screen time — especially social media and gaming — is hijacking teen mental health. From rising rates of depression and anxiety to her powerful “A-N-D” framework (Attachment, Negative experiences, Displacement), Jean explains why so many teens are struggling — and what we can do to help. Hear what the latest research really says, what most headlines miss, and how we can help young people reclaim...
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Tradwives, the Manosphere, and Online Sexism: What Can Parents Do?
Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers Podcast
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...
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Inside a Middle School’s Fight Against Smartphone-Fueled Cruelty and Bullying
Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers Podcast
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...
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Raising Independent Kids: The Issue of Phone Trackers with America’s ‘Worst’ Mom
Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers Podcast
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...
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How One School’s Bold Move to Lock Away Phones Transformed Learning
Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers Podcast
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...
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What Does “Hookup Culture” Actually Mean? Answers for Parents and Teens
Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers Podcast
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...
info_outlineHost 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