Eating Disorders and Social Media: Isabelle’s Story
Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers Podcast
Release Date: 07/07/2025
Raising Independent Kids: The Issue of Phone Trackers with America’s ‘Worst’ Mom (encore)
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...
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What Does “Hookup Culture” Actually Mean? Answers for Parents and Teens (encore)
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...
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A Clear Roadmap for When Your Kid Breaks a Rule
Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers Podcast
When your child breaks a rule or misbehaves, do you feel unsure what consequences to impose? Do you avoid discipline altogether, or worry your responses are too harsh? Dr. Ruston talks about this with Tammy Fisher Huson, PhD, a beloved school counselor, trainer of counselors, and the author of two books: Fearless Parenting and There's Always Something Going Right. Tammy provides a roadmap for addressing broken rules and digs into consequences for real scenarios. For example, when a teen spends excessive time with an AI companion through video gaming, another who secretly subscribed to Snapchat...
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Kids Using AI Chatbots: The Risks Parents Can’t Ignore (encore)
Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers Podcast
With AI continuing to be an ever-growing presence in our lives and our kids' lives, we're revisiting this episode where host, Dr. Delaney Ruston, MD, 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...
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ADHD, Screens, and Sleep: Strategies to Help Kids and Teens
Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers Podcast
Confused about ADHD or looking for effective ways to support a child or teen? Dr. Ruston is joined by Erin Schoenfelder Gonzalez, PhD, a clinical psychologist at Seattle Children’s Hospital, who explains how ADHD is diagnosed and how symptoms evolve from childhood through adolescence. They explore both the strengths and challenges associated with the condition. The episode focuses on research-based strategies that parents and other adults can use to support youth, including “point-of-performance” actions, preventing “dopamine cliffs,” and other approaches for managing screen time,...
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Screen Time Solutions from the AAP's Leading Experts on Kids, Screens & Social Media
Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers Podcast
What are the risks of regularly handing an upset child a screen to soothe them? How can we help younger kids handle their big emotions related to screen time rules? How can you get evidence-based answers to any screen time question, straight from the AAP? Dr. Ruston speaks with pediatricians and researchers Dr. Megan Moreno and Dr. Jenny Radesky, who helped launch and now oversee the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health. Dr. Moreno is a professor of pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and co-medical director of the...
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How to Motivate Our Kids Without Nagging Them! (Encore)
Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers Podcast
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...
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How High Schoolers Took on Big Tobacco and Won
Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers Podcast
Could we imagine a world in which nicotine products did not exist? Could such a world be shaped by teens working together to make it happen, and what might that mean for public health? 25-year-old Raven Twilling, Program Coordinator for Bay Area Community Resources in Marin County, discusses how she has helped organize teens to make nicotine products illegal to sell in two California towns. She shares her journey from noticing vaping trends in high school to studying public health and working in her current role. Raven highlights recent successful initiatives, including complete bans on the...
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Talking to Your Teen About Sex: Advice for Parents (encore)
Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers Podcast
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. Please note this episode features discussion of...
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Raising The Amazing Generation: Helping Kids Become Wiser Tech Users
Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers Podcast
In this episode, Dr Ruston is joined by journalist and author Catherine Price, author of How To Break Up With Your Phone. They discuss her new book co-authored with Jonathan Haidt, 'The Amazing Generation,' aimed at empowering kids to be tech-savvy and foster real-world connections. The conversation includes practical tips for managing tech use in families and the concept of 'The Rebels Code' for kids to use technology wisely. In addition Price shares details about tech time limits with her 10 year old daughter. Expert Books Other Resources Time Code 00:00...
info_outlineWe often hear about social media’s impact on body image, but what can we learn from someone who’s lived it firsthand, developing a serious exercise and eating disorder?
Dr. Delaney Ruston sits down with Isabelle, a teen who bravely shares her journey from body dysmorphia to a severe eating disorder, struggles made worse by the constant stream of triggering content on platforms like TikTok.
Isabelle opens up about how social media shaped her self-perception and how therapy, hospitalization, and strong family support helped her begin to heal.
With candid insights from Isabelle and her parents, this episode explores the real risks of social media use and sets the stage for a follow-up conversation with a leading eating disorder expert.
This episode is intended for adult and teen audiences but please note it includes discussion of eating disorders, body image, and related experiences, so please listen with care.
If you or someone you love is affected by any of the issues we talk about today, you’ll find a list of support resources below.
Resources:
National Alliance for Eating Disorders (“The Alliance”)
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Website: allianceforeatingdisorders.com
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Free helpline: 866‑662‑1235 (Mon–Fri, 9am–7pm ET)
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Offers: Personalized support and referrals. Also operates https://www.findEDhelp.com, a free directory of eating disorder treatment centers and providers.
National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)
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Website: nationaleatingdisorders.org
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Offers: Free screening tools, treatment locators, support group listings, and educational materials.
Crisis Text Line
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Website: crisistextline.org
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Text “HOME” to 741‑741 to chat with a trained crisis counselor, or use the live chat at the website
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Offers: 24/7 mental health support, resources, and crisis intervention.
The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth)
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Website: thetrevorproject.org
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Text “START” to 678‑678 to connect with a crisis counselor
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Offers: 24/7 crisis support, online chat, and mental health resources tailored to LGBTQ+ youth.
Time Codes:
00:00 Introduction to Parenting in the Screen Age
00:19 The Impact of Media on Teen Body Image
00:46 Influencers and the Promotion of Eating Disorders
02:21 Isabel's Journey with an Eating Disorder
03:26 The Role of Social Media in Isabel's Struggle
05:11 Family Perspectives on Isabel's Experience
11:48 The Turning Point: Seeking Treatment
12:55 Life After Treatment: Recovery and Reflections
17:08 Advice for Parents and Teens
20:40 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes