Social Media’s Influence on Eating Disorders: Insights from Dr. G
Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers Podcast
Release Date: 07/21/2025
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...
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Setting Screen Time Rules That Actually Work, with Jean Twenge
Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers Podcast
How can parents set limits that actually stick in a high-tech world? And what rules to set? In this episode, the prominent screen time researcher, Jean Twenge, PhD discusses her new book, 10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World. Twenge explains the science behind how screens disrupt sleep, and shares ways to use parental controls effectively. The conversation also explores delaying smartphones and social media, enforcing meaningful consequences, and why changing community norms, not just household rules, can make all the difference. Expert Book Resources...
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Recovered Gaming Addict Shares His Story And Advice (Encore)
Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers Podcast
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 well tested advice to youth and their parents. Expert: Episode Resources: Additional Resources: Time Code: 00:00 Introduction 00:38 Meet Cam Adair: From Gamer to Advocate 01:57 Cam's Personal Struggles with Gaming 06:42 Turning...
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From Grief to Advocacy: A Mother's Fight Against Snapchat
Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers Podcast
Dr Ruston speaks with Amy Neville, mother of Alexander Neville who tragically died at age 14 after taking a fentanyl-laced pill he obtained through Snapchat. He thought he was buying an oxycontin but instead the pill was a pill laced with fentanyl. Amy shares her journey from grief to activism, discussing her efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of social media-facilitated drug deals and her advocacy for stronger accountability from tech companies. This episode offers insights into the vulnerabilities of teens in the digital world, the current drug crisis, and practical...
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What 3 Adults Learned Trying to Change Their Own Phone Habits
Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers Podcast
Many parents feel hypocritical or guilty about their own phone or tech use when their kids or teens are around. In this episode, Dr. Ruston checks in with three parents who shared those feelings and took on the One Small Change Challenge to make a change in their own tech use. Hear from them about their successes and challenges during their two-week experiment. Even for listeners who missed the previous two episodes, this installment stands alone and offers insights on how adults can model for their children the reasons and approaches behind making positive changes to their tech...
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No More Phones in the Bedroom: One Mom’s Challenge
Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers Podcast
In our last episode, Dr. Delaney Ruston introduced the One Small Change Challenge and the DARTS model (Doable, Arrange for success, Reasons, Treats, Support) as she coached two moms on creating strategies to reach their phone-related small change targets. This week, she talks with another mom, a certified parent coach who wants to stop using her phone before bed and keep it in her room overnight. You’ll hear the specific strategies Lisa commits to. In the next episode, you’ll find out how it worked out for her and for the other moms from the previous episode. Listeners are encouraged to...
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Why Do I Keep Reaching for My Phone? Two Moms Try to Change
Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers Podcast
Do you ever catch yourself reaching for your phone when you don’t really need or want to, and wonder what that shows your kids? In this episode, Screenagers creator Dr. Delaney Ruston talks with two moms who decide it’s time to make a change. They talk about the habits they want to shift and take on the One Small Change Challenge using a model called DARTS: Doable, Arrange for success, Reasons, Treats, and Support. Follow along as Delaney walks Tory and Hillary through setting their own goals, and try using this model to set yours too. We’d love to hear if you do, so send a note to ....
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From Sports Betting to Porn: Parental Conversations Boys Need
Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers Podcast
What kind of partner do you want to be someday? Do you think privacy is important in a relationship? What do you think pornography leaves out about real relationships? These are just a few of the unusual yet important questions boys are rarely asked. In this episode, Dr. Delaney Ruston continues her conversation with educator Christopher Pepper and journalist Joanna Schroeder, co-authors of the new book Talk To Your Boys. Together, they discuss how to help boys navigate gaming, romantic relationships, and pornography. They explore online sports betting (“the house always wins”), share ways...
info_outlineWhat role does social media play in disordered eating and eating disorders? And how can parents spot early warning signs and have meaningful conversations about these tough topics? In this episode, host Dr. Ruston talks with Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani, a physician specializing in eating disorders for nearly two decades.
Dr. Gaudiani explains the difference between disordered eating and clinical eating disorders and how social media can fuel both. She shares concrete strategies to help parents talk with their teens, recognize early signs, and prevent problems.
This episode builds on our previous conversation with Isabelle, a young woman who shared her personal journey with an eating disorder and social media’s role in it. You don’t need to have heard that episode first, but they complement each other well.
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.
Featured Expert
Books
Sick Enough: A Guide To The Medical Complications Of Eating Disorders by Jennifer Gaudiani
Time Code
00:00 Introduction to Parenting in the Screen Age
00:40 Recap of Previous Episode
01:06 Today's Topic: Understanding Eating Disorders
01:30 Meet Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani
01:59 Defining Eating Disorders vs. Disordered Eating
02:08 Impact of Social Media on Eating Disorders
02:19 Clinical Eating Disorders Overview
03:16 Interview with Dr. G: Early Warning Signs
07:27 Social Media's Role in Disordered Eating
10:10 Strategies for Moderating Social Media Use
10:25 Supporting Teens in Recovery
16:33 Parental Challenges and Support
27:34 Final Thoughts and Conclusion
Resources
National Alliance for Eating Disorders (“The Alliance”)
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Website: https://www.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: https://www.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: https://www.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: https://www.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.