The Screenagers Podcast
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.
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Absolute Yes To Fighting Less (Rerun)
04/15/2024
Absolute Yes To Fighting Less (Rerun)
We're bringing back this episode today to help with the common arguments in the home about screen time and what to do. What is a parenting strategy that can promote healthy screen use, and other positive behaviors, while at the same time decrease fighting? In this episode of The Screenagers Podcast, Dr. Delaney Ruston talks with one of her favorite parenting experts, Dr. Tammy Fisher Huson, about a strategy that has made a real difference in Dr. Ruston's own home.
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Acing Screen Time Conflicts with Lisa Damour
04/01/2024
Acing Screen Time Conflicts with Lisa Damour
Parenting kids has always had its challenges, but now, in the tech revolution, conflicts are at a whole new level. The good news is that research shows that conflicts done well have all sorts of benefits for youth. But how do we ensure healthier conflicts? On today’s episode, Lisa Damour, Ph.D. psychologist and author of three New York Times best-selling books about adolescents, including “The Emotional Lives of Teenagers,” shares valuable advice on doing just that. The episode explores teen psychology, common screen time arguments, and several approaches to having healthier conflicts. All this makes for compelling listening not just for parents but for adolescents as well. Featured Expert Research References (Sage Journal) (Frontiers in Human Neuroscience) (The Arts in Psychotherapy) Additional Links Books by Lisa Damour:
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Snapchat Uncovered - Teens Discuss Pitfalls of this Popular App
03/18/2024
Snapchat Uncovered - Teens Discuss Pitfalls of this Popular App
Concerns over Snapchat use by its many young users seem to be discussed much less than concerns over TikTok and Instagram. Yet, issues with Snapchat are plenty — be it social conflicts or the sexually explicit material that can be seen on the app. In today's episode, Dr. Ruston discusses these topics and more with a high school boy and a young woman in college. The guests discuss problems created by the App's Snapscore feature, which is a ranking given to users based on how many snaps they send or receive. In addition, they talk about social conflicts that can happen on the app, issues around sexual content, and suggestions to parents regarding when to allow the app and how to talk about it with kids. Additional Links
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Is Social Media Addiction A Real Thing?
03/04/2024
Is Social Media Addiction A Real Thing?
In this episode, Dr. Delaney Ruston dives into the pressing issue of social media addiction through the story of one young person, Lars, and insights from the chief of addiction medicine at Stanford, Ana Lembke, MD, and longtime media researcher Douglas Gentile, PhD. Through Lar’s struggle with social media addiction, listeners gain an intimate look at the impact of social media on mental health and identity. The episode sheds light on the various ways compulsive social media use can impact a young person and delves into the science behind digital addiction. Ultimately, Dr. Ruston and her guests offer valuable tips on how to know when social media use is in the zone of a clinical addiction and, most importantly, how to help teens who are in that zone, or wobbling there, to break free. Featured Experts Additional Links Anna Lembke’s book, Time code of the episode 00:00 Introduction to Social Media Addiction 00:37 The Lawsuits Against Social Media Giants 01:47 Interview with Experts on Social Media Addiction 02:15 The Power of Social Media and Its Impact 04:19 The Journey of a Social Media Influencer 09:43 The Struggle with Mental Illness and Technology 11:11 The Science Behind Social Media Addiction 13:40 Understanding Addiction on a Spectrum 19:27 The Impact of Overabundance on Mental Health 20:19 Recovering from Social Media Addiction 24:54 Helping Others Overcome Social Media Addiction 25:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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How Self-Compassion Can Make Parenting Easier
02/19/2024
How Self-Compassion Can Make Parenting Easier
In this episode of The Screenagers Podcast, Dr. Delaney Ruston talks to author and psychologist Dr. Kristin Neff, Ph.D., about the power of self-compassion. They discuss the prevalent issue of self-criticism among parents, particularly regarding screen time, and how adopting self-compassion can help navigate such challenges. Dr. Neff and Dr. Ruston share personal parenting experiences along the way. The episode provides practical advice to help listeners, parents, and teens initiate their own self-compassion practice. Featured Expert Research References (Journal of Clinical Psychology) (Self and Identity) (Journal of Personality Assessment) (Self and Identity) Time code of the episode 00:04 Introduction and Personal Reflections 00:26 Understanding Self Compassion 00:48 Interview with Kristin Neff 02:29 Exploring the Concept of Self Compassion 04:59 Applying Self Compassion in Personal Life 05:45 Challenges and Misconceptions about Self Compassion 07:08 Understanding Self Criticism 11:44 Applying Self Compassion in Parenting 12:45 Balancing Fierce and Tender Self Compassion 15:59 Growing Compassion through Personal Struggles 18:08 A Day at the Park: A Parent's Perspective on Autism 19:04 The Struggles of Parenting and the Power of Self-Compassion 20:26 Research Insights: Self-Compassion in Parenting Autistic Children 22:05 The Impact of Self-Compassion on Teens and Motivation 23:10 Practical Steps to Cultivate Self-Compassion 29:32 The Role of Self-Compassion in Authenticity and Relationships 31:58 Resources and Tools for Developing Self-Compassion 32:42 Conclusion: The Power of Self-Compassion in the Screen Age Additional Links Two Books by Dr Neff:
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How to Address the Hardest Screen Time Parenting Dilemmas
02/05/2024
How to Address the Hardest Screen Time Parenting Dilemmas
In this episode, Dr. Ruston tackles some of the thorniest screen time parenting issues with social worker Charlie Appelstein. Appelstein is the author of the popular book No Such Thing As A Bad Child. Using the framework of strength-based parenting, they explore strategies to help when youth break screen time rules and lie. They talk about creating fair consequences and what to do when teens are overly dismissive and mean to their parents. With over 40 years of working with youth and parents, Appelstein has a wealth of effective interventions at his fingertips. Featured Expert Time code of the episode 00:04 Introduction 01:15 Understanding Strength-Based Parenting 02:14 Applying Strength-Based Parenting in Real-Life Scenarios 02:38 Addressing the Issue of Chores and Screen Time 05:10 The Power of Positive Reinforcement 06:12 Dealing with Adolescent Anger and Separation 09:03 Setting Boundaries and Consequences 21:21 Understanding and Addressing Lying 25:57 Conclusion: The Power of Reframing and Strength-Based Parenting
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Decoding Adolescent Decision Making on Screens and Off
01/22/2024
Decoding Adolescent Decision Making on Screens and Off
In this episode of The Screenagers Podcast, Dr. Ruston focuses on the science behind teen risky decision-making, both online and offline. Dr. Ruston speaks with researchers who shed light on the latest brain science, helping us better understand the biology behind adolescents' decision-making processes. With insights from experts such as psychiatrist Dr. Anna Lembke and psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour, parents will glean practical advice on guiding their children toward wiser decisions and setting fair consequences for rule-breaking. EPISODE NOTES Research References (Law and Human Behavior) (Biological Psychiatry) Featured Experts Time code of the episode 00:04 Introduction and the Complexity of Decision Making 01:23 Understanding the Science Behind Teen Decision Making 02:55 The Role of Emotions in Decision Making 05:05 Real-life Consequences of Rash Decisions 06:17 The Neuroscience of Adolescence 07:38 The Impact of Emotions on Teenagers' Decision Making 10:30 Strategies for Parents to Help Teens Make Wiser Decisions 13:19 The Importance of Setting Limits and Fair Consequences 16:50 Understanding and Empathizing with the Challenges Teens Face 17:50 Conclusion: Encouraging Wise Decision Making
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How Does Our Digital Age Impact Teen Weed Use?
01/08/2024
How Does Our Digital Age Impact Teen Weed Use?
In this episode of The Screenagers Podcast, Dr. Delaney Ruston explores the complex issue of weed use among teenagers in today's digital world. The discussion delves into how cannabis is portrayed and often glamorized on social media and the potential risks this poses to young people, including addiction and mental health concerns. The episode also sheds light on the cannabis industry’s lack of stringent regulation and the dangers of high THC products. Importantly, Dr. Ruston offers practical strategies for parents to engage in effective and meaningful conversations with their teens about cannabis use. Research References (Journal of Forensic Sciences) (Drug and Alcohol Dependence) (JAMA Pediatrics) Featured Experts Additional Links Time code of the episode 00:04 Introduction to the Podcast 00:38 Teenagers' Perspective on Cannabis and Social Media 01:53 The Intersection of Cannabis Use and Screen Time 02:28 Medical Misconceptions about Cannabis 03:59 Personal Stories of Cannabis Use and Mental Health 04:19 The Risks of Cannabis Use for Mental Health 05:47 The Reality of Cannabis Addiction 09:26 The Impact of High THC Concentration in Cannabis 11:28 The Role of Vaping in Cannabis Use 12:33 The Need for Regulation in the Cannabis Industry 16:11 Strategies for Talking to Teens about Cannabis 18:52 Seeking Help for Cannabis Addiction 21:19 Personal Strategies for Decreasing Cannabis Use 22:27 Conclusion and Acknowledgements
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How Much Do We Really Know About Teen Vaping?
12/11/2023
How Much Do We Really Know About Teen Vaping?
On today's episode of The Screenagers Podcast, Dr. Delaney Ruston dives into the world of teens, vaping, and the cunning tactics e-cigarette companies use on social media. We'll uncover the health hazards of vaping, examine how influencers glamorize it, and we will expose deceptive marketing strategies. Joining me are Dr. Pam Ling and Rob Jackler, featured in my latest film, . They shed light on vaping's dangers and the industry's slick ploys to lure in young people. I also discuss how to empower our youth to see through these manipulations and protect themselves from the vaping industry's grasp. Research References (British Medical Journal). (Johnson & Wales University) (Nicotine and Tobacco Research) (Tobacco Induced Diseases) Time Code 00:04 Introduction to the Podcast 00:10 Understanding the Vaping Industry and Its Influence on Teens 00:36 The Role of Social Media in Promoting Vaping 01:55 The Misconceptions about Vaping and E-cigarettes 03:22 The Dangers of Vaping and E-cigarette Chemicals 06:09 The Deceptive Marketing Strategies of Vaping Companies 07:47 The Impact of Influencer Marketing on Vaping 11:50 Activism and Its Role in Combating Vaping 14:57 The Role of FDA and Regulatory Loopholes 19:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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A Teen Run Instagram Account Shook a School and the Lessons Learned
11/29/2023
A Teen Run Instagram Account Shook a School and the Lessons Learned
In this episode of The Screenagers Podcast, Dr. Delaney Ruston interviews journalist Dashka Slater about her new 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. Dr. Ruston's interview with 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 , where you can find a link to her book and much more. Here is , 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
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When Screen Time Rules Are Broken
07/11/2023
When Screen Time Rules Are Broken
Today on The Screenagers Podcast, Dr. Delaney Ruston discusses skillful ways to respond when your kids break the family tech rules. One of the most challenging things for parents is knowing how to respond when kids break rules around screen time. Dr. Ruston talks about increasing the chances of kids following rules by getting collaborative input from them.
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Love Ambush
06/24/2023
Love Ambush
Discover the powerful strategy of a "love ambush" and becoming a mental health warrior. In this episode of The Screenagers Podcast, Dr. Delaney Ruston unveils the transformative impact of showing up unannounced to support those facing mental health challenges. Through personal stories and practical advice, Dr. Ruston unveils an approach to combatting isolation and building a caring team.
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Teen Love, Hookups And How To Talk About It All
06/19/2023
Teen Love, Hookups And How To Talk About It All
Summer's heating up. In today's episode of The Screenagers Podcast, Dr. Delaney Ruston explores how we can help teens have a better understanding of what makes up positive romantic relationships, including physical intimacy. In a past survey, teens between the ages of 14 and 17 were asked what sources help them understand sex. Thirty-one percent responded that helpful information was most likely to come from parents and 22 % said friends. Dr. Ruston says parents are a great resource if they want to take on this challenge and get better at it.
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Podcast Recommendations for the Whole Family This Summer
06/13/2023
Podcast Recommendations for the Whole Family This Summer
In today’s episode of The Screenagers Podcast, Dr. Delaney Ruston shares recommendations for podcasts that you can listen to with your family this summer. So why these recommendations? Well, one of the objectives of the Screenagers movement is finding ways to connect youth and adults for meaningful conversations, not just about tech in our lives, but ways to help build in our kids' critical thinking, empathy, communication skills, and Dr. Ruston is a strong believer that listening to podcasts together and then discussing them can be a really terrific way to do that. It's also a way to celebrate one of the pearls of our tech revolution: the ability of people to become podcasters and to share science, stories, advice, and more.
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Summer Reset — Online and Offline
06/06/2023
Summer Reset — Online and Offline
Youth will have more time to breathe and explore their interests beyond school, but so often, downtime becomes screen time. Summer’s wide open time spans can heighten battles over technology use. This is the perfect time to revisit your family rules, see what’s working and what’s not, and come up with summer guidelines.
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One Girl's Experience With Online Gaming And Strangers
12/21/2021
One Girl's Experience With Online Gaming And Strangers
In today’s episode, Dr. Ruston talks with an 11-year-old girl, Mira, regarding what she likes about the popular gaming platform Roblox and the video game Minecraft. Mira also shares experiences she’s had with strangers while gaming. Mira discusses specific encounters and how she has handled such situations. Mira’s mom joins for part of the episode. If you have kids who do online gaming, listening to this episode with them can help spark important conversations.
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Why Care About Social And Emotional Learning?
08/28/2021
Why Care About Social And Emotional Learning?
As teens head back to school with even more emotional challenges than ever before due to the pandemic, providing them tools to address such challenges is crucial. Studies show that Social and Emotional Learning, called SEL, can help improve emotional wellbeing, academics, and more. In this episode, Ruston talks with Jordan Posamentier, Director of Policy and Advocacy for Committee for Children, about what constitutes effective SEL programs and how all of us can advocate for getting SEL into all schools.
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Two Moms, Two Experiments In Less Screen Time
07/27/2021
Two Moms, Two Experiments In Less Screen Time
In today’s episode, Ruston talks with two mothers who have been working to have specific family times with less screen interference. First is a mom of four and her experience of doing screen-free family Sundays. Learn about the upsides and the challenges. The other is a mom in Alaska who has prioritized reading with her kids and how they keep screens at bay during this sacred time. This episode can be a good launching point for experimenting with new screen-free times in your home.
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Parents In Conflict Over Screen Time
07/12/2021
Parents In Conflict Over Screen Time
We've all heard the importance of parents showing a united front to their kids about rules. It’s a good thing to be united, but what about when you’re not? In this episode, Dr. Ruston looks at strategies parents can turn to when in disagreement — whether married or divorced. We gain insights from clinical psychologist Laura Kastner, Ph.D., and school counselor Tammy Fisher Huson, Ph.D. and we hear from the researcher, Doug Gentile, who followed 1400 families for a year regarding family rules.
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One Family’s Weekly Unplugging Ritual
06/03/2021
One Family’s Weekly Unplugging Ritual
We are doing episodes on ways families experiment with having specific times for more togetherness and less screen interference. Today’s show is with Tiffany Shlain and her daughter, Odessa. Tiffany is the founder of the Webby Awards, a filmmaker, and the author of the book 24/6. The podcast explores her family’s weekly ritual of unplugging Friday night to Saturday evening for “Tech Shabbat.” Tiffany and Odessa explain the what, why, and how of their weekly practice.
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Calling All Kids And Adults: Let’s Rethink Cyberbullying
05/15/2021
Calling All Kids And Adults: Let’s Rethink Cyberbullying
When it comes to cyberbullying, what's fact and what's fiction? What do all kids need to know about how to handle online cruelty and how to help those getting targeted? And what can parents and schools do to be most helpful? To answer these and other questions, Dr. Ruston speaks with psychologist Dr. Elizabeth Englander, who has spent decades researching and writing books on these topics.
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School's In And So Is Anxiety
05/03/2021
School's In And So Is Anxiety
This spring, as vaccination rates increase, more schools are opening their campuses for in-person learning. At the same time, anxiety about returning to school is high for many youth. How do we help our kids and teens who are experiencing anxious feelings related to school? To address this topic, Ruston speaks with a high school student and two child psychologists, Dr. Elizabeth Englander, a researcher, and Dr. Laura Kastner, a clinical psychologist.
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Recovered Gaming Addict Shares His Story And Advice
02/09/2021
Recovered Gaming Addict Shares His Story And Advice
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 to youth and their parents about video gaming. Today he shares his powerful personal story along with his wealth of insights for any youth who enjoys video gaming and any parent who is working to ensure a balanced life for their child.
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Violence In Video Games And Shows, Why Should We Care?
01/25/2021
Violence In Video Games And Shows, Why Should We Care?
Everyone knows that many young people play video games based on violent themes, and that shows have far more violence than when adults were kids. When COVID hit, many parents started to allow their kids to play games that they wouldn't have before COVID just because it has been such a source of connection. Dr. Ruston wants to understand how that this violence impacts youth. We hear from Douglas Gentile, Ph.D., a child psychologist who has been doing groundbreaking research in this field for over 25 years.
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Tips From A Therapist Of Teens With Problematic Tech Use
12/26/2020
Tips From A Therapist Of Teens With Problematic Tech Use
These days Dr. Ruston hears parents’ concerns around all the video gaming their kids are doing — as well as social media and other screen time and their worries around the risks their kids will develop an addiction to technology. Dr. Ruston talks with Ed Spector, Psy.D., a psychologist who has worked with young people struggling with problematic video gaming and the internet. Learn what gaming disorder is and what strategies Dr. Spector uses with his clients to gain more balance in their tech lives.
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Inoculating Youth With The Truth About Vaccines
11/13/2020
Inoculating Youth With The Truth About Vaccines
False information about vaccines has been around before social media, but now it can spread that much faster. The results have been deadly. We all want safe and effective vaccines against COVID. Today Dr. Ruston breaks down some of the false information around vaccines, explores amazing vaccine history, and relates this all to COVID. We also hear from kids and from a renowned vaccine researcher, Dr. Parker Small.
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How To Spot And Stop The Spread of Disinformation
10/08/2020
How To Spot And Stop The Spread of Disinformation
Stanford researcher who studies this question and has created evidenced-based ways kids can be savvy fact-checkers. Also, teens share how they evaluate social media posts and decide when to share or not.
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New Science On Sleep, Our Kids, And What To Do
08/28/2020
New Science On Sleep, Our Kids, And What To Do
With back to school starting and all the online and offline stressors our kids face right now, this show is about improving our kids’ emotional well-being by focusing on healthy sleep. Have your kids and teens listen to this show with you! Hear fascinating insights and studies from Dr. Judy Owens, the Director of Sleep Medicine at Boston Children's Hospital, as well as parents and teens' real-life experiences. You will discover new ideas for increasing your child’s chance of brain nourishing sleep.
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Absolute Yes To Fighting Less
08/10/2020
Absolute Yes To Fighting Less
Arguments in the home about screen time are common and more so when school is in session, so what to do? What is a parenting strategy that can promote healthy screen use, and other positive behaviors, while at the same time decrease fighting? In this episode, Delaney talks with one of her favorite parenting experts, Dr. Tammy Fisher Huson, about a strategy that Delaney learned from Tammy in the past and has made a real difference in Delaney’s own home.
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How Influencers Make All Their Money, And Why It’s Important
07/30/2020
How Influencers Make All Their Money, And Why It’s Important
It's a new world where regular people of all ages become stars on the internet overnight. But how do young influencers become brand marketers? Different for males than females? Kids & teens feel connected & trust YouTubers they follow but are they aware they're being marketed to? How is this type of marketing affecting our kids' self-esteem? Today’s guests include a talent manager for influencers who gives a behind the scenes look at these questions, along with teens who share their personal experiences.
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