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  • Originally published Jan 2024

    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:

    Potency levels of regulated cannabis products in Michigan 2021–2022 (Journal of Forensic Sciences)

    Recent rapid decrease in adolescents' perception that marijuana is harmful, but no concurrent increase in use (Drug and Alcohol Dependence)

    Acute Mental Health Symptoms in Adolescent Marijuana Users (JAMA Pediatrics)

    Featured Experts:

    Sharon Levy, MD

    Pam Ling, MD

    Additional Links:

    Recovery support in general

    Marajuana anonymous

    Timecode:

    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

  • Why do some kids and teens get overly frustrated and bored when it's time to turn off their video games? How to know when game playing has become excessive? What are tips that all families should know for ensuring healthy video game play?

    In today's episode of The Screenagers Podcast, Dr. Delaney Ruston explores these issues along with a new model of brain biology to help explain irritability and boredom associated with video gaming. We hear from teens along with psychiatrist Dr. Clifford Sussman who specializes in helping young people regain tech balance.

    We also hear from Andrew Fulton who was in the film, Screenagers, when he was getting treatment at an internet rehab center, and is now working at the same center helping others recover from video game overuse.

    Additional Links

    Andrew in this episode works at the internet recovery center called reStart

    To learn more about Dr. Clifford Sussman, go to his website.

    Dr. Sussman et al., Internet and Video Game Addictions: Diagnosis, Epidemiology and Neurobiology.

    Here are links to some Tech Talk Tuesday articles about video games:

    Digital Binging, Is it a Problem? Why 3 Hours is Too Much Fake Identities and Real Concerns Watch What Happens When Kids Have No Screen Time Rules

    Additional Resources

    Screenagers Website

    Bring Screenagers to Your Community

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  • In today's episode, Dr. Ruston interviews tech journalist Manoush Zomorodi about her book Body Electric and a movement to normalize periodic movement breaks from screens.

    Zomorodi talks about research that shows five minutes of gentle movement every 30 minutes can significantly improve glucose, blood pressure, focus, mood, and energy, and explains a large self-reported project with 20,000 participants testing breaks every 30 minutes, hour, or two hours.

    They discuss why standing desks aren't enough, how movement supports circulation and cognition, practical habit strategies, and parenting approaches to help motivate kids to move, such as framing movement as something kids "get to" do.

    Expert:

    Manoush Zomorodi

    Book:

    Body Electric: The Hidden Health Costs of the Digital Age and New Science to Reclaim Your Well-Being, by Manoush Zomorodi

    Research References:

    Breaking Up Prolonged Sitting to Improve Cardiometabolic Risk: Dose-Response Analysis of a Randomized Crossover Trial, Keith Diaz, PhD et al.

    Resources:

    Screenagers Website

    Bring Screenagers to Your Community

    Time Code:

    00:00 Show Updates

    00:28 Meet Manoush

    02:40 Why Screens Exhaust Us

    04:13 Five Minute Fix

    06:49 Testing Movement Breaks

    08:24 Citizen Science Approach

    11:56 Lab Results Surprise

    15:28 Standing Desk Myth

    18:04 Making Breaks Stick

    20:46 Listening to Your Body

    21:30 Movement Mindset Shift

    22:22 Screenagers Films Break

    23:13 Parenting Without Shame

    24:42 The Pandemic Questionnaire

    26:35 Did You Get to Move

    27:24 Airport Workouts Legacy

    28:08 Tracking Steps Without Pressure

    30:21 Be the Weirdo at Work

    32:17 Movement Experiments With Kids

    33:04 Part Two Tease and Resources

    33:50 Where to Find Manoush

    34:44 Podcast Wrap and Credits

  • 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 episode explores the factors contributing to decreased independence and offers tools for parents and schools to combat this trend. It also examines the role of technology and tracking devices in this context, addressing both their benefits and potential pitfalls. This episode is intended for adult and teen audiences.

    Featured Expert

    Lenore Skenazy

    Books

    Free Range Kids by Lenore Skenazy

    Research References

    Mott Poll Report: Promoting children's Independence: What parents say vs do

    Media violence, physical aggression, and relational aggression in school age children: a short-term longitudinal study. (Aggressive Behavior)

    Additional Resources

    Lenore Skenazy's blog

    LetGrow.Org

    Time Code

    00:00 Introduction

    00:20 The Decline of Children's Autonomy

    01:02 Challenges in Encouraging Independence

    01:22 Parental Concerns and Media Influence

    02:00 Exploring Solutions with Lenore Skenazy

    02:39 Lenore's Controversial Parenting Decision

    08:21 The Birth of Free Range Kids Movement

    10:07 Statistics and Parental Fears

    18:05 Let Grow Initiative and School Programs

    22:34 Technology's Role in Children's Independence

    32:44 Conclusion and Resources

  • 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 landscape.

    Featured Expert

    Lisa Wade, PhD

    Books

    American Hookup: The New Culture of Sex on Campus, By Lisa Wade, PhD

    Additional Resources

    Screenagers Website

    Bring Screenagers to Your Community

    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

  • 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 Plus on a parent's credit card, and a child who lies about homework. Huson also offers advice to parents when their kid gets into trouble at school.

    Expert:

    Tammy Fisher Huson, PhD

    Books:

    Fearless Parenting, Stepping Into Life's Greatest Role Using The Nurtured Heart Approach by Tammy Fisher Huson

    There's Always Something Going Right: Workbook for Creating Truly Great Schools by Tammy Fisher Huson and Louisa Triandis

    Additional Resources:

    Data From 50 States: Teachers See Student Behavior as a Significant Problem, in Education Week, March 13, 2026

    Screenagers Website

    Bring Screenagers to Your Community

    Time Code:

    00:00 Welcome and Topic Setup

    01:53 Consequences as Privileges

    03:34 Partnering With Schools

    06:22 Snap Plus Credit Card Lesson

    07:49 Let Teens Choose Consequences

    12:52 Sponsor Break Screenagers Films

    13:42 Homework Lies and Curiosity

    15:41 Menu of Choices and Earning Back

    19:13 AI Companions and Tough Limits

    23:25 Village Support and Wrap Up

    25:27 Final Thanks and Subscribe

  • 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 to 24.

    They discuss concerning features, such as how My AI uses location tracking to target young users with ads and emphasize the importance of educating both youth and adults about the potential dangers of AI companions, particularly regarding data privacy, emotional impact, and ethical implications.

    Resources

    Coded Companions: Young People's Relationships With AI Chat Bots

    Natalie Foos, Director of VoiceBox

    VoiceBox

    VoiceBox's Ambassador Program

    Can A.I. Be Blamed for a Teen's Suicide?, New York Times, Oct 24, 2024

    Additional Resources

    Screenagers Website

    Bring Screenagers to Your Community

    Time Codes:

    00:00 Introduction to Screenagers Podcast

    00:11 Exploring Companion Chatbots

    00:28 Interview with Natalie Foos: VoiceBox and Youth Voices

    00:57 Coded Companions Report: AI Chatbots and Youth

    01:26 Snapchat's MyAI: Features and Concerns

    05:43 Replika: Customizable AI Companions

    12:40 Ethical Concerns and Data Privacy

    16:42 Emotional Impact of AI Relationships

    25:38 Potential Harms and Risks

    28:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

  • 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, physical activity, and sleep. Dr. Schoenfelder Gonzalez also shares her work developing FAST (First Approach Skills Training), a free, evidence-based program designed to give parents practical tools to support youth with ADHD and other conditions.

    Featured Expert‍

    Erin Schoenfelder Gonzalez, PhD

    Research References

    Sibley, M. et al. Non-pharmacological interventions for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents. Lancet Child & Adolescent Health. 2023

    Sharma, A. et al. Stimulant medications affect arousal and reward, not attention networks. Cell, 2025.

    Resources‍

    Fast Approach Skills Training Program

    ‍Additional Resources

    Screenagers Website

    Bring Screenagers to Your Community‍

    ‍‍‍‍

    Time Code

    00:00 Welcome and Topic Setup

    01:34 Meet Dr Erin Felder Gonzalez

    02:37 Why ADHD Not ADD

    03:33 ADHD Across Ages

    08:14 Motivation and Reward Brain

    09:53 Explaining ADHD Positively

    11:59 ADHD and Mood Struggles

    12:59 Screenagers Films Break

    13:49 Parent Training Big Picture

    17:10 Positive Reinforcement Skills

    18:50 Family Media Plan Basics

    21:59 Handling Screen Limit Pushback

    24:50 Transitions and Consequences

    27:10 Choosing Better Content

    29:06 Physical Activity in Teens

    31:26 Sleep Challenges and Tips

    34:51 ADHD Brain Differences

    36:54 FAST Program Resources

    37:52 Community Support and Wrap

    39:19 Final Thanks and Subscribe

  • 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 center. Dr. Radesky is an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Michigan Medical School and director of the Division of Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics.

    Together, they share their research and insights on children, screens, and how families can get trusted guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

    Featured Experts

    Megan Moreno, MD

    Jenny Radesky, MD

    Resources

    The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health

    The AAP's Family Media Plan Tool

    ‍Additional Resources

    Screenagers Website

    Bring Screenagers to Your Community

    Time Code

    00:00 Meet the Experts

    00:28 Megan's Early Social Media Cases

    01:36 Jenny's Relational Health Lens

    02:33 Screens as Regulation Research

    04:50 Calm Without the iPad

    08:14 AAP Family Media Plan

    10:48 Problem Solving With Fast Tech

    13:24 Key Rules for Teens

    16:19 Content Choices for Little Kids

  • 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 disrespectful language, validation, cooperative problem-solving, and more. Parents will walk away with practical strategies to approach screen time struggles with confidence and clarity.

    Featured Expert

    David Yeager, PhD

    Books

    The Science of Motivating Young People, by David Yeager

    Belonging: The Science of Creating Connection and Bridging Divides, by Geoffrey L. Cohen

    Research References

    Yeager, D. et al. Breaking the cycle of mistrust: Wise interventions to provide critical feedback across the racial divide. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 143(2), 804–824, 2014.

    Dobson, K. et al. A Transparency Statement Improves Community-Police Interactions. Research Square (Research Square), 2022.

    Yeager, D. et al. A Transparency Statement Transforms Community-Police Interactions. Research Square (Research Square), 2022.

    Telzer, E. et al. Ventral striatum activation to prosocial rewards predicts longitudinal declines in adolescent risk taking. Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, 3, 45–52, 2013.

    Time Code

    00:00 Introduction to the Screenagers Podcast

    00:23 Meet David Yeager: Growth Mindset and Mentor Mindset

    02:34 The Mentor's Dilemma: Balancing Criticism and Support

    04:23 Wise Feedback: The Key to Motivating Youth

    10:17 Transparency and Benevolent Intentions

    12:45 Understanding Adolescent Motivation: Status and Respect

    17:42 The Role of Testosterone in Adolescent Development

    20:47 Respectful Communication: The Vegemite Experiment

    24:15 Testosterone and Behavior

    25:50 Parenting Challenges and Mentor Mindset

    27:04 The Science of Nagging

    29:25 Effective Communication with Teens

    32:45 Collaborative Troubleshooting

    34:41 Balancing Screen Time and Life Goals

    36:53 The Enforcer vs. Mentor Mindset

    41:30 Concluding Thoughts and Resources

  • 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 sale of commercial tobacco and nicotine products in Ross and Tiburon, California.

    Most importantly, she explains how young people played a central role in these efforts and how listening to this episode with young people may spark interest in civic action and advocacy.

    Resources

     Bay Area Community Resources

    Marin County Tobacco Prevention Program

    Public Health Law Center

    Truth Initiative (educational content)

    Marin Youth Advocacy Committee

    KickIt California (free quit support for anyone in CA 13+)

    Tiburon News Article

    Ross News Article

    Board of Supervisors (Marin Unincorporated) News Article



    Time Code

    00:00 Introduction to Raven and BACR

    00:16 Raven's Journey into Nicotine Prevention

    01:38 Current Work and Responsibilities at BACR

    02:46 Policy Advocacy and Recent Wins

    03:51 Arguments for Nicotine Product Bans

    06:13 Youth Involvement and Community Impact

    07:51 Process of Implementing Local Laws

    11:44 Marin County's Recent Policy Changes

    25:58 Challenges and Enforcement Issues

    27:11 Encouraging Youth Involvement

    28:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

  • 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 mature themes and is intended for an adult audience.

    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

    Additional Resources

    Screenagers Website

    Bring Screenagers to Your Community

    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

  • 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

    Catherine Price

    Books

    The Amazing Generation by Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price

    How To Break Up With Your Phone by Catherine Price

    Other Resources

    Screenagers Website

    Bring Screenagers to Your Community

    Time Code

    00:00 Introduction to Parenting in the Screen Age

    00:18 Meet Catherine Price: Breaking Up with Your Phone

    01:11 The Genesis of The Amazing Generation

    04:18 The Structure and Purpose of The Amazing Generation

    06:21 Real-Life Applications and Parental Guidance

    18:48 Practical Tips for Managing Screen Time

    25:28 Conclusion and Resources

  • 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

    Jean Twenge, PhD

    Book

    10 Rules For Raising Kids In A High Tech World

    Resources

    www.screenfreesleep.org

    Screenagers Website

    Bring Screenagers to Your Community

    Time Code

    00:00 Introduction to Parenting in the Screen Age

    00:19 Meet Jean Twenge: Expert on Generational Differences

    00:52 Discussing '10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High Tech World'

    02:00 The Importance of No Devices in the Bedroom

    04:02 Parental Controls and Device Management

    05:26 The Role of Lockboxes and Parental Controls

    07:50 Challenges with Parental Control Software

    13:11 Promoting Screen-Free Sleep and Community Efforts

    14:02 The Impact of Disturbing Content on Kids

    15:53 Balancing Busy Schedules and Sleep

    18:04 Setting Rules and Consequences for Device Use

    19:15 Delaying Smartphones and Social Media

    21:35 Final Thoughts and Community Pledges

    24:08 Conclusion and Resources

  • 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:

    Cam Adair

    Episode Resources:

    Game Quitters

    Game Quitters Parent Support Group

    Afterschool Alliance

    Additional Resources:

    How to bring the Screenagers movies to your community

    Screenagers Website

    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 Point: Seeking Help and Recovery 09:48 Founding Game Quitters 11:11 Impact of COVID on Gaming Habits 13:37 Advice for Parents and Kids 22:15 Final Thoughts and Resources
  • 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 advice for parents on navigating these challenges with their children.

    Episode Resources:

    Alexander Neville Foundation

    Additional Resources:

    How to bring the Screenagers movies to your community

    Screenagers Website

    Time Code:

    00:00 Introduction

    00:23 The Tragic Story of Alexander Neville

    01:30 Alex's Final Days

    05:00 Turning Grief into Activism

    06:46 Conversations with Teens

    10:05 The Role of Snapchat

    18:34 Advice for Parents

    21:55 Resources and Conclusion

  • 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 time.

    Additional Resources

    Boosting Bravery: Free Screenagers program for teens that includes DARTS.

    How to bring the Screenagers movies to your community

    Screenagers Website

    Time Code:

    00:00 Introduction

    00:19 Recap of Previous Episodes and DARTS Framework

    01:59 Hillary's Journey: Breaking the Social Media Habit

    10:41 Lisa's Challenge: Keeping the Phone Out of the Bedroom

    15:35 Tori's Attempt: Creating Phone-Free Time with Her Daughter

    25:00 Conclusion and Resources for Screen Time Management

  • 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 take on their own One Small Change Challenge and let their kids in on what they're aiming to do and the strategies they're using, and, most importantly, to ask their kids for support.

    Change is not easy. If you're participating in the challenge, email Dr. Ruston at [email protected] and let her know how it's going.

    Additional Resources

    Boosting Bravery: Free Screenagers program for teens that includes DARTS.

    How to bring the Screenagers movies to your community

    Screenagers Website

    Time Code

    00:00 Introduction to Parenting in the Screen Age

    00:21 Recap of the One Small Change Challenge

    00:39 Introducing Lisa and Her Phone Habit

    01:59 Lisa's Struggle with Phone Use at Night

    06:38 Implementing the DARTS Method

    07:59 Setting Goals and Arranging for Success

    11:39 Reinforcement and Support Strategies

    17:56 Conclusion and Next Steps

  • 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 [email protected].

    It's an honest look at what happens when parents face their own phone habits and try something new. In a future episode, we'll check in to see how their challenges went.

    Additional Resources

    Bring Screenagers to your community

    Screenagers Website

    Time Code

    00:00 Introduction

    01:25 The One Small Change Challenge

    01:43 Introducing the DARTS Model

    03:22 Meet Hillary: A Parent's Struggle with Phone Use

    09:31 Setting Goals and Creating an Action Plan

    16:58 Finding Support and Accountability

    17:55 Engaging Family in the Journey

    18:14 The Importance of Parental Vulnerability

    21:07 Planning the Challenge

    22:23 Tory's Struggle with Phone Use

    26:24 Setting Goals with the DARTS Model

    32:02 Creating a Support System

    32:31 Conclusion and Call to Action

  • 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 to bring up sensitive topics like pornography, and highlight the particular role dads can play in guiding these conversations.

    Featured Experts

    Christopher Pepper

    Joanna Schroeder‍

    Book

    Talk To Your Boys: 16 Conversations to Help Tweens and Teens Grow Into Confident, Caring Young Men, by Christopher Pepper and Joanna Schroeder

    Additional Resources

    Stan Tatkin

    Screenagers Website

    Bring Screenagers to your community

    Time Code

    00:00 Breaking Stereotypes: The Importance of Talking to Boys

    00:37 The Influence of Online Algorithms on Teenage Boys

    01:22 The Allure and Risks of Sports Betting

    04:16 Navigating Relationships and Sexuality

    07:35 The Impact of Media on Perceptions of Sex

    16:03 Addressing Pornography and Sexual Content

    26:24 Encouraging Open Conversations and Emotional Awareness

    28:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts