Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens

265: Screens, Toxic Stress & Staying Connected with Dr. Nadine Burke Harris

8 snips
Mar 31, 2026
Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, physician and former California Surgeon General who studies toxic stress in children, discusses how disturbing online content can rewire developing brains. Short, practical talk on buffering stress through adult conversation. Tips on phone timing, ‘yes when’ contracts, explaining algorithms, recognizing manipulation, and special AI risks for vulnerable kids.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
ADVICE

Say You’re Ready To Talk Before They Go Online

  • Tell your child before they go online that they may see things that keep them up and you are available to talk.
  • Lisa Damour recommends saying I am here to think with you so they don't carry disturbing content alone.
ANECDOTE

Son Brought Home A Racist Joke As A Gut Check

  • Nadine Burke Harris recounts her son bringing her a racist joke he heard online to gauge whether it was actually funny.
  • She burst into tears, showing how kids seek adult gut checks when online content blurs context.
ADVICE

Teach Kids To Vote With Their Attention

  • Teach kids to be 'upstanders' and to vote with their attention by not engaging harmful content.
  • Burke Harris suggests explaining commoditization of attention and training algorithms to stop recommending toxic material.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app