Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers Podcast Inside a Middle School's Fight Against Smartphone-Fueled Cruelty and Bullying
In many schools today, students hesitate to give class presentations — not because of stage fright, but because they're afraid of being secretly recorded and mocked on social media.
Principals across the country are spending their time managing the aftermath of incidents sparked by viral trends like "Ship or Dip" posts. Physical altercations between students are often filmed by bystanders and shared online, amplifying the harm.
In this episode, Dr. Ruston visits a middle school in Washington State and sits down with Principal Zach to explore what happened when phones were allowed on campus — and how things changed dramatically once new policies were put in place.
Zach shares the powerful transformation his school has experienced, and how restorative practices are helping students learn healthier ways to resolve conflict.
This episode is intended for both adult and teen audiences.
Featured Expert
Zach - Middle School Principal
Additional Links
Cyberbullying: How does your child define it?
Truths And Myths About Cyberbullying
Time Code
00:00 Introduction and Personal Story
00:27 The Impact of Smartphones in Schools
01:11 Real-Life Examples of Digital Cruelty
03:44 School Policies to Combat Phone-Related Issues
04:02 Principal Zach's Experience and Insights
07:10 The Culture Shift and Restorative Practices
13:02 Student Rights and Reporting System
16:07 Understanding Multiple Perspectives
16:52 Building Empathy and Conflict Resolution
19:15 Restorative Circles and Safe Spaces
21:10 The Role of Social Media in Conflict
23:26 Addressing Inappropriate Behavior
24:02 Conclusion and Resources