ScreenStrong Families

For this special holiday ENCORE episode, Melanie is joined by her son Evan to discuss practical holiday gift ideas—and encourage people to skip smartphones and video games as gifts this season. Evan, a senior in high school, gives his perspective on the highs and lows of wanting a smartphone in middle & high school and shares some of his favorite childhood gifts.Grab your copy of our Non-Tech Gift Guide discussed in this episode! Exclusively available in our Connect Plus subscription.Evan's digital piano recommendation: Yamaha Clavinova CSP-170 Home Digital Piano | Guitar CenterSupport the showDon't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!ScreenStrong Tech RecommendationsCanopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)Production Team:Host: Melanie HempeProducer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Every year, we talk about Christmas gifts, but this year we're getting ahead of the game with a plan for a Screen-Free Christmas.In this episode, Melanie Hempe and ScreenStrong Ambassador, Liz Breen, unwrap the magic of "real" toys—the ones that spark creativity, inspire imagination, and build lasting memories. They explore why video games and smartphones are not true toys and discuss the loss that comes when these screens replace traditional childhood gifts. Melanie shares personal stories, including a surprising realization from a friend's experience, showing how today's kids may be missing out on meaningful holiday traditions and the joy of unwrapping a gift that shows parents truly know them.This heartfelt conversation covers everything from the disappearance of iconic childhood toys and stores to the impact of screen-based gifts on kids' mental health and social development. Plus, they reveal why giving non-tech gifts nurtures connection, empathy, and a sense of belonging.Tune in for practical ideas on making this Christmas screen-free and creating gift traditions that support a healthier, happier childhood. And don’t miss their "vintage gift" suggestion: bring back a favorite toy from your own childhood to spark joy and imagination in the next generation.Support the showDon't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!ScreenStrong Tech RecommendationsCanopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)Production Team:Host: Melanie HempeProducer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this delightful conversation, Beth Wilson, a children’s book author known for her work "Togetherness Town," emphasizes the value of community in a tech-dominated world. She shares the inspiring premise of her book, encouraging connections through storytelling and creativity. Beth discusses the significance of unplugging and embracing boredom, which can spark imaginative play among children. Additionally, they explore family reading as a tool for nurturing relationships and fostering social engagement through shared activities, highlighting the joys of childhood in a screen-free environment.

Join Mandee Hamann and special guest Rob McLeod—known as Frisbee Rob—for an inspiring episode of the ScreenStrong Families Podcast, one you can listen to with your kids and teens! Rob, a Guinness World Record holder and newly certified ScreenStrong Ambassador, has spent over a decade traveling to schools, engaging over 200,000 students, and encouraging healthy screen habits and active lifestyles. In this episode, Rob shares his journey, offers a mini-version of his school assembly, and answers important questions about balancing technology with real-life activities. From discussing what kids really want to the importance of movement, Rob’s insights are perfect for families wanting to build healthier tech habits together. Don't miss his inspiring words and practical tips for kids, teens, and parents alike!Support the showDon't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!ScreenStrong Tech RecommendationsCanopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)Production Team:Host: Melanie HempeProducer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this episode, Melanie and Dr. Stacey explore how teachers and parents can collaborate to create a phone-free school environment. Teachers can support the policy by using research-backed education, setting an example with their own phone use, and staying alert to signs of phone overuse, like distracted behavior and declining grades. Parents play a crucial role by supporting the school’s efforts, limiting contact with kids during school hours, and encouraging phone-free days.For parents wanting to go further, we’ll also discuss becoming a Phone-Free Champion in your school, organizing fun, tech-free activities that encourage socializing and new hobbies. Tune in to learn how phone-free schools can help students stay focused, build friendships, and feel more connected.Download our NEW Phone-Free School Resource Guide.Support the showDon't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!ScreenStrong Tech RecommendationsCanopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)Production Team:Host: Melanie HempeProducer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Dive into the world of smartphone-free teen experiences where young guests share secrets to thriving without devices. Discover how they form meaningful friendships, find engaging activities, and embrace unique identities separate from social media. Learn about the mental health benefits of reducing screen time and the challenges faced during detox. Explore alternatives for parents worried about smartphones, along with practical insights for fostering healthy communication beyond screens. This is a refreshing take on adolescence in a digital age!

In this episode, host Melanie Hempe is joined by her son, Andrew, who shares his personal insights on screen habits and addiction. Together, they dispel the myth that setting boundaries around screen time leads to rebellion. Instead, Andrew explains how boundaries are an act of love that helps kids thrive.They focus on three main ideas:Boundaries = Love: Kids do better with limits, especially when it comes to addictive activities like video gaming and social media.Habit Science: The habits kids form now, whether good or bad, will stick with them into adulthood.Skill Building: Childhood is the time to build important skills. Limiting screen time helps kids focus on developing lifelong talents and interests.Andrew encourages parents to take action, replace screens with meaningful activities, and teach their kids about the science of screen use. It's never too late to create healthier habits. Tune in for practical tips and advice to protect your child’s future.Support the showDon't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!ScreenStrong Tech RecommendationsCanopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)Production Team:Host: Melanie HempeProducer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Dr. Anna Lembke, a renowned psychiatrist from Stanford and author of 'Dopamine Nation,' explores the science behind screen addiction in teen brains. She reveals how dopamine, the brain's reward chemical, affects behavior and impulsivity, likening digital engagement to addiction. Dr. Lembke shares her DOPAMINE framework, offering practical steps for parents to help detox their children from screens. The discussion underscores the vital role parents play in establishing boundaries and fostering healthier habits amidst the challenges of modern technology.

In this episode of the ScreenStrong Families podcast, host Melanie Hempe sits down with Jennifer, a mother who chose a unique approach to parenting in the digital age. Jennifer shares her story of raising several children thriving socially and academically without the constant presence of smartphones and social media. Contrary to the belief that children without devices will struggle socially, Jennifer's kids are confident, active, and leaders in their extracurriculars, with her oldest daughter even being voted Homecoming Queen.Jennifer offers practical advice for parents looking to limit screen time while fostering communication and independence. She highlights the importance of creating a welcoming home environment, providing family access to social media through a shared account, and modeling balanced tech use. Tune in to hear Jennifer’s insights and tips for helping your kids navigate a low-tech lifestyle in today’s high-tech world.Support the showDon't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!ScreenStrong Tech RecommendationsCanopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)Production Team:Host: Melanie HempeProducer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this episode, Melanie speaks with Dr. Kim Le, a child and adolescent psychiatrist based in Adelaide, Australia. He completed his psychiatry training in New South Wales and in 2015, Dr. Le received a federal grant to collaborate with an Internet Gaming Addiction Clinic for teenagers in Singapore. He has a special interest in “Gaming Disorder," which was recognized by the World Health Organization in 2018 as a mental health disorder. Dr. Le shares his professional journey that led to his interest and passion in treating families struggling with gaming addiction, and he is committed to increasing community awareness of the negative effects of online games on a child’s development. Melanie and Dr. Le discuss how the game designers capitalize on the business aspect of video games that leads to the scientific development of the immersive design that hooks the player. Dr. Le introduces the idea of "The Hero's Journey" archetype that appears to meet the psychological needs of children but disconnects them from reality. They discuss why moderation is not encouraged, but rather to change the focus on family values in changing your family's routines. Identification and prevention of screen addiction are also discussed as Dr. Le shares stories of families he has worked with struggling to address issues of gaming addiction with their children. This is a must-listen episode for all parents, and we encourage you to share this with friends!Dr. Kim Le's TedTalkLearn more about Dr. Le's practiceSupport the showDon't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!ScreenStrong Tech RecommendationsCanopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)Production Team:Host: Melanie HempeProducer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin