Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers Podcast

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 delaney@screenagersmovie.com 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 delaney@screenagersmovie.com. 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

How are today's boys absorbing messages about masculinity from violent media and games? How early does this begin, and what happens when gaming chats turn cruel or hostile? Dr. Ruston talks with author-educator Christopher Pepper and journalist Joanna Schroeder, co-authors of the recently released book, Talk To Your Boys. They share practical "interrupter" tools and relatable stories that help parents support boys as they encounter conflict through gaming, navigate their online lives, and grow into confident, caring young men. 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 Time Code 00:00 Introduction to Parenting in the Screen Age 00:19 Meet the Authors: Christopher Pepper and Joanna Schroeder 00:49 Connecting with Sons Through Technology 02:02 The Importance of Conversations About Masculinity 05:17 Understanding Boys' Online Behavior 11:05 Addressing Social Cruelty and Bullying 23:26 Modeling Positive Behavior for Boys 26:23 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Host Dr. Ruston introduces Screenagers' recently launched Screen-Free Sleep campaign, focused on helping parents keep devices out of kids' bedrooms for sleep time. Ruston explains the campaign's goals, the science behind it, and how you can participate in making screen-free sleep the norm in your child's school and community. This includes resources like iSleep Pro kits and a fun flash mob dance. She also offers practical solutions to some of the common challenges parents face when creating tech-free sleep for their kids and tweens. It all wraps up with lively "Man on the Street" interviews with parents and kids, making it a perfect listen for adults to enjoy together with their children. Resources www.screenfreesleep.org Time Code 00:00 Introduction to Screen-Free Sleep 00:41 About the Screen-Free Sleep Campaign 06:28 Man on the Street Interviews 11:09 Common Pushbacks and Solutions 15:43 Student Sleep Health Week and Resources 17:01 Call to Action and Conclusion

Parenting kids has always had challenges, but now, in the tech revolution, conflicts are at a 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? Dr. Ruston talks with Lisa Damour, Ph.D., psychologist and author of three New York Times best-selling books about adolescents, including "The Emotional Lives of Teenagers." The episode explores teen psychology, common screen time arguments, and several approaches to having healthier conflicts. The episode is intended for adult and youth audiences. Featured Expert Lisa Damour Research References The role of music in adolescents' mood regulation (Sage Journal) Extreme Metal Music and Anger Processing (Frontiers in Human Neuroscience) The appeal of sad music: A brief overview of current directions in research on motivations for listening to sad music (The Arts in Psychotherapy) Additional Links Lisa Damour's website The Ask Lisa Podcast Books by Lisa Damour Untangled Under Pressure The Emotional Lives Of Teenagers

As back-to-school season begins, and kids face mounting stress both online and offline, this episode explores how healthy sleep can support their well-being. Hear from Dr. Judy Owens, Director of Sleep Medicine at Boston Children's Hospital and professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School. Discover key brain research with Adriana Galván, a UCLA neuroscientist, and hear insights from parents and a teen. Take away practical strategies to help your child get the brain-nourishing sleep they need now and into the future. Featured Experts Judy Owens, MPH, MD Adriana Galvan, PhD ‍‍ Resources ScreenFreeSleep.org

How are students really using ChatGPT and other AI tools for school work? What do they see as acceptable? And where do they draw the line? What happens when AI is used for creative projects, and at what cost? In this episode of Parenting in the Screen Age, Delaney Ruston, MD, explores the impact of AI tools like ChatGPT on student learning and academic integrity. She shares interviews with college students who talk candidly about using AI for academic purposes, what they will and won't do, and how they navigate ethical gray areas. One student recounts being accused of cheating with AI, and we learn how she got through the experience. The episode encourages parents, educators, and students to have ongoing conversations about the responsible use of AI technologies in and beyond the classroom. 00:00 Introduction 00:47 The Rise of AI in Education 01:46 Student Interviews: Creative Uses of AI 06:47 Student Interviews: Academic Uses of AI 14:53 Student Interviews: Ethical Concerns and Personal Choices 17:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

What role does social media play in disordered eating and eating disorders? And how can parents spot early warning signs and have meaningful conversations about these tough topics? In this episode, host Dr. Ruston talks with Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani, a physician specializing in eating disorders for nearly two decades. Dr. Gaudiani explains the difference between disordered eating and clinical eating disorders and how social media can fuel both. She shares concrete strategies to help parents talk with their teens, recognize early signs, and prevent problems. This episode builds on our previous conversation with Isabelle, a young woman who shared her personal journey with an eating disorder and social media's role in it. You don't need to have heard that episode first, but they complement each other well. This episode is intended for adult and teen audiences but please note it includes discussion of eating disorders, body image, and related experiences, so please listen with care. If you or someone you love is affected by any of the issues we talk about today, you'll find a list of support resources below. Featured Expert Dr Jennifer Gaudiani, MD Books Sick Enough: A Guide To The Medical Complications Of Eating Disorders by Jennifer Gaudiani Time Code 00:00 Introduction to Parenting in the Screen Age 00:40 Recap of Previous Episode 01:06 Today's Topic: Understanding Eating Disorders 01:30 Meet Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani 01:59 Defining Eating Disorders vs. Disordered Eating 02:08 Impact of Social Media on Eating Disorders 02:19 Clinical Eating Disorders Overview 03:16 Interview with Dr. G: Early Warning Signs 07:27 Social Media's Role in Disordered Eating 10:10 Strategies for Moderating Social Media Use 10:25 Supporting Teens in Recovery 16:33 Parental Challenges and Support 27:34 Final Thoughts and Conclusion Resources National Alliance for Eating Disorders ("The Alliance") Website: https://www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com Free helpline: 866‑662‑1235 (Mon–Fri, 9am–7pm ET) Offers: Personalized support and referrals. Also operates https://www.findEDhelp.com, a free directory of eating disorder treatment centers and providers. National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) Website: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org Offers: Free screening tools, treatment locators, support group listings, and educational materials. Crisis Text Line Website: https://www.crisistextline.org Text "HOME" to 741‑741 to chat with a trained crisis counselor, or use the live chat at the website Offers: 24/7 mental health support, resources, and crisis intervention. The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth) Website: https://www.thetrevorproject.org Text "START" to 678‑678 to connect with a crisis counselor Offers: 24/7 crisis support, online chat, and mental health resources tailored to LGBTQ+ youth.

We often hear about social media's impact on body image, but what can we learn from someone who's lived it firsthand, developing a serious exercise and eating disorder? Dr. Delaney Ruston sits down with Isabelle, a teen who bravely shares her journey from body dysmorphia to a severe eating disorder, struggles made worse by the constant stream of triggering content on platforms like TikTok. Isabelle opens up about how social media shaped her self-perception and how therapy, hospitalization, and strong family support helped her begin to heal. With candid insights from Isabelle and her parents, this episode explores the real risks of social media use and sets the stage for a follow-up conversation with a leading eating disorder expert. This episode is intended for adult and teen audiences but please note it includes discussion of eating disorders, body image, and related experiences, so please listen with care. If you or someone you love is affected by any of the issues we talk about today, you'll find a list of support resources below. Resources: National Alliance for Eating Disorders ("The Alliance") Website: allianceforeatingdisorders.com Free helpline: 866‑662‑1235 (Mon–Fri, 9am–7pm ET) Offers: Personalized support and referrals. Also operates https://www.findEDhelp.com, a free directory of eating disorder treatment centers and providers. National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) Website: nationaleatingdisorders.org Offers: Free screening tools, treatment locators, support group listings, and educational materials. Crisis Text Line Website: crisistextline.org Text "HOME" to 741‑741 to chat with a trained crisis counselor, or use the live chat at the website Offers: 24/7 mental health support, resources, and crisis intervention. The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth) Website: thetrevorproject.org Text "START" to 678‑678 to connect with a crisis counselor Offers: 24/7 crisis support, online chat, and mental health resources tailored to LGBTQ+ youth. Time Codes: 00:00 Introduction to Parenting in the Screen Age 00:19 The Impact of Media on Teen Body Image 00:46 Influencers and the Promotion of Eating Disorders 02:21 Isabel's Journey with an Eating Disorder 03:26 The Role of Social Media in Isabel's Struggle 05:11 Family Perspectives on Isabel's Experience 11:48 The Turning Point: Seeking Treatment 12:55 Life After Treatment: Recovery and Reflections 17:08 Advice for Parents and Teens 20:40 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes