Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers Podcast

Delaney Ruston, MD
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Join Delaney Ruston, MD — a leading authority on parenting in the screen age and the filmmaker behind the award-winning Screenagers movies — as she explores the challenges parents face raising kids in today's digital world: think smartphones, social media, video games, and more. Through interviews with experts, thought leaders, and young people themselves, Parenting in the Screen Age delivers the latest science, practical tips, and key insights that parents will want to implement — and share — with their kids and teens.

  1. 6 days ago

    Inside a Middle School's Fight Against Smartphone-Fueled Cruelty and Bullying (encore)

    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 Awayfortheday.org Anti-Bullying Campaigns 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

  2. 29 Jun

    How Does Our Digital Age Impact Teen Weed Use? (encore)

    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

  3. 15 Jun

    Brain Biology and Preventing Excessive Video Gaming (encore)

    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

  4. 1 Jun

    A Health Move That Will Change Your Life, with Manoush Zomorodi

    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

  5. 18 May

    Raising Independent Kids: The Issue of Phone Trackers with America's 'Worst' Mom (encore)

    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

  6. 4 May

    What Does "Hookup Culture" Actually Mean? Answers for Parents and Teens (encore)

    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

  7. 20 Apr

    A Clear Roadmap for When Your Kid Breaks a Rule

    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

  8. 6 Apr

    Kids Using AI Chatbots: The Risks Parents Can't Ignore (encore)

    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

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Join Delaney Ruston, MD — a leading authority on parenting in the screen age and the filmmaker behind the award-winning Screenagers movies — as she explores the challenges parents face raising kids in today's digital world: think smartphones, social media, video games, and more. Through interviews with experts, thought leaders, and young people themselves, Parenting in the Screen Age delivers the latest science, practical tips, and key insights that parents will want to implement — and share — with their kids and teens.

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