Press Pause: Finding Balance in a Digital World

Cassie Dietrich
  • 5.0 (4)
  • PARENTING

In a world that never stops scrolling, Dublin City Schools invites families to press pause. Press Pause is a conversational podcast featuring educators, counselors, and local experts who live and work right here in our community. Each episode tackles a real issue affecting kids and teens today — from disrupted sleep to cyberbullying to the loss of creativity in a screen-saturated world. Tune in, reflect, and take one small step toward digital balance. New episodes released throughout the summer. A little pause goes a long way.

  1. NOV 6

    Truth or Trap

    Guest: Stacia Naquin, Anchor for 10TV Clickbait, scams, and fake news can fool even the savviest students. Stacia Naquin shares tips to help kids question what they see online, spot misinformation, and decide whether to trust or trash what they’re reading. Topics covered: How to recognize biased or false contentCommon online scams targeting teensStrategies for fact-checking before sharingThis conversation is just one of many. Visit www.dublinschools.net/press-pause to explore tools, resources, and actions you can take today to help your family Press Pause. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation. This conversation is just one of many. Visit www.dublinschools.net/press-pause to explore tools, resources, and actions you can take today to help your family Press Pause. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation.

    28 min

  2. OCT 23

    Wait Until 8th

    Guest: Dr. Jess Shatkin Delaying a child’s first smartphone can protect mental health, improve focus, and give them more time to develop offline skills. Dr. Jess Shatkin explains why waiting until eighth grade makes sense — and how families can navigate the pressure to get a phone sooner. Topics covered: How smartphones affect mood, grades, and relationshipsWhy tech leaders often delay phones for their own kidsTips for starting the phone conversation early with your childThis conversation is just one of many. Visit www.dublinschools.net/press-pause to explore tools, resources, and actions you can take today to help your family Press Pause. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation. This conversation is just one of many. Visit www.dublinschools.net/press-pause to explore tools, resources, and actions you can take today to help your family Press Pause. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation.

    15 min

  3. OCT 3

    Unplug to Recharge

    Guest: Leah Wolfe, Intervention Specialist Sometimes the best way to connect is to disconnect. Leah Wolfe discusses how setting aside devices — even for short, consistent breaks — can improve relationships, boost mood, and help students recharge mentally and emotionally. Topics covered: The benefits of phone-free time for mental health and relationshipsHow screen breaks help reduce stress and anxietyIdeas for building device-free moments into daily lifeThis conversation is just one of many. Visit www.dublinschools.net/press-pause to explore tools, resources, and actions you can take today to help your family Press Pause. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation. This conversation is just one of many. Visit www.dublinschools.net/press-pause to explore tools, resources, and actions you can take today to help your family Press Pause. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation.

    12 min

  4. SEP 25

    Tech and Tots

    Guest: Dr. Megan Schabbing, Lead Psychiatrist at Ohio Health Screens can capture attention — but for young children, too much too soon can affect how their brains grow. Dr. Megan Schabbing explains the risks of early screen exposure and why pediatricians recommend waiting before introducing devices. Topics covered: How early screen use affects brain development and learningWhy boredom and “analog” play are critical for young kidsGuidelines for healthy media habits in the early yearsThis conversation is just one of many. Visit www.dublinschools.net/press-pause to explore tools, resources, and actions you can take today to help your family Press Pause. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation. This conversation is just one of many. Visit www.dublinschools.net/press-pause to explore tools, resources, and actions you can take today to help your family Press Pause. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation.

    18 min

  5. SEP 19

    The Real Cost of Shortcuts

    Guest: Mike Aurin, Principal at Jerome High School Copying homework, misusing AI, or plagiarizing might save time in the moment — but it comes with consequences. Principal Mike Aurin talks about the short- and long-term costs of academic dishonesty, from grades to reputation, and why integrity matters. Topics covered: How cheating undermines learning and trustThe ripple effects on college, career, and relationshipsBuilding strong academic habits for lasting successThis conversation is just one of many. Visit www.dublinschools.net/press-pause to explore tools, resources, and actions you can take today to he This conversation is just one of many. Visit www.dublinschools.net/press-pause to explore tools, resources, and actions you can take today to help your family Press Pause. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation.

    17 min

  6. SEP 10

    When “Going Viral” Goes Too Far

    Guest: Eric Cochrun, School Resource Officer Viral challenges may seem harmless — or even funny — but some can lead to serious injury or worse. Officer Eric Cochrun explains why teens are drawn to risky trends, how dangerous they can be, and what parents can do to help kids think twice. Topics covered: The dangers of viral social media challengesWhy teens are especially vulnerable to risky online trendsConversations to help kids pause before participatingThis conversation is just one of many. Visit www.dublinschools.net/press-pause to explore tools, resources, and actions you can take today to help your family Press Pause. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation. This conversation is just one of many. Visit www.dublinschools.net/press-pause to explore tools, resources, and actions you can take today to help your family Press Pause. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation.

    16 min

  7. SEP 9

    Think Before You Share

    Guest: Jeremy Miller, School Resource Officer A quick post can have lasting consequences. Officer Jeremy Miller breaks down the risks of oversharing online — from giving away your location to exposing personal details that hackers and scammers can exploit. Topics covered: How oversharing puts privacy and safety at riskWhy “private” posts aren’t always privateSmart sharing habits for students and familiesThis conversation is just one of many. Visit www.dublinschools.net/press-pause to explore tools, resources, and actions you can take today to help your family Press Pause. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation. This conversation is just one of many. Visit www.dublinschools.net/press-pause to explore tools, resources, and actions you can take today to help your family Press Pause. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation.

    16 min

  8. SEP 9

    Digital Drama

    Cyberbullying, online rumors, and peer pressure can all unfold on a screen — but the impact on students is real. Whitney Shelton talks about the emotional toll of digital conflicts, the warning signs to watch for, and strategies students can use to protect themselves and support their peers. Topics covered: The overlap between online and offline bullyingHow digital drama affects student mental health and relationshipsSteps to prevent and respond to cyberbullyingThis conversation is just one of many. Visit www.dublinschools.net/press-pause to explore tools, resources, and actions you can take today to help your family Press Pause. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation. This conversation is just one of many. Visit www.dublinschools.net/press-pause to explore tools, resources, and actions you can take today to help your family Press Pause. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a conversation.

    18 min
See All (16)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

In a world that never stops scrolling, Dublin City Schools invites families to press pause. Press Pause is a conversational podcast featuring educators, counselors, and local experts who live and work right here in our community. Each episode tackles a real issue affecting kids and teens today — from disrupted sleep to cyberbullying to the loss of creativity in a screen-saturated world. Tune in, reflect, and take one small step toward digital balance. New episodes released throughout the summer. A little pause goes a long way.

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