199 episodes

Melanie Hempe, BSN, received her bachelors of Nursing from Emory University. Her mission is to create educational programs for kids and parents so no one will experience the pain of screen addiction. Her ability to simplify medical science and provide practical solutions for families has allowed her to share her passion and bold screen solutions nationally. ScreenStrong has won the hearts of many families who are preventing and reversing childhood screen conflicts and addiction and are thrilled to experience a newfound freedom in their lives.
Melanie hosts the popular weekly ScreenStrong Families Podcast. She has been featured in Psychology Today, Thrive-Global, The Wall Street Journal, A&E Network, CBS, CNN, NPR, Screened Out (documentary film), and various news and television outlets.

ScreenStrong Families Melanie Hempe, BSN

    • Kids & Family
    • 5.0 • 79 Ratings

Melanie Hempe, BSN, received her bachelors of Nursing from Emory University. Her mission is to create educational programs for kids and parents so no one will experience the pain of screen addiction. Her ability to simplify medical science and provide practical solutions for families has allowed her to share her passion and bold screen solutions nationally. ScreenStrong has won the hearts of many families who are preventing and reversing childhood screen conflicts and addiction and are thrilled to experience a newfound freedom in their lives.
Melanie hosts the popular weekly ScreenStrong Families Podcast. She has been featured in Psychology Today, Thrive-Global, The Wall Street Journal, A&E Network, CBS, CNN, NPR, Screened Out (documentary film), and various news and television outlets.

    Summer Strategies: Keeping Middle Schoolers ScreenStrong This Summer (#190)

    Summer Strategies: Keeping Middle Schoolers ScreenStrong This Summer (#190)

    Do you want to prevent your middle Schooler from becoming dependent on screen time this summer? Join Melanie as she offers practical strategies to Emily, a ScreenStrong Ambassador and concerned middle school mom, to keep tweens engaged and social without resorting to video games or social media. 

    Get inspired and discover how to make this summer a ScreenStrong success for your family!
    Support the show
    ______________________________________________________

    The "Kids' Brains & Screens" paperback is NOW AVAILABLE!

    Please subscribe, rate, and share this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!
    Start your ScreenStrong Journey today! Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more! Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador! ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations
    Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount) Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount) ______________________________________________________

    Production Team:
    Host: Melanie Hempe Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

    • 57 min
    ENCORE: TikTok: It’s All In The Algorithm with Dr. Leonard Sax (#102)

    ENCORE: TikTok: It’s All In The Algorithm with Dr. Leonard Sax (#102)

    Melanie is joined once again by Dr. Leonard Sax, an American psychologist and a practicing family physician. Dr. Sax has spoken on child and adolescent development issues in schools and communities worldwide since 2001. He is the author of numerous books and publications, including The Collapse of Parenting, one of ScreenStrong’s most recommended books.

    Did you know that TikTok is the #1 most visited website in the U.S. and Worldwide today? One billion TikTok videos are viewed daily, and its popularity has spread with astonishing speed, affecting all that engage with it. Melanie and Dr. Sax take a deep dive to deconstruct TikTok’s algorithm and its harmful impact and suggestibility on young people. From social pressure to self-harm, Dr. Sax expands on the dark side of social media’s influence on our children’s development. He also dives into the parental trap of “just wanting to make our children happy” and how we need to shift and strengthen our parenting intentions to help our children fulfill their potential.

    This is an episode that you may want to use to start a small discussion group among a few friends to encourage and cultivate support in your parenting journey.
    Support the show
    ______________________________________________________

    The "Kids' Brains & Screens" paperback is NOW AVAILABLE!

    Please subscribe, rate, and share this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!
    Start your ScreenStrong Journey today! Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more! Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador! ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations
    Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount) Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount) ______________________________________________________

    Production Team:
    Host: Melanie Hempe Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

    • 1 hr 4 min
    Why Your Teen Is Anxious: Understanding Anxiety in the Smartphone Era with Dr. Adriana Stacey (#189)

    Why Your Teen Is Anxious: Understanding Anxiety in the Smartphone Era with Dr. Adriana Stacey (#189)

    In this eye-opening episode, Melanie and Dr. Stacey delve deep into the pervasive issue of teenage anxiety, particularly in the context of the smartphone-dominated world we live in today. Join us as we explore the multifaceted relationship between adolescents and their smartphones and how it contributes to the prevalence of anxiety among our teens.
    With the rise of social media, constant connectivity, and the pressure to curate a perfect online presence, teenagers are facing unprecedented levels of stress and anxiety. From the fear of missing out (FOMO) to cyberbullying, Melanie and Dr. Stacey dissect the various ways in which smartphones exacerbate anxiety in teens. They also discuss the impact of excessive screen time on mental health, sleep patterns, and interpersonal relationships.
    Throughout the episode, Melanie and Dr. Stacey provide practical tips and strategies for parents, educators, and teenagers themselves to navigate the digital landscape more mindfully and mitigate the adverse effects of smartphone use on mental well-being.
    Support the show
    ______________________________________________________

    The "Kids' Brains & Screens" paperback is NOW AVAILABLE!

    Please subscribe, rate, and share this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!
    Start your ScreenStrong Journey today! Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more! Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador! ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations
    Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount) Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount) ______________________________________________________

    Production Team:
    Host: Melanie Hempe Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

    • 57 min
    Unplugged Upbringing: Pornography Exposure Without Screens with Isaac Carroll (#188)

    Unplugged Upbringing: Pornography Exposure Without Screens with Isaac Carroll (#188)

    Join host Mandee Hamann in an intimate conversation with Isaac Carroll as they delve into the complexities of growing up without screens yet still facing the influence of pornography. Isaac shares his raw and unfiltered journey, reflecting on the unexpected encounters with explicit material and the ensuing struggle with shame and vulnerability.
    In this episode, Isaac courageously opens up about the internal turmoil he grappled with, shedding light on the challenges of reconciling his upbringing with the pervasive presence of adult content. He explores the nuances of communication within the family unit, emphasizing the crucial role of parental guidance in navigating sensitive topics such as sexuality and pornography.
    Through Isaac's poignant narrative, listeners are invited to confront the realities of addressing taboo subjects in a digital age, where boundaries blur, and access to explicit material is omnipresent. His story is a poignant reminder of the profound impact of openness and support within familial relationships.
    Tune in as Mandee and Isaac delve deep into the intersection of upbringing, technology, and personal struggle, offering insight and empathy to those grappling with similar challenges.
    Support the show
    ______________________________________________________

    The "Kids' Brains & Screens" paperback is NOW AVAILABLE!

    Please subscribe, rate, and share this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!
    Start your ScreenStrong Journey today! Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more! Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador! ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations
    Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount) Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount) ______________________________________________________

    Production Team:
    Host: Melanie Hempe Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

    • 31 min
    Navigating Kids’ Resistance to Screen Education with Becky Grant (#187)

    Navigating Kids’ Resistance to Screen Education with Becky Grant (#187)

    Join Melanie Hempe and guest Becky Grant as they tackle the challenge of introducing the Kids' Brains & Screens curriculum to resistant or sensitive kids. They share personal stories and offer tips and strategies for parents to navigate this crucial conversation effectively.
    In this episode:
    Learn how to approach the scenario where kids push back against the ScreenStrong message or show sensitivity towards screen topics.Discover the inviting and engaging nature of the Kids’ Brains and Screens material and how it resonates with students and parents alike.Get practical strategies to engage resistant or sensitive kids, including seeking feedback and providing incentives.Explore tips for encouraging open dialogue and applying the curriculum to various aspects of kids' lives.Understand the transformative potential of the Kids’ Brains & Screens curriculum in empowering students to control screen habits and build offline relationships.Gain insights into the importance of education in making informed decisions about screen time, with parallels drawn to health education.Tune in for valuable insights and practical advice on guiding kids toward healthier screen habits, and join the mission to empower the next generation in the digital age.
    Support the show
    ______________________________________________________

    The "Kids' Brains & Screens" paperback is NOW AVAILABLE!

    Please subscribe, rate, and share this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!
    Start your ScreenStrong Journey today! Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more! Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador! ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations
    Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount) Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount) ______________________________________________________

    Production Team:
    Host: Melanie Hempe Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

    • 1 hr 5 min
    Is Big Tech Responsible for Our Kids' Mental Health? (#186)

    Is Big Tech Responsible for Our Kids' Mental Health? (#186)

    In today's episode, we delve into a critical discussion sparked by the recent Senate hearings on Big Tech. Join us as we share an enlightening segment from a media interview featuring Melanie Hempe, where she addresses the responsibility of tech giants and their influence on the mental health crisis among teens.

    As parents, we hold the key to guiding our children through the digital world. However, confronting the challenges posed by screen addiction demands an open mind and a commitment to understanding the complexities involved. Through candid insights and expert analysis, we explore the ways in which Big Tech shapes our children's online experiences and its repercussions on their mental well-being.
    Join us in this important conversation as we navigate the intersection of technology and parenting. Listen, learn, and share this podcast with others, as together, we work towards creating a safer and more balanced digital environment for our children. 

    The paperback version of "Kids' Brains & Screens: A ScreenStrong Student Course" is OUT NOW—get your copy on Amazon today!
    Support the show
    ______________________________________________________

    The "Kids' Brains & Screens" paperback is NOW AVAILABLE!

    Please subscribe, rate, and share this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!
    Start your ScreenStrong Journey today! Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more! Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador! ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations
    Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount) Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount) ______________________________________________________

    Production Team:
    Host: Melanie Hempe Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

    • 23 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
79 Ratings

79 Ratings

ScreenStrong Grandmother ,

Empowering Podcast

The ScreenStrong podcast is a must listen for any parent, grandparent and teacher. I have learned so much about the negative side affects of toxic screens. I am more dedicated than ever to keeping toxic screens out of my life. ScreenStrong gives me the strategies and the scientific backed research to help me stay focused and committed to a toxic screen free lifestyle. Screens no longer control my life!

Coharie Tweety ,

Thank You!

This podcast gave me the strength to get my 8 year old off video games. We are loving life now. His meltdowns are less frequent and less intense. He is finding life outside of video games again.

parent to boys ,

A must listen

If you are concerned about screen time at all, you’ll find the information on this podcast highly valuable if not life changing. It changed how I talk to my kids about Screen Time, how we use screens in our home and the encouragement you receive from Melanie while learning the science-based facts is invaluable!! if I could make every single one of my friends listen to the show, I would!

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