Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers Podcast

Delaney Ruston, MD
  • 4.8 (159)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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. 5D AGO

    How to Motivate Our Kids Without Nagging Them! (Encore)

    Dr. Delaney sits down with acclaimed developmental psychologist David Yeager, Ph.D., to discuss his groundbreaking book, 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People. Together, they delve into the transformative power of adopting a mentor mindset to simplify parenting — especially when tackling tech time challenges. Learn why combining high standards with high support is a game-changer, and uncover the key elements of "wise feedback" that make it so impactful, as shown across various studies. This episode offers science-backed communication techniques on topics like respectful versus disrespectful language, validation, cooperative problem-solving, and more. Parents will walk away with practical strategies to approach screen time struggles with confidence and clarity.   Featured Expert David Yeager, PhD   Books The Science of Motivating Young People, by David Yeager Belonging: The Science of Creating Connection and Bridging Divides, by Geoffrey L. Cohen   Research References Yeager, D. et al. Breaking the cycle of mistrust: Wise interventions to provide critical feedback across the racial divide. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 143(2), 804–824, 2014.  Dobson, K. et al. A Transparency Statement Improves Community-Police Interactions. Research Square (Research Square), 2022. Yeager, D. et al. A Transparency Statement Transforms Community-Police Interactions. Research Square (Research Square), 2022. Telzer, E. et al. Ventral striatum activation to prosocial rewards predicts longitudinal declines in adolescent risk taking. Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, 3, 45–52, 2013.   Time Code 00:00 Introduction to the Screenagers Podcast 00:23 Meet David Yeager: Growth Mindset and Mentor Mindset 02:34 The Mentor's Dilemma: Balancing Criticism and Support 04:23 Wise Feedback: The Key to Motivating Youth 10:17 Transparency and Benevolent Intentions 12:45 Understanding Adolescent Motivation: Status and Respect 17:42 The Role of Testosterone in Adolescent Development 20:47 Respectful Communication: The Vegemite Experiment 24:15 Testosterone and Behavior 25:50 Parenting Challenges and Mentor Mindset 27:04 The Science of Nagging 29:25 Effective Communication with Teens 32:45 Collaborative Troubleshooting 34:41 Balancing Screen Time and Life Goals 36:53 The Enforcer vs. Mentor Mindset 41:30 Concluding Thoughts and Resources

    44 min

  2. FEB 9

    How High Schoolers Took on Big Tobacco and Won

    Could we imagine a world in which nicotine products did not exist? Could such a world be shaped by teens working together to make it happen, and what might that mean for public health? 25-year-old Raven Twilling, Program Coordinator for Bay Area Community Resources in Marin County, discusses how she has helped organize teens to make nicotine products illegal to sell in two California towns. She shares her journey from noticing vaping trends in high school to studying public health and working in her current role. Raven highlights recent successful initiatives, including complete bans on the sale of commercial tobacco and nicotine products in Ross and Tiburon, California. Most importantly, she explains how young people played a central role in these efforts and how listening to this episode with young people may spark interest in civic action and advocacy.   Resources  Bay Area Community Resources Marin County Tobacco Prevention Program Public Health Law Center Truth Initiative (educational content)  Marin Youth Advocacy Committee KickIt California (free quit support for anyone in CA 13+)  Tiburon News Article Ross News Article  Board of Supervisors (Marin Unincorporated) News Article Time Code 00:00 Introduction to Raven and BACR 00:16 Raven's Journey into Nicotine Prevention 01:38 Current Work and Responsibilities at BACR 02:46 Policy Advocacy and Recent Wins 03:51 Arguments for Nicotine Product Bans 06:13 Youth Involvement and Community Impact 07:51 Process of Implementing Local Laws 11:44 Marin County's Recent Policy Changes 25:58 Challenges and Enforcement Issues 27:11 Encouraging Youth Involvement 28:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    29 min

  3. JAN 26

    Talking to Your Teen About Sex: Advice for Parents (encore)

    Dr. Delaney is joined by Laura Kastner, PhD, a clinical psychologist and author of multiple parenting books. Together, they delve into strategies for talking to our teens about sex and not letting taboo or embarrassment get in the way of what can be vital conversations. Covering topics such as consent and alcohol they emphasize the significance of being an 'askable parent' through encouraging open conversation and not being afraid to talk plainly about what can be perceived as delicate or awkward topics for both teens and parents.   Please note this episode features discussion of mature themes and is intended for an adult audience.   Featured Expert Laura Kastner, PhD   Books Wise-Minded Parenting Getting To Calm: Cool-headed strategies for parenting tweens and teens The Launching Years: Strategies for Parenting from Senior Year to College Life The Seven-Year Stretch: How Families Work Together to Grow Through Adolescence ‍ Additional Resources Screenagers Website Bring Screenagers to Your Community   Time Code 00:00 Introduction to the Screenagers Podcast 00:37 Meet Dr. Laura Kastner: Expert on Parenting Teens 00:48 The Importance of Open Communication 01:13 Challenges in Discussing Physical Intimacy 02:19 Addressing Taboos and Difficult Topics 03:27 Psychological Immunization and Early Conversations 04:48 Practical Tips for Parents 05:28 Real-Life Examples and Focus Groups 08:45 The Role of Humility in Parenting 10:28 Discussing Consent and Alcohol 17:30 Concluding Thoughts and Resources

    20 min

  4. JAN 12

    Raising The Amazing Generation: Helping Kids Become Wiser Tech Users

    In this episode, Dr Ruston is joined by journalist and author Catherine Price, author of How To Break Up With Your Phone. They discuss her new book co-authored with Jonathan Haidt, 'The Amazing Generation,' aimed at empowering kids to be tech-savvy and foster real-world connections. The conversation includes practical tips for managing tech use in families and the concept of 'The Rebels Code' for kids to use technology wisely. In addition Price shares details about tech time limits with her 10 year old daughter.   Expert Catherine Price   Books The Amazing Generation by Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price How To Break Up With Your Phone by Catherine Price   Other Resources Screenagers Website Bring Screenagers to Your Community   Time Code 00:00 Introduction to Parenting in the Screen Age 00:18 Meet Catherine Price: Breaking Up with Your Phone 01:11 The Genesis of The Amazing Generation 04:18 The Structure and Purpose of The Amazing Generation 06:21 Real-Life Applications and Parental Guidance 18:48 Practical Tips for Managing Screen Time 25:28 Conclusion and Resources

    27 min

  5. 12/29/2025

    Setting Screen Time Rules That Actually Work, with Jean Twenge

    How can parents set limits that actually stick in a high-tech world? And what rules to set? In this episode, the prominent screen time researcher, Jean Twenge, PhD discusses her new book, 10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World. Twenge explains the science behind how screens disrupt sleep, and shares ways to use parental controls effectively. The conversation also explores delaying smartphones and social media, enforcing meaningful consequences, and why changing community norms, not just household rules, can make all the difference.    Expert Jean Twenge, PhD   Book 10 Rules For Raising Kids In A High Tech World   Resources www.screenfreesleep.org  Screenagers Website Bring Screenagers to Your Community   Time Code 00:00 Introduction to Parenting in the Screen Age 00:19 Meet Jean Twenge: Expert on Generational Differences 00:52 Discussing '10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High Tech World' 02:00 The Importance of No Devices in the Bedroom 04:02 Parental Controls and Device Management 05:26 The Role of Lockboxes and Parental Controls 07:50 Challenges with Parental Control Software 13:11 Promoting Screen-Free Sleep and Community Efforts 14:02 The Impact of Disturbing Content on Kids 15:53 Balancing Busy Schedules and Sleep 18:04 Setting Rules and Consequences for Device Use 19:15 Delaying Smartphones and Social Media 21:35 Final Thoughts and Community Pledges 24:08 Conclusion and Resources

    26 min

  6. 12/15/2025

    Recovered Gaming Addict Shares His Story And Advice (Encore)

    Frustrated with his obsession with video gaming, Cam Adair wrote a post about his struggles that went viral. This led to his starting a movement that has brought together thousands to work to create a balanced life at Gamequitters.com. Cam is an international speaker who shares his story about gaming addiction and offers well tested advice to youth and their parents.   Expert: Cam Adair   Episode Resources: Game Quitters Game Quitters Parent Support Group Afterschool Alliance    Additional Resources: How to bring the Screenagers movies to your community Screenagers Website   Time Code: 00:00 Introduction 00:38 Meet Cam Adair: From Gamer to Advocate 01:57 Cam's Personal Struggles with Gaming 06:42 Turning Point: Seeking Help and Recovery 09:48 Founding Game Quitters 11:11 Impact of COVID on Gaming Habits 13:37 Advice for Parents and Kids 22:15 Final Thoughts and Resources

    26 min

  7. 12/01/2025

    From Grief to Advocacy: A Mother's Fight Against Snapchat

    Dr Ruston speaks with Amy Neville, mother of Alexander Neville who tragically died at age 14 after taking a fentanyl-laced pill he obtained through Snapchat. He thought he was buying an oxycontin but instead the pill was a pill laced with fentanyl.  Amy shares her journey from grief to activism, discussing her efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of social media-facilitated drug deals and her advocacy for stronger accountability from tech companies.  This episode offers insights into the vulnerabilities of teens in the digital world, the current drug crisis, and practical advice for parents on navigating these challenges with their children.   Episode Resources: Alexander Neville Foundation   Additional Resources: How to bring the Screenagers movies to your community Screenagers Website   Time Code: 00:00 Introduction 00:23 The Tragic Story of Alexander Neville 01:30 Alex's Final Days 05:00 Turning Grief into Activism 06:46 Conversations with Teens 10:05 The Role of Snapchat 18:34 Advice for Parents 21:55 Resources and Conclusion

    25 min

  8. 11/17/2025

    What 3 Adults Learned Trying to Change Their Own Phone Habits

    Many parents feel hypocritical or guilty about their own phone or tech use when their kids or teens are around.  In this episode, Dr. Ruston checks in with three parents who shared those feelings and took on the One Small Change Challenge to make a change in their own tech use. Hear from them about their successes and challenges during their two-week experiment.  Even for listeners who missed the previous two episodes, this installment stands alone and offers insights on how adults can model for their children the reasons and approaches behind making positive changes to their tech time.   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 00:19 Recap of Previous Episodes and DARTS Framework 01:59 Hillary's Journey: Breaking the Social Media Habit 10:41 Lisa's Challenge: Keeping the Phone Out of the Bedroom 15:35 Tori's Attempt: Creating Phone-Free Time with Her Daughter 25:00 Conclusion and Resources for Screen Time Management

    26 min
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4.8
out of 5
159 Ratings

About

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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