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  

Confused about ADHD or looking for effective ways to support a child or teen? Dr. Ruston is joined by Erin Schoenfelder Gonzalez, PhD, a clinical psychologist at Seattle Children's Hospital, who explains how ADHD is diagnosed and how symptoms evolve from childhood through adolescence. They explore both the strengths and challenges associated with the condition. The episode focuses on research-based strategies that parents and other adults can use to support youth, including "point-of-performance" actions, preventing "dopamine cliffs," and other approaches for managing screen time, physical activity, and sleep. Dr. Schoenfelder Gonzalez also shares her work developing FAST (First Approach Skills Training), a free, evidence-based program designed to give parents practical tools to support youth with ADHD and other conditions.   Featured Expert‍ Erin Schoenfelder Gonzalez, PhD ‍ Research References Sibley, M. et al. Non-pharmacological interventions for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents. Lancet Child & Adolescent Health. 2023 Sharma, A. et al. Stimulant medications affect arousal and reward, not attention networks. Cell, 2025.   Resources‍ Fast Approach Skills Training Program   ‍Additional Resources Screenagers Website Bring Screenagers to Your Community‍ ‍‍‍‍ Time Code 00:00 Welcome and Topic Setup 01:34 Meet Dr Erin Felder Gonzalez 02:37 Why ADHD Not ADD 03:33 ADHD Across Ages 08:14 Motivation and Reward Brain 09:53 Explaining ADHD Positively 11:59 ADHD and Mood Struggles 12:59 Screenagers Films Break 13:49 Parent Training Big Picture 17:10 Positive Reinforcement Skills 18:50 Family Media Plan Basics 21:59 Handling Screen Limit Pushback 24:50 Transitions and Consequences 27:10 Choosing Better Content 29:06 Physical Activity in Teens 31:26 Sleep Challenges and Tips 34:51 ADHD Brain Differences 36:54 FAST Program Resources 37:52 Community Support and Wrap 39:19 Final Thanks and Subscribe

What are the risks of regularly handing an upset child a screen to soothe them? How can we help younger kids handle their big emotions related to screen time rules? How can you get evidence-based answers to any screen time question, straight from the AAP? Dr. Ruston speaks with pediatricians and researchers Dr. Megan Moreno and Dr. Jenny Radesky, who helped launch and now oversee the American Academy of Pediatrics' Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health. Dr. Moreno is a professor of pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and co-medical director of the center. Dr. Radesky is an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Michigan Medical School and director of the Division of Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics. Together, they share their research and insights on children, screens, and how families can get trusted guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics.   Featured Experts Megan Moreno, MD Jenny Radesky, MD   Resources The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Center of Excellence  on Social Media and Youth Mental Health The AAP's Family Media Plan Tool   ‍Additional Resources Screenagers Website Bring Screenagers to Your Community   Time Code 00:00 Meet the Experts 00:28 Megan's Early Social Media Cases 01:36 Jenny's Relational Health Lens 02:33 Screens as Regulation Research 04:50 Calm Without the iPad 08:14 AAP Family Media Plan 10:48 Problem Solving With Fast Tech 13:24 Key Rules for Teens 16:19 Content Choices for Little Kids

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  

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  

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

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

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

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

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