Eating Disorders and Social Media: Isabelle’s Story

We often hear about social media’s impact on body image, but what can we learn from someone who’s lived it firsthand, developing a serious exercise and eating disorder? Dr. Delaney Ruston sits down with Isabelle, a teen who bravely shares her journey from body dysmorphia to a severe eating disorder, struggles made worse by the constant stream of triggering content on platforms like TikTok.  Isabelle opens up about how social media shaped her self-perception and how therapy, hospitalization, and strong family support helped her begin to heal. With candid insights from Isabelle and her parents, this episode explores the real risks of social media use and sets the stage for a follow-up conversation with a leading eating disorder expert.    This episode is intended for adult and teen audiences but please note it includes discussion of eating disorders, body image, and related experiences, so please listen with care.  If you or someone you love is affected by any of the issues we talk about today, you’ll find a list of support resources below.   Resources:  National Alliance for Eating Disorders (“The Alliance”) Website: allianceforeatingdisorders.com Free helpline: 866‑662‑1235 (Mon–Fri, 9am–7pm ET) Offers: Personalized support and referrals. Also operates https://www.findEDhelp.com, a free directory of eating disorder treatment centers and providers.   National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) Website: nationaleatingdisorders.org Offers: Free screening tools, treatment locators, support group listings, and educational materials.   Crisis Text Line Website: crisistextline.org Text “HOME” to 741‑741 to chat with a trained crisis counselor, or use the live chat at the website Offers: 24/7 mental health support, resources, and crisis intervention.   The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth) Website: thetrevorproject.org Text “START” to 678‑678 to connect with a crisis counselor Offers: 24/7 crisis support, online chat, and mental health resources tailored to LGBTQ+ youth.     Time Codes:  00:00 Introduction to Parenting in the Screen Age 00:19 The Impact of Media on Teen Body Image 00:46 Influencers and the Promotion of Eating Disorders 02:21 Isabel's Journey with an Eating Disorder 03:26 The Role of Social Media in Isabel's Struggle 05:11 Family Perspectives on Isabel's Experience 11:48 The Turning Point: Seeking Treatment 12:55 Life After Treatment: Recovery and Reflections 17:08 Advice for Parents and Teens 20:40 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes  

Struggling to get on the same page with your co-parent about screen time rules? Worried that enforcing boundaries might harm your relationship with your teen? In this episode, Delaney talks with renowned family psychologist and author Dr. Laura Kastner about the tricky — but crucial — process of setting and upholding screen time rules. Together, they explore a practical roadmap built around The Four Cs: Calm, Confidence, Co-Parent Unity, and Collaboration. Packed with relatable examples and expert-backed strategies, this conversation will help you navigate resistance and hold boundaries that support your child’s emotional development and well-being.   Featured Expert Laura Kastner, PhD   Books Getting To Calm, by Laura Kastner, PhD Wise Minded Parenting, by Laura Kastner, PhD   Time Code 00:00 Understanding the Core Issue: Fear and Relationships 00:27 Introduction to Parenting in the Screen Age 00:45 Challenges of Setting Screen Time Boundaries 01:10 Real-Life Examples of Unpopular Rules 02:31 Interview with Dr. Laura Kasner: The Four Cs 02:58 Applying the Four Cs to Real Scenarios 04:45 Staying Calm and Confident 06:23 Co-Parenting and Collaboration 08:39 Handling Teen Reactions and Family Meetings 12:18 Polarization and Parental Unity 20:03 Concluding Thoughts and Resources

How risky are the high volumes blasting through the earpods that poke into our kids’ ears? What about our adult ears?  In this episode, Dr. Delaney Ruston explores the fascinating world of hearing health and the risks associated with exposure to loud noises, especially through headphones and earphones.  Delaney is joined by Dr. Robert Jackler, MD, a researcher and neurotologist from Stanford, who discusses the mechanics of hearing loss, the dangers of excessive noise exposure, and practical steps to protect hearing.  The show provides numerous productive ways for parents and youth to engage in conversations about all the loud sounds streaming into their ears, whether from platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, or from online content and video games. It is intended for adult and youth audiences.  Featured Expert Dr. Robert Jackler, MD   Additional Links Mimi Hearing Test App   Time code 00:00 Introduction 01:49 The Impact of Loud Music on Hearing 02:19 Expert Insights: Dr. Robert Jacker on Hearing Health 03:32 Understanding Sound Levels and Hearing Loss 06:38 Protecting Your Hearing: Practical Tips 09:33 Smartphone Solutions for Hearing Safety 15:54 Encouraging Regular Hearing Tests 18:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts  

Why is it so hard for teens and young adults to cut back on social media — even when they truly want to? What emotional triggers keep pulling them back onto apps, and what actually happens once they're there? In this episode of Parenting in the Screen Age, host Dr. Delaney Ruston explores these questions with Dr. Katie Davis, a leading expert on youth and technology. Dr. Davis is a professor at the University of Washington’s Information School, with an adjunct appointment in the College of Education. She co-directs the UW Digital Youth Lab and is the author of three books on how technology shapes young people’s learning, development, and well-being. They dive into a recent study by Dr. Davis that explores the emotional and situational drivers behind teens’ social media use—from the triggers that lead them to open an app to what happens emotionally while they’re on it. The research offers powerful insights that can help young people and adults make more mindful choices around screen time. This episode is ideal for both adults and tweens who want to better understand the “why” behind social media habits. Plus, hear a college student’s candid reaction to the interview and how it’s influencing her own efforts to cut back on social media use   Featured Expert Katie Davis, PhD   Research References You Go Through So Many Emotions Scrolling Through Instagram”: How Teens Use Instagram To Regulate Their Emotions (Katie Davis, PhD, et al.)  Supporting Teens’ Intentional Social Media Use Through Interaction Design: An exploratory proof-of-concept study (Katie Davis PhD, et al.) Digital Health Practices, Social Media Use, and Mental Well-Being Among Teens and Young Adults in the U.S. Hopelab & Well Being Trust   Time Code 00:00 Introduction and Personal Struggles with Social Media 00:22 Welcome to Parenting in the Screen Age 00:47 Challenges Teens Face with Social Media 01:17 Introducing Boosting Bravery Program 01:59 Exploring Research on Social Media Use 03:37 Interview with Dr. Katie Davis 04:16 Understanding Teens' Social Media Behavior 05:57 Emotional Triggers and Social Media 07:44 Mindless Diversions vs. Deliberate Acts 20:23 Designing Better Social Media Experiences 26:23 College Student's Reflection 28:23 Conclusion and Resources

In this episode of 'Parenting in the Screen Age,' host Delaney Ruston discusses the critical role of counseling and therapy for teen mental health.  Joined by Laura Kastner, PhD, author of acclaimed parenting books and a teen and family therapist for over 30 years, they debunk common myths about therapy and explore effective ways parents can support their teens struggling with depression, anxiety, and tech overuse.  The conversation offers insights into how to identify when professional help is needed, and emphasizes the necessity of family involvement in therapy.    Featured Expert Laura Kastner, PhD   Books Getting To Calm, by Laura Kastner, PhD Wise Minded Parenting, by Laura Kastner, PhD   Additional Links Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Screenagers Website   Time Code 00:00 Introduction  00:42 Mental Health Awareness Month 00:55 Introducing Today's Topic and Guest 01:43 Personal Story: Tessa's Journey 02:44 Clip from Screenagers: Family Therapy Session 03:36 Interview with Laura Kastner: When to Seek Therapy 04:56 Role of School Counselors 06:01 Case Study: Addressing Teen Languishing 09:23 Family Dynamics in Therapy 12:57 Evolving Approaches to Adolescent Therapy 23:54 Effective Therapy Techniques 26:14 Conclusion and Resources  

Are screens just a habit for young people, or something far more harmful? In this episode, psychologist and researcher Dr. Jean Twenge, author of iGen and Generations, breaks down how screen time — especially social media and gaming — is hijacking teen mental health. From rising rates of depression and anxiety to her powerful “A-N-D” framework (Attachment, Negative experiences, Displacement), Jean explains why so many teens are struggling — and what we can do to help. Hear what the latest research really says, what most headlines miss, and how we can help young people reclaim their wellbeing in a digital world. Featured Expert  Jean Twenge, PhD Books iGen, by Jean Twenge Generations, by Jean Twenge Research References Social Media and Mental Health: A Collaborative Review. An ongoing open-source literature review posted and curated by Jean Twenge, Jonathan Haidt and Zach Rausch. Richardson, L. P., et al. Evaluation of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 Item for Detecting Major Depression Among Adolescents. PEDIATRICS, 126(6), 1117–1123, 2010. SAMHSA. 2023 NSDUH Annual National Report | CBHSQ Data. 2023. Time Code  00:00 Introduction 01:16 Interview with Jean Twenge: Exploring Generational Differences 02:13 The Impact of Social Media on Teen Mental Health 03:58 Attachment, Negative Experiences, and Displacement: The AND Framework 05:03 Hearing teens’ voices  09:02 Broader Implications of Screen Time 17:16 Understanding Depression Statistics and Misleading Headlines 20:48 The Importance of Sleep for Mental Health 24:18 Parental Strategies and Societal Changes 28:19 Conclusion and Resources

How can we help girls develop a sharp, critical perspective on gender inequality without dampening their ambitions? How do we guide boys to recognize how rigid gender roles harm them too? With the popular Netflix series Adolescence sparking intense discussions about gender attitudes and aggression, these questions are more pressing than ever. And how can we educate kids about the harmful effects of the "tradwife" trend spreading on social media? In this episode of Parenting in the Screen Age, host Dr. Delaney Ruston explores the psychological impacts of both online and offline sexism with Jo-Ann Finkelstein, PhD, clinical psychologist and author of Sexism and Sensibility. Their conversation uncovers the damaging gender messages young people receive through social media — and offers practical solutions. This episode is ideal for both adults and tweens.   Featured Expert Jo-Ann Finklestein, PhD   Books Sexism & Sensibility: Raising Empowered And Resilient Girls In The Modern World by Jo-Ann Finkelstein, PhD   Research References Social Media Use and Adolescent Mental Health: Findings From the UK Millennium Cohort Study (e Clinical Medicine) Adolescents’ Modern Media Use and Beliefs About Masculine Gender Roles and Norms (Journalism and Mass Communication Quarterly)    Additional Links Blog: The Feminist Parenty, Jo-Ann Finkelstein, PhD   Time Code 00:00 Introduction  00:34 Meet Dr. Jo-Ann Finkelstein 02:00 The Tradwife Phenomenon 04:39 Understanding Sexism and Its Impact 05:58 Raising Empowered Girls 09:14 Involving Boys in the Conversation 25:45 Navigating Social Media Influences 30:50 Conclusion and Resources  

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  

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  

What happens when a high school struggling with smartphone distractions takes a bold step and starts locking away all devices — midway through the school year? Even more unusual: the phones aren’t just put away; they’re locked up in classrooms for the entire day, except during lunch. Dr. Delaney interviews Principal Deanna Albert to explore how implementing ‘Away for the Day’ policies transformed both learning and social interactions at Hardin High School. Deanna shares the challenges and successes of making this shift, including how it improved student engagement, reduced distractions, and curbed social media-related issues.   Featured Expert Principal Deanna Albert   Additional Links Awayfortheday.org   Time Code 00:00 Introduction 00:15 About Screenagers & Away For The Day 01:04 Campaign Success and Challenges 01:38 Issues with Phone Policies in Schools 02:29 Interview with Principal Deanna Albert 04:42 Implementing the New Phone Policy 08:43 Positive Outcomes and Challenges 11:23 Community and Legal Implications 15:14 Final Thoughts and Resources