How Screens Trap Teens In Depression — Jean Twenge Explains the Trap

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  

Host Delaney Ruston, MD, delves into this complex topic with Lisa Wade, PhD, researcher and author of American Hookup. Lisa shares insights from her 15 years of research, offering a deep understanding of sexual dynamics on college campuses, as explored in her book. We examine the nuances of the term "hookup," the implications of hookup culture, the role of alcohol, and the varied experiences of students. This episode is essential for both parents and students, addressing misconceptions and providing practical advice for navigating relationships and sexual encounters in the complex college landscape.   Featured Expert Lisa Wade, PhD   Books American Hookup: The New Culture of Sex on Campus, By Lisa Wade, PhD   Time Code 00:00 Introduction 03:21 Interview with Lisa Wade 05:58 Understanding What is meant by ‘Hookup Culture’ 07:21 The Role of Alcohol 09:34 Student Perspectives 20:52 Parental Guidance and Advice 27:07 Conclusion and Resources

Parents know it can be tough when their kids and teens get mad at them for establishing a boundary. It can make parents feel uncomfortable, question their boundaries, or shy away from setting them altogether. Dr. Delaney speaks with psychologist Karen Pavlidis, Ph.D., about how to think about—and what to do about—our struggles when facing our kids’ and teens’ anger. How can parents know which boundaries are fair? Why is psychological control a real no-no, and what does research teach us about being overly permissive? This episode is full of practical pointers—whether you’re a parent who feels shaken when your child is angry at you or simply looking for more advice on setting boundaries.   Featured Expert Karen Pavlidis, Ph.D.   Research References Parent Training in Non-Violence Resistance For Adult Entitled  (Family Process)    Additional Links Child and Teen Solutions   Time Code 00:00 Introduction and Story Setup 02:14 A Parent's Dilemma: Handling Children's Anger 03:46 Expert Insights: Navigating Emotional Reactions 07:28 Balancing Boundaries and Emotional Health 25:31 Role-Playing Effective Parenting Strategies 29:34 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

It’s no surprise that smartphones in the classroom can cause serious disruptions to learning. But what about smartwatches? Dr. Delaney explores the rising issue of wrist-based computers in schools and how one school has decided to tackle the problem.  She speaks with K-8 school counselor and Nurtured Heart practitioner Dr. Tammy Fisher to learn how implementing Away for The Day guidelines, and using clear, consistent rules around smartwatches, has helped her school not only create a more focused and engaged classroom but also build resilience in their youth.  This episode is intended for adult and youth audiences.   Featured Expert Dr. Tammy Fisher, Ph.D.   Books  Fearless Parenting: Stepping into Life’s Greatest Role, by Dr. Tammy Fisher There’s Always Something Going Right: Workbook for Creating Truly Great Schools, by Louisa Triandis LCSW and Dr. Tammy Fisher   Additional Links Nurtured Heart Institute Away for The Day: The Screenager’s Campaign for phones and smartwatches away during school Screenagers: Why School Safety Experts Want Phone Bans Screenagers: How Smartphones are Pushing Schools to the Breaking Point   Time Codes: 00:00 Introduction to Screenagers Podcast 00:27 The Smartwatch Challenge in Schools 00:55 Away for the Day Campaign 01:28 Smartwatch Distractions in the Classroom 03:00 Expert Insights: Dr. Tammy Fisher 04:31 Implementing Absolute Clarity 09:24 Building Resilience in Kids 11:53 Nurtured Heart Approach 14:53 Focusing on Absolute Yes 19:31 Final Thoughts and Resources  

Dr. Delaney dives into the world of Roblox and examines how in-game purchases impact young people, featuring insights from two young Roblox players and Mark Edwards, a therapist specializing in excessive video game use among teens. The episode explores the challenges of spending real money on virtual items in games like Roblox and Fortnite — think Robux or V-Bucks — and delves into key issues such as personal values, impulse control, financial literacy, and addiction. Designed for both adults and teens, this episode also provides practical advice for parents on fostering conversations about digital spending and guiding their kids toward making more thoughtful financial decisions in the gaming world   Guest: Mark Edwards, MS, MFT   Time Codes:  00:00 Introduction 01:04 Interview with Teen Roblox Players 04:35 Therapist's Perspective on Virtual Spending 06:35 Understanding Loot Boxes 10:19 Parental Guidance and Financial Literacy 15:55 Practical Tips for Parents 25:11 Conclusion and Resources