Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers Podcast

Originally published Jan 2024
In this episode of The Screenagers Podcast, Dr. Delaney Ruston explores the complex issue of weed use among teenagers in today's digital world. The discussion delves into how cannabis is portrayed and often glamorized on social media and the potential risks this poses to young people, including addiction and mental health concerns. 
The episode also sheds light on the cannabis industry's lack of stringent regulation and the dangers of high THC products. Importantly, Dr. Ruston offers practical strategies for parents to engage in effective and meaningful conversations with their teens about cannabis use.
 
Research References:
Potency levels of regulated cannabis products in Michigan 2021–2022  (Journal of Forensic Sciences) 
Recent rapid decrease in adolescents' perception that marijuana is harmful, but no concurrent increase in use  (Drug and Alcohol Dependence)
Acute Mental Health Symptoms in Adolescent Marijuana Users (JAMA Pediatrics)
 
Featured Experts:
Sharon Levy, MD
Pam Ling, MD
 
Additional Links:
Recovery support in general 
Marajuana anonymous
 
Timecode:
00:04 Introduction to the Podcast
00:38 Teenagers' Perspective on Cannabis and Social Media
01:53 The Intersection of Cannabis Use and Screen Time
02:28 Medical Misconceptions about Cannabis
03:59 Personal Stories of Cannabis Use and Mental Health
04:19 The Risks of Cannabis Use for Mental Health
05:47 The Reality of Cannabis Addiction
09:26 The Impact of High THC Concentration in Cannabis
11:28 The Role of Vaping in Cannabis Use
12:33 The Need for Regulation in the Cannabis Industry
16:11 Strategies for Talking to Teens about Cannabis
18:52 Seeking Help for Cannabis Addiction
21:19 Personal Strategies for Decreasing Cannabis Use
22:27 Conclusion and Acknowledgements

Why do some kids and teens get overly frustrated and bored when it's time to turn off their video games? How to know when game playing has become excessive? What are tips that all families should know for ensuring healthy video game play?
In today's episode of The Screenagers Podcast, Dr. Delaney Ruston explores these issues along with a new model of brain biology to help explain irritability and boredom associated with video gaming. We hear from teens along with psychiatrist Dr. Clifford Sussman who specializes in helping young people regain tech balance.
We also hear from Andrew Fulton who was in the film, Screenagers, when he was getting treatment at an internet rehab center, and is now working at the same center helping others recover from video game overuse.
 
Additional Links
Andrew in this episode works at the internet recovery center called reStart
To learn more about Dr. Clifford Sussman, go to his website.
Dr. Sussman et al.,  Internet and Video Game Addictions: Diagnosis, Epidemiology and Neurobiology.
 
Here are links to some Tech Talk Tuesday articles about video games:
Digital Binging, Is it a Problem?
Why 3 Hours is Too Much
Fake Identities and Real Concerns
Watch What Happens When Kids Have No Screen Time Rules
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Additional Resources
Screenagers Website
Bring Screenagers to Your Community

In today's episode, Dr. Ruston interviews tech journalist Manoush Zomorodi about her book Body Electric and a movement to normalize periodic movement breaks from screens.
Zomorodi talks about research that shows five minutes of gentle movement every 30 minutes can significantly improve glucose, blood pressure, focus, mood, and energy, and explains a large self-reported project with 20,000 participants testing breaks every 30 minutes, hour, or two hours.
They discuss why standing desks aren't enough, how movement supports circulation and cognition, practical habit strategies, and parenting approaches to help motivate kids to move, such as framing movement as something kids "get to" do.
 
Expert:
Manoush Zomorodi
 
Book:
Body Electric: The Hidden Health Costs of the Digital Age and New Science to Reclaim Your Well-Being, by Manoush Zomorodi
 
Research References:
Breaking Up Prolonged Sitting to Improve Cardiometabolic Risk: Dose-Response Analysis of a Randomized Crossover Trial, Keith Diaz, PhD et al.
 
Resources:
Screenagers Website
Bring Screenagers to Your Community
 
Time Code: 
00:00 Show Updates
00:28 Meet Manoush
02:40 Why Screens Exhaust Us
04:13 Five Minute Fix
06:49 Testing Movement Breaks
08:24 Citizen Science Approach
11:56 Lab Results Surprise
15:28 Standing Desk Myth
18:04 Making Breaks Stick
20:46 Listening to Your Body
21:30 Movement Mindset Shift
22:22 Screenagers Films Break
23:13 Parenting Without Shame
24:42 The Pandemic Questionnaire
26:35 Did You Get to Move
27:24 Airport Workouts Legacy
28:08 Tracking Steps Without Pressure
30:21 Be the Weirdo at Work
32:17 Movement Experiments With Kids
33:04 Part Two Tease and Resources
33:50 Where to Find Manoush
34:44 Podcast Wrap and Credits

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

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
 
Additional Resources
Screenagers Website
Bring Screenagers to Your Community
 
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