Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers Podcast

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
 
Additional Resources:
Screenagers Website
Bring Screenagers to Your Community
 
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

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 Resources:
Screenagers Website
Bring Screenagers to Your Community
 
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

This week we return to a popular episode, originally published in Jan 2025, where 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.
Suitable 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
 
Additional Resources:
Screenagers Website
Bring Screenagers to Your Community
 
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

How are students really using ChatGPT and other AI tools for school work? What do they see as acceptable? And where do they draw the line? What happens when AI is used for creative projects, and at what cost?
In this episode of Parenting in the Screen Age, Delaney Ruston, MD, explores the impact of AI tools like ChatGPT on student learning and academic integrity. She shares interviews with college students who talk candidly about using AI for academic purposes, what they will and won't do, and how they navigate ethical gray areas. One student recounts being accused of cheating with AI, and we learn how she got through the experience.
The episode encourages parents, educators, and students to have ongoing conversations about the responsible use of AI technologies in and beyond the classroom.
 
Additional Resources
Screenagers Website
Bring Screenagers to Your Community‍
 
‍‍‍Time Code
00:00 Introduction
00:47 The Rise of AI in Education
01:46 Student Interviews: Creative Uses of AI
06:47 Student Interviews: Academic Uses of AI
14:53 Student Interviews: Ethical Concerns and Personal Choices
17:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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