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
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When Co-Parents Clash Over Screen Rules
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
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Are AirPods Ruining Our Kids’ Hearing?
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
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Boredom In, Boredom Out: How Teens Experience Social Media
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
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Screen Time, Teens and Therapy: What Parents Need to Know
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
About Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers Podcast
Join Delaney Ruston, MD — a leading authority on parenting in the screen age and the filmmaker behind the award-winning Screenagers movies — as she explores the challenges parents face raising kids in today's digital world: think smartphones, social media, video games, and more.
Through interviews with experts, thought leaders, and young people themselves, Parenting in the Screen Age delivers the latest science, practical tips, and key insights that parents will want to implement — and share — with their kids and teens.
Listen to Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers Podcast, The Rich Roll Podcast and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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