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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30:08
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
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28:54
How Screens Trap Teens In Depression — Jean Twenge Explains the Trap
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
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29:53
Tradwives, the Manosphere, and Online Sexism: What Can Parents Do?
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
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32:01
Inside a Middle School’s Fight Against Smartphone-Fueled Cruelty and Bullying
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
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.
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