Tweens, Teens, and Tech

Unique challenges face young people in today’s digital world. Through expert interviews and teen perspectives, this series covers topics like social media pressure, online safety, and the development of healthy tech habits, providing valuable advice for parents and teens alike.

May 20, 2026
"When you get a kid to really pay more attention to a screen, do they learn more?" ~Sarah Shepherd PhD 
May 8, 2026
"ADHD brains thrive on novelty and challenge, something new, and just the right amount of challenge." ~Adela Baker, PCC, PCAC
May 1, 2026
"What we're offering is… a break in the technology." ~Corey Scholibo 
February 4, 2026
“We highly recommend (obtaining) a VPN. It makes sure that unwanted eyes aren’t monitoring your activity or….capturing information.” ~ Kae David
October 29, 2025
"…have dialogue with your kids …and explain why using services … as a condition of using a device (is needed) and have an open and transparent dialogue." ~Karl Stillner
October 22, 2025
"So much of the trade-off we make for video games and screen timing in general is the short-term enjoyment,.....at the expense of the long-term (fulfillment)" ~ Ian McCready
S4 Episode 2:  Smartphone Free Childhood Now! // Jodi Carreon
September 20, 2025
Jodi Carreon is a self-described “regular mom” who honestly is anything but!! While volunteering at her kids' school. She discovered students were more focused on screens instead of each other. By accessing the tools and templates at Smartphone Free Childhood US, she founded a local parent group that focuses on limiti
S14 Episode 1: Angel Q - A Kid-First Super Browser // Tim Estes
September 3, 2025
“you want (your) kid to have a bounded amount of screen time” ~ Tim Estes, CEO AngelQ 
August 27, 2025
S14 Trailer: AI, Chatbots, and Education
S13 Episode 6: Phone Phreedom Summer!! // Dr. Nidhi Gupta
June 18, 2025
"Physically separate yourself from your devices 30-90 minutes per day." ~ Dr. Nidhi Gupta
Healthy Screen Habits Podcast S13 Episode 6: How To Start Saving the World//Matt Pulley
June 11, 2025
Parents aren’t just worried– they are ready to act. Four Norms empowers local parent groups to get things done through the use of collective action. It’s never been easier to fight for new norms around kids and technology that you want to see in your community. Four Norms acts as a bridge between organizational expertise and community impact. Specifically designed for grassroots parents' organizations, Four Norms makes stepping into activism as easy as meeting friends for coffee (so you can save/change the world!).
S13 Episode 2: 30 Days of Sex Talks // Dina Alexander
May 13, 2025
"…it's amazing what your kids will come back with as you create these conversations." ~Dina Alexander
S13 Episode 1: Video Game Expert Explains It All - And How To Stop Fighting Over Gaming! // Scott No
May 7, 2025
With over 30 years in the video game industry and as the creator of GameTruck, Scott Novis has entertained more than 14 million gamers. He’s on a mission to help families build connections through play. On this episode, find out how to end games without a fight, bond with your kids in new ways, and have a great time doing it all!
S12 Episode 12: Mind, Body, and Tech? // Michael Davis // MindfulBytes.io
April 2, 2025
Overcoming a challenging childhood in the South, Michael was inspired by a transformative teacher to unlock his potential. He served 22 years in the U.S. Navy, developing advanced cybersecurity algorithms. With over 25 years of cybersecurity experience, Michael is now a Ph.D. candidate in Cyberpsychology at Capitol Tech University. He created MindfulBytes.io, a groundbreaking K-5 curriculum enhancing digital well-being. The program boasts an 85.7% student engagement rate and a 40% reduction in cyberbullying incidents. His mission is to safeguard the digital well-being of the youngest generation, ensuring every child can thrive in our increasingly digital world.
S12 Episode 11: Its A Teen’s World - Here’s How To Talk To Them About It! // Erin Walsh
March 26, 2025
Erin Walsh is a parent, speaker, and author who helps families and educators navigate the complexities of adolescents, parenting, and technology. As co-founder of Spark and Stitch Institute, she translates research into practical strategies. She is also the author of It's Their World Teens, Screens, and The Science of Adolescence, a great new book. In this episode, we talk about ways to reduce friction and create happy boundaries for our teens.
S12 Episode 9: Parent Tech Support - Here’s Where to Get It! // Jack Hughes
March 12, 2025
Jack Hughes is an expert in talking to parents about tech support because he has literally grown up in this digital age. As the president of Parent Tech Support, an organization whose mission is to help parents protect their kids online. He does that by providing free, straightforward content that educates parents. By using videos and establishing a personal connection, he can help parents set up parental controls and provide support. In today’s episode, he shares informative tips and provides explanations for all of us who are trying to figure it out.
S12 Episode 8: 1 Year of Fun With 52 Screenfree Ideas for Families! // Kathleen Barlow
March 5, 2025
Kathleen Barlow is a mom of 6 and grandmother of 3, as a former middle school and high school French teacher she had a front row to watch the increasingly negative impact of phones in schools and their effects on connection. She has dedicated her time to helping schools develop better cell phone policies and families build better connections. Kathleen has created a great tool and resource for families looking to participate in screen free fun. It has 52 ideas, one per week for a whole year! She shares some of these ideas and so much more in this episode.
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