With AI continuing to be an ever-growing presence in our lives and our kids' lives, we're revisiting this episode where host, Dr. Delaney Ruston, MD, interviews Natalie Foos, director of VoiceBox and lead author of the eye-opening report, "Coded Companions: Young People's Relationships with AI Chat Bots."

The discussion centers on the risks posed by AI chatbots in young people's lives, using examples like Snapchat's My AI and the AI companion app Replika. The report provides concrete examples of deeply troubling things the AIs said to users during testing, conducted with young adults aged 18 to 24.

They discuss concerning features, such as how My AI uses location tracking to target young users with ads and emphasize the importance of educating both youth and adults about the potential dangers of AI companions, particularly regarding data privacy, emotional impact, and ethical implications.

Resources

Coded Companions: Young People's Relationships With AI Chat Bots

Natalie Foos, Director of VoiceBox

VoiceBox

VoiceBox's Ambassador Program

Can A.I. Be Blamed for a Teen's Suicide?, New York Times, Oct 24, 2024

Additional Resources

Screenagers Website

Bring Screenagers to Your Community

Time Codes:

00:00 Introduction to Screenagers Podcast

00:11 Exploring Companion Chatbots

00:28 Interview with Natalie Foos: VoiceBox and Youth Voices

00:57 Coded Companions Report: AI Chatbots and Youth

01:26 Snapchat's MyAI: Features and Concerns

05:43 Replika: Customizable AI Companions

12:40 Ethical Concerns and Data Privacy

16:42 Emotional Impact of AI Relationships

25:38 Potential Harms and Risks

28:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Confused about ADHD or looking for effective ways to support a child or teen? Dr. Ruston is joined by Erin Schoenfelder Gonzalez, PhD, a clinical psychologist at Seattle Children's Hospital, who explains how ADHD is diagnosed and how symptoms evolve from childhood through adolescence. They explore both the strengths and challenges associated with the condition.

The episode focuses on research-based strategies that parents and other adults can use to support youth, including "point-of-performance" actions, preventing "dopamine cliffs," and other approaches for managing screen time, physical activity, and sleep. Dr. Schoenfelder Gonzalez also shares her work developing FAST (First Approach Skills Training), a free, evidence-based program designed to give parents practical tools to support youth with ADHD and other conditions.

Featured Expert‍

Erin Schoenfelder Gonzalez, PhD

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Research References

Sibley, M. et al. Non-pharmacological interventions for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents. Lancet Child & Adolescent Health. 2023

Sharma, A. et al. Stimulant medications affect arousal and reward, not attention networks. Cell, 2025.

Resources‍

Fast Approach Skills Training Program

‍Additional Resources

Screenagers Website

Bring Screenagers to Your Community‍

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Time Code

00:00 Welcome and Topic Setup

01:34 Meet Dr Erin Felder Gonzalez

02:37 Why ADHD Not ADD

03:33 ADHD Across Ages

08:14 Motivation and Reward Brain

09:53 Explaining ADHD Positively

11:59 ADHD and Mood Struggles

12:59 Screenagers Films Break

13:49 Parent Training Big Picture

17:10 Positive Reinforcement Skills

18:50 Family Media Plan Basics

21:59 Handling Screen Limit Pushback

24:50 Transitions and Consequences

27:10 Choosing Better Content

29:06 Physical Activity in Teens

31:26 Sleep Challenges and Tips

34:51 ADHD Brain Differences

36:54 FAST Program Resources

37:52 Community Support and Wrap

39:19 Final Thanks and Subscribe

What are the risks of regularly handing an upset child a screen to soothe them? How can we help younger kids handle their big emotions related to screen time rules? How can you get evidence-based answers to any screen time question, straight from the AAP?

Dr. Ruston speaks with pediatricians and researchers Dr. Megan Moreno and Dr. Jenny Radesky, who helped launch and now oversee the American Academy of Pediatrics' Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health.

Dr. Moreno is a professor of pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and co-medical director of the center. Dr. Radesky is an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Michigan Medical School and director of the Division of Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics.

Together, they share their research and insights on children, screens, and how families can get trusted guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Featured Experts

Megan Moreno, MD

Jenny Radesky, MD

Resources

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health

The AAP's Family Media Plan Tool

‍Additional Resources

Screenagers Website

Bring Screenagers to Your Community

Time Code

00:00 Meet the Experts

00:28 Megan's Early Social Media Cases

01:36 Jenny's Relational Health Lens

02:33 Screens as Regulation Research

04:50 Calm Without the iPad

08:14 AAP Family Media Plan

10:48 Problem Solving With Fast Tech

13:24 Key Rules for Teens

16:19 Content Choices for Little Kids

Dr. Delaney sits down with acclaimed developmental psychologist David Yeager, Ph.D., to discuss his groundbreaking book, 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People.

Together, they delve into the transformative power of adopting a mentor mindset to simplify parenting — especially when tackling tech time challenges. Learn why combining high standards with high support is a game-changer, and uncover the key elements of "wise feedback" that make it so impactful, as shown across various studies.

This episode offers science-backed communication techniques on topics like respectful versus disrespectful language, validation, cooperative problem-solving, and more. Parents will walk away with practical strategies to approach screen time struggles with confidence and clarity.

Featured Expert

David Yeager, PhD

Books

The Science of Motivating Young People, by David Yeager

Belonging: The Science of Creating Connection and Bridging Divides, by Geoffrey L. Cohen

Research References

1. Yeager, D. et al. Breaking the cycle of mistrust: Wise interventions to provide critical feedback across the racial divide. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 143(2), 804–824, 2014.

2. Dobson, K. et al. A Transparency Statement Improves Community-Police Interactions. Research Square (Research Square), 2022.

3. Yeager, D. et al. A Transparency Statement Transforms Community-Police Interactions. Research Square (Research Square), 2022.

4. Telzer, E. et al. Ventral striatum activation to prosocial rewards predicts longitudinal declines in adolescent risk taking. Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, 3, 45–52, 2013.

Time Code

00:00 Introduction to the Screenagers Podcast

00:23 Meet David Yeager: Growth Mindset and Mentor Mindset

02:34 The Mentor's Dilemma: Balancing Criticism and Support

04:23 Wise Feedback: The Key to Motivating Youth

10:17 Transparency and Benevolent Intentions

12:45 Understanding Adolescent Motivation: Status and Respect

17:42 The Role of Testosterone in Adolescent Development

20:47 Respectful Communication: The Vegemite Experiment

24:15 Testosterone and Behavior

25:50 Parenting Challenges and Mentor Mindset

27:04 The Science of Nagging

29:25 Effective Communication with Teens

32:45 Collaborative Troubleshooting

34:41 Balancing Screen Time and Life Goals

36:53 The Enforcer vs. Mentor Mindset

41:30 Concluding Thoughts and Resources

Could we imagine a world in which nicotine products did not exist? Could such a world be shaped by teens working together to make it happen, and what might that mean for public health?

25-year-old Raven Twilling, Program Coordinator for Bay Area Community Resources in Marin County, discusses how she has helped organize teens to make nicotine products illegal to sell in two California towns. She shares her journey from noticing vaping trends in high school to studying public health and working in her current role.

Raven highlights recent successful initiatives, including complete bans on the sale of commercial tobacco and nicotine products in Ross and Tiburon, California.

Most importantly, she explains how young people played a central role in these efforts and how listening to this episode with young people may spark interest in civic action and advocacy.

Resources

Bay Area Community Resources

Marin County Tobacco Prevention Program

Public Health Law Center

Truth Initiative (educational content)

Marin Youth Advocacy Committee

KickIt California (free quit support for anyone in CA 13+)

Tiburon News Article

Ross News Article

Board of Supervisors (Marin Unincorporated) News Article

Time Code

00:00 Introduction to Raven and BACR

00:16 Raven's Journey into Nicotine Prevention

01:38 Current Work and Responsibilities at BACR

02:46 Policy Advocacy and Recent Wins

03:51 Arguments for Nicotine Product Bans

06:13 Youth Involvement and Community Impact

07:51 Process of Implementing Local Laws

11:44 Marin County's Recent Policy Changes

25:58 Challenges and Enforcement Issues

27:11 Encouraging Youth Involvement

28:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Dr. Delaney is joined by Laura Kastner, PhD, a clinical psychologist and author of multiple parenting books. Together, they delve into strategies for talking to our teens about sex and not letting taboo or embarrassment get in the way of what can be vital conversations.

Covering topics such as consent and alcohol they emphasize the significance of being an 'askable parent' through encouraging open conversation and not being afraid to talk plainly about what can be perceived as delicate or awkward topics for both teens and parents.

Please note this episode features discussion of mature themes and is intended for an adult audience.

Featured Expert

Laura Kastner, PhD

Books

Wise-Minded Parenting

Getting To Calm: Cool-headed strategies for parenting tweens and teens

The Launching Years: Strategies for Parenting from Senior Year to College Life

The Seven-Year Stretch: How Families Work Together to Grow Through Adolescence

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Additional Resources

Screenagers Website

Bring Screenagers to Your Community

Time Code

00:00 Introduction to the Screenagers Podcast

00:37 Meet Dr. Laura Kastner: Expert on Parenting Teens

00:48 The Importance of Open Communication

01:13 Challenges in Discussing Physical Intimacy

02:19 Addressing Taboos and Difficult Topics

03:27 Psychological Immunization and Early Conversations

04:48 Practical Tips for Parents

05:28 Real-Life Examples and Focus Groups

08:45 The Role of Humility in Parenting

10:28 Discussing Consent and Alcohol

17:30 Concluding Thoughts and Resources

In this episode, Dr Ruston is joined by journalist and author Catherine Price, author of How To Break Up With Your Phone. They discuss her new book co-authored with Jonathan Haidt, 'The Amazing Generation,' aimed at empowering kids to be tech-savvy and foster real-world connections.

The conversation includes practical tips for managing tech use in families and the concept of 'The Rebels Code' for kids to use technology wisely. In addition Price shares details about tech time limits with her 10 year old daughter.

Expert

Catherine Price

Books

The Amazing Generation by Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price

How To Break Up With Your Phone by Catherine Price

Other Resources

Screenagers Website

Bring Screenagers to Your Community

Time Code

00:00 Introduction to Parenting in the Screen Age

00:18 Meet Catherine Price: Breaking Up with Your Phone

01:11 The Genesis of The Amazing Generation

04:18 The Structure and Purpose of The Amazing Generation

06:21 Real-Life Applications and Parental Guidance

18:48 Practical Tips for Managing Screen Time

25:28 Conclusion and Resources

How can parents set limits that actually stick in a high-tech world? And what rules to set? In this episode, the prominent screen time researcher, Jean Twenge, PhD discusses her new book, 10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World.

Twenge explains the science behind how screens disrupt sleep, and shares ways to use parental controls effectively.

The conversation also explores delaying smartphones and social media, enforcing meaningful consequences, and why changing community norms, not just household rules, can make all the difference.

Expert

Jean Twenge, PhD

Book

10 Rules For Raising Kids In A High Tech World

Resources

www.screenfreesleep.org

Screenagers Website

Bring Screenagers to Your Community

Time Code

00:00 Introduction to Parenting in the Screen Age

00:19 Meet Jean Twenge: Expert on Generational Differences

00:52 Discussing '10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High Tech World'

02:00 The Importance of No Devices in the Bedroom

04:02 Parental Controls and Device Management

05:26 The Role of Lockboxes and Parental Controls

07:50 Challenges with Parental Control Software

13:11 Promoting Screen-Free Sleep and Community Efforts

14:02 The Impact of Disturbing Content on Kids

15:53 Balancing Busy Schedules and Sleep

18:04 Setting Rules and Consequences for Device Use

19:15 Delaying Smartphones and Social Media

21:35 Final Thoughts and Community Pledges

24:08 Conclusion and Resources

Frustrated with his obsession with video gaming, Cam Adair wrote a post about his struggles that went viral. This led to his starting a movement that has brought together thousands to work to create a balanced life at Gamequitters.com. Cam is an international speaker who shares his story about gaming addiction and offers well tested advice to youth and their parents.

Expert:

Cam Adair

Episode Resources:

Game Quitters

Game Quitters Parent Support Group

Afterschool Alliance

Additional Resources:

How to bring the Screenagers movies to your community

Screenagers Website

Time Code:

00:00 Introduction 00:38 Meet Cam Adair: From Gamer to Advocate 01:57 Cam's Personal Struggles with Gaming 06:42 Turning Point: Seeking Help and Recovery 09:48 Founding Game Quitters 11:11 Impact of COVID on Gaming Habits 13:37 Advice for Parents and Kids 22:15 Final Thoughts and Resources

Dr Ruston speaks with Amy Neville, mother of Alexander Neville who tragically died at age 14 after taking a fentanyl-laced pill he obtained through Snapchat. He thought he was buying an oxycontin but instead the pill was a pill laced with fentanyl.

Amy shares her journey from grief to activism, discussing her efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of social media-facilitated drug deals and her advocacy for stronger accountability from tech companies.

This episode offers insights into the vulnerabilities of teens in the digital world, the current drug crisis, and practical advice for parents on navigating these challenges with their children.

Episode Resources:

Alexander Neville Foundation

Additional Resources:

How to bring the Screenagers movies to your community

Screenagers Website

Time Code:

00:00 Introduction

00:23 The Tragic Story of Alexander Neville

01:30 Alex's Final Days

05:00 Turning Grief into Activism

06:46 Conversations with Teens

10:05 The Role of Snapchat

18:34 Advice for Parents

21:55 Resources and Conclusion

Many parents feel hypocritical or guilty about their own phone or tech use when their kids or teens are around.

In this episode, Dr. Ruston checks in with three parents who shared those feelings and took on the One Small Change Challenge to make a change in their own tech use. Hear from them about their successes and challenges during their two-week experiment.

Even for listeners who missed the previous two episodes, this installment stands alone and offers insights on how adults can model for their children the reasons and approaches behind making positive changes to their tech time.

Additional Resources

Boosting Bravery: Free Screenagers program for teens that includes DARTS.

How to bring the Screenagers movies to your community

Screenagers Website

Time Code:

00:00 Introduction

00:19 Recap of Previous Episodes and DARTS Framework

01:59 Hillary's Journey: Breaking the Social Media Habit

10:41 Lisa's Challenge: Keeping the Phone Out of the Bedroom

15:35 Tori's Attempt: Creating Phone-Free Time with Her Daughter

25:00 Conclusion and Resources for Screen Time Management