As summer approaches and routines shift, it's a perfect time to revisit some common screen time mistakes that parents might overlook, especially for homeschooling families navigating year-round challenges. In this episode, we highlight five critical yet easily missed mistakes related to children's screen use and provide practical tips to avoid them.Mistake #1: Using Screen Time as a RewardMistake #2: Easy Access to ScreensMistake #3: Misunderstanding Content and Time SpentMistake #4: Relying ...

Join Dr. Stacey and Melanie as they discuss a new study that suggests mental disorders could potentially spread within adolescent peer groups. In this episode, they unravel findings from a study titled: Transmission of Mental Disorders in Adolescent Peer Networks, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Psychiatry, which sheds light on the concerning implications for teen mental health.The study, which involved over 700,000 participants, reveals a dose-response ass...

In today’s show, Melanie is speaking with Becky Grant, a ScreenStrong parent and teacher, about the topic of smartphones in the classroom. They discuss getting your teacher and school administrators on board with your decision not to give your child a smartphone during the school day. They share tips for speaking with educators and ideas for a sample letter to send to your school before summer! Please refer to a copy of the letter they are speaking about in our Be ScreenStrong Substack this w...

Today, Melanie is joined by Joe Clement, a teacher, parent of three, and co-author of Screen Schooled with Matt Miles. Joe is in his 28th year of teaching and brings a unique perspective as he has witnessed the change technology has brought into both the classroom and the home environment. Melanie and Joe discuss the mental health risk factors that are influenced by the toxic use of screens that result in loss of empathy, loss of awareness of facial/social cues, increased stress, and lac...

Join Melanie Hempe and Dr. Victoria Dunckley, author of Reset Your Child's Brain, as they delve into the pervasive issue of Electronic Screen Syndrome (ESS) and its impact on children's health and well-being. From sleep disturbances to mood swings, ESS encompasses a range of symptoms triggered by excessive screen time, affecting millions of kids worldwide.Drawing from her extensive research and clinical experience, Dr. Dunckley sheds light on the neurological effects of screen exposure. Disco...

Welcome back, ScreenStrong family! Today, we're diving into a crucial topic with the incredible Dr. Adriana Stacey: how to choose the perfect phone for your kids. Parents worldwide are facing the daunting task of selecting the right phone for their children. With so many options available, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But before we make a choice, let's pause and ask ourselves: Why does our child need a phone in the first place?Understanding the purpose behind giving your child a phone is ke...

Join Mandee Hamann as she chats with Dory Suttmiller, an experienced educator and ScreenStrong Ambassador, about the changing role of technology in classrooms. Dory shares insights into fostering better student-teacher interactions and offers practical tips for creating a healthy learning environment amidst digital distractions. Whether you're a teacher or a parent, this episode provides valuable advice for navigating technology's impact on education. Tune in to learn how Dory was able t...

Do you want to prevent your middle Schooler from becoming dependent on screen time this summer? Join Melanie as she offers practical strategies to Emily, a ScreenStrong Ambassador and concerned middle school mom, to keep tweens engaged and social without resorting to video games or social media.  Get inspired and discover how to make this summer a ScreenStrong success for your family! Support the Show. ______________________________________________________ The "Kids' Brains & Screens"...

Melanie is joined once again by Dr. Leonard Sax, an American psychologist and a practicing family physician. Dr. Sax has spoken on child and adolescent development issues in schools and communities worldwide since 2001. He is the author of numerous books and publications, including The Collapse of Parenting, one of ScreenStrong’s most recommended books. Did you know that TikTok is the #1 most visited website in the U.S. and Worldwide today? One billion TikTok videos are viewed daily, and its...

In this eye-opening episode, Melanie and Dr. Stacey delve deep into the pervasive issue of teenage anxiety, particularly in the context of the smartphone-dominated world we live in today. Join us as we explore the multifaceted relationship between adolescents and their smartphones and how it contributes to the prevalence of anxiety among our teens. With the rise of social media, constant connectivity, and the pressure to curate a perfect online presence, teenagers are facing unprecedented...

Join host Mandee Hamann in an intimate conversation with Isaac Carroll as they delve into the complexities of growing up without screens yet still facing the influence of pornography. Isaac shares his raw and unfiltered journey, reflecting on the unexpected encounters with explicit material and the ensuing struggle with shame and vulnerability. In this episode, Isaac courageously opens up about the internal turmoil he grappled with, shedding light on the challenges of reconciling his...

Join Melanie Hempe and guest Becky Grant as they tackle the challenge of introducing the Kids' Brains & Screens curriculum to resistant or sensitive kids. They share personal stories and offer tips and strategies for parents to navigate this crucial conversation effectively. In this episode: Learn how to approach the scenario where kids push back against the ScreenStrong message or show sensitivity towards screen topics.Discover the inviting and engaging nature of the Kids’ Brains and...

In today's episode, we delve into a critical discussion sparked by the recent Senate hearings on Big Tech. Join us as we share an enlightening segment from a media interview featuring Melanie Hempe, where she addresses the responsibility of tech giants and their influence on the mental health crisis among teens. As parents, we hold the key to guiding our children through the digital world. However, confronting the challenges posed by screen addiction demands an open mind and a commitment to...

Get ready because it's almost here!  In this exciting episode, Melanie and Mandee unveil the highly anticipated print curriculum "Kids’ Brains and Screens" (KBS), slated for release on March 1, 2024. But this isn't your typical parental guidance spiel. KBS is a groundbreaking, evidence-based educational journey crafted to empower tweens and teens with hard-hitting scientific truths. It's a catalyst for transformative discussions that can revolutionize your family's relationship with screens,...

Join hosts Melanie Hempe and Mandee Hamann in an enlightening discussion as they share invaluable insights and practical tips for guiding older teens through a screen detox. In today's digital age, excessive screen time can significantly impact teenagers' mental and emotional well-being, affecting their relationships, productivity, and overall health. Drawing from their expertise in parenting and their work with ScreenStrong, Melanie and Mandee provide actionable strategies to help parents...

Join Melanie and Marianne Carpenter, mom of four and ScreenStrong Ambassador, as they explore how screens affect children's social development and offer tips for enhancing their social maturity. Discover the key aspects of genuine social interaction, including eye contact and conflict resolution. Learn how parental guidance can mitigate the stress of online presence and prepare children for the challenges of puberty. Tune in to empower your child with essential social skills in today's...

In this episode, host Melanie teams up with Dr. Victoria Dunckley, MD, to tackle the pressing questions parents have about ADHD and its relationship with addictive screens. Together, they answer YOUR questions and discuss how excessive screen time can exacerbate ADHD symptoms, shedding light on the intricate connections between digital overstimulation and attention challenges.  However, it's not all bleak! Learn about the transformative power of a screen detox in resetting your child's...

Yes, January is almost over, but it's never too late to reset your screen rules at home and with friends! Melanie and Dr. Stacey dive into some practical tips on how to set screen rules in your home with other kids/kids' friends, how to manage teens begging for smartphones and video games, and the crucial elements that make up a healthy family. Whether you're already confident in your current screen rules or seeking guidance for a much-needed reset, this episode is a treasure trove of...

Screen confidence becomes even more enriching when we take the time to listen to the experiences of parents who have successfully navigated the challenges ahead. Today, we are privileged to have Christina Rahm, a mother of three, graciously share her family’s transformative journey from screen chaos to a state of screen strength. Christina candidly offers a glimpse into the chaotic moments when things spiraled out of control in her family—from mealtime meltdowns to moments of disrespect that...

This Q&A session comes from ScreenStrong's full-day Kids' Brains & Screens workshop in October, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. During this session, parents were invited to ask Andrew Hempe questions about what it was like growing up without access to toxic screens and how he navigated his school-age years with that in mind.  Andrew's answers are honest, compelling, and encouraging for parents who worry about denying their kids access to video games, smartphones, and social media...

Today, Mandee interviews Tom Heidrich, a ScreenStrong Ambassador from Brisbane, Australia. Tom recently completed a Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology and is registered as a fully licensed psychologist in Australia. His specialized areas encompass anxiety and depression, parenting and attachment, relationships, sexuality, and identity, as well as resilience and self-esteem. Mandee and Tom delve into the pressing issue of screen addiction among children, shedding light on how...

Thank you all for listening and engaging with the podcast this year. Here are just a few highlights from our 2023 episodes, and we look forward to continuing to see you in 2024! Happy New Year! Episodes Featured (in order of appearance): Tips for Moms: Part One (#145)We Hurt Our Kids When We Treat Them Like Adults with Dr. Leonard Sax (#142)The Power of Independent Play with Dr. Adriana Stacey (#143)Carson's Story: Cyberbullying and Teen Suicide with Kristin Bride (#162)48 Benefits Living...

"Isn’t it okay to let our guard down during the holidays? After all, everyone needs a little break—we don’t need to be so strict."   Join Melanie and Dr. Stacey as they navigate the delicate balance of screen time moderation during the holiday season. While loosening our grip on strict rules may seem tempting, they delve into the nuanced discussion of whether it's truly acceptable to let our guard down during this festive time.   With thoughtful insights and a touch of humor, Melanie and...

Is your son really being social on his game? Yes, according to most people. Kids believe they are getting their social needs met through their video games, and parents believe that social benefits are the best reason to go against their gut and allow gaming.    But what does science say about online interactions meeting the social needs of pre-teens and teens? Today, Melanie and Dr. Stacey will unpack the common myth that our boys are meeting their social needs on their game.    Building...

In this ENCORE episode, Melanie Hempe and worldwide Coach and Educator, Sue DeCaro, discuss a variety of non-tech activities for all ages to implement both this holiday season and year round. Original Air Date: Dec 4, 2020 Support the show______________________________________________________ Please subscribe, rate, and share this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong! Start your ScreenStrong Journey today! Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, LIVE...