Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers Podcast

Kids and teens are experiencing less independence than in the past — whether due to screen time, parents' fears of letting them roam freely, or other factors. It's a problem. But why? And what can be done?
In this episode, host Dr. Delaney Ruston discusses this important topic with journalist Lenore Skenazy, who was labeled "America's Worst Mom" after letting her 9-year-old take the New York City subway home alone. Skenazy has spent years sounding the alarm on the harms of decreased youth autonomy, including co-founding Let Grow with psychologists Jonathan Haidt and Peter Gray.
This episode explores the factors contributing to decreased independence and offers tools for parents and schools to combat this trend. It also examines the role of technology and tracking devices in this context, addressing both their benefits and potential pitfalls. This episode is intended for adult and teen audiences.
 
Featured Expert
Lenore Skenazy
 
Books
Free Range Kids by Lenore Skenazy
 
Research References
Mott Poll Report: Promoting children's Independence: What parents say vs do
Media violence, physical aggression, and relational aggression in school age children: a short-term longitudinal study. (Aggressive Behavior) 
 
Additional Resources
Lenore Skenazy's blog
LetGrow.Org
 
Time Code
00:00 Introduction
00:20 The Decline of Children's Autonomy
01:02 Challenges in Encouraging Independence
01:22 Parental Concerns and Media Influence
02:00 Exploring Solutions with Lenore Skenazy
02:39 Lenore's Controversial Parenting Decision
08:21 The Birth of Free Range Kids Movement
10:07 Statistics and Parental Fears
18:05 Let Grow Initiative and School Programs
22:34 Technology's Role in Children's Independence
32:44 Conclusion and Resources

Host Delaney Ruston, MD, delves into this complex topic with Lisa Wade, PhD, researcher and author of American Hookup. Lisa shares insights from her 15 years of research, offering a deep understanding of sexual dynamics on college campuses, as explored in her book.
We examine the nuances of the term "hookup," the implications of hookup culture, the role of alcohol, and the varied experiences of students. This episode is essential for both parents and students, addressing misconceptions and providing practical advice for navigating relationships and sexual encounters in the complex college landscape.
 
Featured Expert
Lisa Wade, PhD
 
Books
American Hookup: The New Culture of Sex on Campus, By Lisa Wade, PhD
 
Additional Resources
Screenagers Website
Bring Screenagers to Your Community
 
Time Code
00:00 Introduction
03:21 Interview with Lisa Wade
05:58 Understanding What is meant by 'Hookup Culture'
07:21 The Role of Alcohol
09:34 Student Perspectives
20:52 Parental Guidance and Advice
27:07 Conclusion and Resources

When your child breaks a rule or misbehaves, do you feel unsure what consequences to impose? Do you avoid discipline altogether, or worry your responses are too harsh? Dr. Ruston talks about this with Tammy Fisher Huson, PhD, a beloved school counselor, trainer of counselors, and the author of two books: Fearless Parenting and There's Always Something Going Right.
Tammy provides a roadmap for addressing broken rules and digs into consequences for real scenarios. For example, when a teen spends excessive time with an AI companion through video gaming, another who secretly subscribed to Snapchat Plus on a parent's credit card, and a child who lies about homework. Huson also offers advice to parents when their kid gets into trouble at school.
 
Expert:
Tammy Fisher Huson, PhD
 
Books:
Fearless Parenting, Stepping Into Life's Greatest Role Using The Nurtured Heart Approach by Tammy Fisher Huson
There's Always Something Going Right: Workbook for Creating Truly Great Schools by Tammy Fisher Huson and Louisa Triandis
 
Additional Resources:
Data From 50 States: Teachers See Student Behavior as a Significant Problem, in Education Week, March 13, 2026
Screenagers Website
Bring Screenagers to Your Community
 
Time Code:
00:00 Welcome and Topic Setup
01:53 Consequences as Privileges
03:34 Partnering With Schools
06:22 Snap Plus Credit Card Lesson
07:49 Let Teens Choose Consequences
12:52 Sponsor Break Screenagers Films
13:42 Homework Lies and Curiosity
15:41 Menu of Choices and Earning Back
19:13 AI Companions and Tough Limits
23:25 Village Support and Wrap Up
25:27 Final Thanks and Subscribe

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
‍
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
‍‍‍‍
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