Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers Podcast

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
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. 

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

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

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