ScreenStrong Families: Recent Episodes

Melanie Hempe, BSN

Melanie Hempe, BSN, received her bachelors of Nursing from Emory University. She helps families avoid problematic screen use and remove toxic screens—video games, social media, pornography—from their kids’ lives. Through interviews with experts, medical professionals, and other ScreenStrong Families, this podcast will help you prevent screen addiction and rescue your kids from their virtual world. It’s not too late to win back your kids and ScreenStrong is here to help.

Originally aired November 8, 2023.

In this episode, Melanie has a very special guest—her daughter, Melissa! In this episode, we will hear how Melissa feels about growing up without social media or a smartphone. They discuss an overview of teen brain science, what makes social media irresistible for teens, the risks for teen girls, and end with some practical tips for parents. You will enjoy the candid nature of this conversation and will be inspired to make some changes in your home!

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Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Today we welcome back Dr. Adriana Stacey, a Board Certified Psychiatrist, for part two of her discussion with Melanie. In this episode they cover why going cold-turkey with screen removal may be the best option for your family and offer tips and tricks for handling addictive behavior.

Dr. Stacey's areas of specialty include female mental health treatment, including treatment of depression, anxiety, adult ADHD, insomnia, and sports psychiatry.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

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

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Fourteen-year-old boys face a tricky gap every June—too old for camp, too young for a job, and just bored enough to default to hours of gaming. Evan Hempe knows the feeling firsthand: he grew up without video games or a smartphone, and in this episode he shares the real list of what filled his summers instead. Funny, candid, and packed with stories from his own backyard, Evan makes the case that a great summer isn't about avoiding screens, it's about going toward something better.

In this episode, Evan covers:

Why a skill you can never "finish" (music, woodworking, cooking) beats a game that never ends
How starting a small business at 14 builds confidence adults can't teach
The difference between consuming and creating and why people respect both
Why his most vivid memories are from creeks, ballfields, and rained-out camping trips, not screens

Whether you're a parent looking for ideas or a teen wondering what to do with three open months, this episode is the blueprint for a summer worth remembering.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In Part 2 of Melanie Hempe’s conversation with educator and Screen Schooled co-author Joe Clement, they continue unpacking the hidden impact of screens on today’s children and classrooms.

Building on their previous discussion, Joe shares more insights from his 30+ years as an educator, explaining how constant screen exposure is changing the way kids think, learn, socialize, and engage with the world around them. Together, Melanie and Joe explore why many students struggle with focus, emotional resilience, and meaningful connection—and what parents and educators can do to help.

They also discuss the growing momentum behind phone-free schools, the unintended consequences of educational technology, and why understanding the neuroscience of screens is one of the most powerful tools parents can give their children.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why screen-related challenges continue long after the school day ends
• How digital distractions impact memory, focus, and academic performance
• The connection between excessive screen use and emotional well-being
• Why face-to-face interaction is essential for healthy child development
• What teachers are seeing firsthand in today’s classrooms
• How phone-free environments are helping students reconnect and thrive
• Why educating kids about their brains can lead to healthier screen habits
• Practical ways parents can lead their families toward lasting change

If you’re looking for practical insight, encouragement, and a deeper understanding of how screens are shaping childhood, Part 2 offers valuable perspective—and hope—for families navigating the digital age.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In today’s episode, Melanie Hempe sits down with educator and co-author of Screen Schooled, Joe Clement, to unpack what’s really happening to kids in today’s screen-saturated classrooms—and why so many parents and teachers feel like something has fundamentally changed.

Drawing from more than 30 years in the classroom, Joe shares what he began noticing as smartphones and one-to-one devices became common in schools: declining attention spans, weaker social skills, emotional disconnection, and classrooms that grew strangely quiet. Together, Melanie and Joe explore how screens are reshaping childhood, replacing real-world interaction, and interfering with the deep learning and social development kids desperately need.

They also dive into the growing movement of phone-free schools, why educational technology has failed to deliver on its promises, and how constant screen exposure is impacting kids academically, emotionally, and socially. Most importantly, this conversation reminds parents that they are not powerless—and that awareness is the first step toward change.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What teachers first noticed when smartphones entered the classroom
• Why constant screen access destroys attention and deep learning
• How screens are replacing real-life social development and connection
• Why kids today are struggling more with anxiety, depression, and emotional resilience
• The truth about multitasking and what it does to the brain
• Why many educators now support phone-free schools
• How ed-tech and one-to-one devices have negatively impacted learning outcomes
• Why kids often don’t realize how screens are affecting their brains
• How teaching kids the neuroscience behind screens can empower them
• Why parents have more influence and leadership than they realize

If you’ve ever felt like your child is distracted, disconnected, or struggling in ways you can’t quite explain, this episode will help you better understand what’s happening beneath the surface—and why there is still so much hope for change.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In today’s episode, Mandee sits down with Kellyn Smythe from Pacific Quest to unpack a topic many families are quietly struggling with: screen addiction—and why it’s far more serious than we often assume.

Drawing from his experience working in residential treatment with teens, Kellyn explains how screen use isn’t just a habit—it can become a powerful “process addiction” that impacts the brain in ways similar to substance dependency. Together, they explore how technology is reshaping childhood, replacing real-world connection, and making it harder for kids to develop resilience, identity, and meaningful relationships.

From understanding the difference between normal screen use and true addiction, to what actually happens when you take devices away, this conversation gives parents both clarity and hope. You’ll also hear what withdrawal really looks like, how long it takes for kids to reset, and why boredom might be one of the best things for your child.

You’ll learn:

What “process addiction” is—and how screens affect the brain like substances
Key warning signs your child’s screen use may be a deeper issue
Why video games and social media create a false sense of connection
What to expect when you take screens away (including withdrawal symptoms)
How long it takes for kids to begin resetting emotionally and mentally
The different levels of support available if your child is struggling
Why boredom, discomfort, and challenge are essential for developing joy
Practical ways to replace screen time with meaningful connection

If you’ve ever wondered whether your child’s screen use is becoming a problem—or how to actually help them break free—this episode will equip you with both insight and practical next steps.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In today’s episode, Mandee sits down with Gayle Cheatham, founder of Thrive Offline, to explore a growing reality many families are feeling—but don’t always know how to address: our kids are more connected than ever, yet feeling increasingly disconnected.

Gayle shares her personal journey from the corporate world to leading a movement focused on helping families rediscover real-life connection. Together, they unpack how screens are quietly reshaping relationships in the home, crowding out critical life skills like resilience, creativity, and communication.

From the powerful moment her child asked her to “get off your phone,” to eye-opening stories of teens willingly giving up their devices, this conversation will challenge the way you think about screen time—and what your kids actually need most.

You’ll learn:

Why presence—not just restrictions—is the real solution
How screens are crowding out creativity, boredom, and growth
Why kids are often relieved to unplug (even if they won’t say it)
Practical ways to build stronger family connection and digital habits
How to shift your mindset if you feel late or overwhelmed as a parent

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to make a change—or how to raise kids who thrive in a digital world—this episode will leave you encouraged and equipped.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

What if your child’s struggle with screens isn’t a lack of discipline—but the result of how these platforms are built?

In this episode, we unpack two major jury verdicts against Google, including YouTube, and what they reveal about the addictive design of digital platforms.

You’ll learn why kids can’t “just use it in moderation,” what’s happening in the developing brain, and how you can step in with the guardrails your child needs to thrive.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

We’re either creating or consuming—and that choice shapes who our kids become.

In this powerful episode of The ScreenStrong Families Podcast, host Mandee Hamann sits down with Bradley T. Morris—father, storyteller, and Founder & CEO of Majik Kids—to explore what’s quietly being lost in today’s screen-saturated childhood… and how we can take it back.

In a world designed to keep kids scrolling, watching, and comparing, many children are spending more time consuming than creating. But what does that mean for their brains, their confidence, and their future?

Together, Mandee and Bradley unpack the hidden cost of passive screen use and make the case for something better: raising creators.

You’ll hear:

Why today’s tech environment naturally pulls kids into consumption
What happens to the brain when imagination is replaced with constant input
How creativity builds confidence, curiosity, and emotional resilience
Why “movies for the ears” and audio storytelling can reignite imagination
Simple, practical ways to shift your home from entertainment-first to creation-first

This conversation is both eye-opening and deeply hopeful. Because this isn’t about perfection, it’s about intention. And small shifts can make a lasting difference.

ScreenStrong isn’t about taking something away from your kids. It’s about giving them their childhood back.

As you listen, consider this simple question: Where is your child mostly creating—and where are they mostly consuming?

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Host Mandee Hamann welcomes ScreenStrong Ambassador Kathleen Barlow for a heartfelt and eye-opening conversation about preserving childhood in today’s hyper-digital culture.

Kathleen is a mother of six, grandmother of three, former French teacher, and a passionate advocate for phone-free schools. After leaving full-time education in 2024, she committed herself to raising awareness about the impact of digital overuse, especially inside our schools. She now serves on the leadership team of Smartphone Free Childhood US, is a member of the Screen Time Action Network and the Tech-Safe Learning Coalition, and is part of ScreenStrong’s Speaking Ambassador team.

In this candid conversation, Kathleen shares what she’s witnessing firsthand while substitute teaching in the largest school district in Utah, including why “phone policies” that still allow access during the day simply don’t work. She explains why bell-to-bell phone-free policies are essential, how constant access undermines learning, and what happens when devices remain just tempting enough to derail focus.

This episode is both a wake-up call and a call to action. If you care about protecting childhood, restoring attention in classrooms, and changing the cultural norm around smartphones, this conversation will equip and inspire you. Because preserving childhood isn’t old-fashioned. It’s courageous.

Kathleen's Resources:

Swimming UpScreen Blog
GenFree: Unplugging 2 Connect Podcast
Smartphone Free Childhood US
G-Rated School Instagram Account: Allie Terry and Liz Jenkins

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Are classroom screens really helping children learn—or quietly working against how their brains develop?

In this episode, neuroscientist Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath joins us to discuss his new book The Digital Delusion and what the science actually says about technology in the classroom.

For years, schools have been told that more technology means better learning. But many of the ideas that built the EdTech movement—like “multimedia enhances learning,” “kids learn best on their own,” and “AI tutors can replace teachers”—were never strongly supported by evidence.

Dr. Horvath explains what the data actually shows about classroom technology, including the surprising cognitive tradeoffs of 1:1 devices, why handwriting and reading on paper still outperform screens for deep learning, and why the brain struggles with multitasking and constant digital interruptions.

We also explore the three biological drivers of learning—attention, empathy, and transfer—and why screens often disrupt all three.

Perhaps most importantly, we discuss developmental timing. Children’s brains are highly sensitive to environmental input, and heavy exposure to screen-based stimulation can shape reward pathways, condition dopamine systems, and increase vulnerability to compulsive screen use later in life.

Is it really possible to “moderate” highly stimulating screen activities? And what should parents do in a world where technology seems unavoidable?

If you’ve ever wondered whether all this classroom technology is truly helping your child—or quietly making learning harder—this conversation will give you the science, the context, and the reassurance parents need.

Because the goal of education isn’t just to use technology. It’s to help children learn deeply and prepare for life beyond the screen.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

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What happens when schools trade screens for books, discussion, and teacher-led classrooms?

In this powerful episode of The ScreenStrong Families Podcast, host Mandee Hamann welcomes Dr. Kathleen O’Toole, Associate Vice President for K–12 Education at Hillsdale College, to explore why screen-free learning is essential for children’s mental health, intellectual growth, and civic formation.

Dr. O’Toole leads Hillsdale’s nationwide K–12 Education Office, supporting a growing network of classical schools committed to teacher-led classrooms, rich curriculum, and the cultivation of moral character and civic virtue. In a culture increasingly driven by devices, personalized learning algorithms, and now AI in the classroom, Hillsdale’s approach offers a strikingly different model—one rooted in wonder, truth, beauty, and human connection.

Together, Mandee and Dr. O’Toole discuss:

Why teacher-led classrooms can never be replaced by “student-centered” digital learning
How screen-free education strengthens focus, retention, and deep thinking
Common misconceptions about technology in schools
Real examples of students engaging in thoughtful disagreement and civil discourse
Insights from Dr. O’Toole’s article Citizenship Starts in the Classroom

If you’ve ever wondered whether all that classroom technology is truly helping children—or quietly harming their ability to think, reason, and flourish—this conversation will challenge and encourage you.

You’ll walk away with clarity, practical next steps, and renewed confidence that a better path forward is possible.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Join us in this episode as we dive into the world of Roblox, sleepovers, and Snapchat with invaluable insights from our friend Officer Gomez, a School Resource Officer (SRO) and sworn Deputy of the Boise County Sheriff’s Department.

Discover what parents need to know to keep their children safe and informed in today's digital age. From the challenges of online gaming to the issues of sleepovers and the nuances of Snapchat, Officer Gomez shares expert advice to help you navigate these crucial aspects of your child's life.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In today’s episode, host Mandee Hamann sits down with Dr. Steven Klein (Caron Treatment Center), a physician-scientist specializing in addiction medicine and brain health, for a vital conversation every parent needs to hear.

In a world of constant digital stimulation, many kids’ brains are under relentless pressure—often without parents realizing what’s really happening beneath the surface. Dr. Klein explains how chronic overstimulation affects the developing brain, why behavioral addictions like screens and gaming mirror substance addiction neurologically, and why “moderation” is often far more difficult than it sounds.

Together, Mandee and Dr. Klein explore:

What true brain health looks like from a medical perspective
How dopamine and reward pathways are impacted by constant stimulation
Why children and teens are especially vulnerable to addiction
The warning signs families shouldn’t ignore—sleep disruption, emotional dysregulation, rising anxiety, and loss of interest in real life
Why this is not a failure of willpower or parenting—but a brain-based issue

Most importantly, this episode offers hope. Dr. Klein shares how the brain can heal, what actually restores healthy regulation, and simple, practical steps families can take right now to reduce stimulation and support resilience, connection, and emotional well-being.

If you’re concerned about your child’s screen use—or simply want to protect their brain in a hyper-stimulating culture—this conversation will equip you with clarity, confidence, and encouragement. Protecting the brain may be one of the greatest gifts a parent can give.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Thank you all for listening and engaging with the podcast this past year. Here are just a few highlights from our 2025 episodes. Happy New Year!

Episodes Featured (in order of appearance):

Building Executive Function: Why Play Matters More Than Tech with Mariana Carazo (#239)

Protecting Kids in the Digital Classroom: An Honest Look Into "Ed-Tech" with Andrew Liddell (#225)

From 16,000 Videos to Real Life: Colin’s Screen Detox Story (#231)

Get There Before The Trafficker: A Wake-Up Call for Parents with Aleda Renter (#230)

The Opt-Out Movement: Simplifying Family Life in the Digital Age with Erin Loechner (#226)

Offline and Intentional: A Conversation with Tin Can Founder Chet Kittleson (#235)

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In today’s episode, Melanie shares five simple but powerful strategies to help your family enjoy a peaceful, connected, ScreenStrong Christmas. If you’ve ever watched the holidays get hijacked by devices, meltdowns, or gaming marathons at grandma’s house, this episode will give you the confidence and clarity you need to lead your family well this season.

You’ll learn:

Why giving presence (not screens) creates a more meaningful Christmas morning
How to plan tech-free traditions that help your kids settle in, connect, and regulate
The importance of protecting sleep and slowing the holiday pace
What to tell extended family about your low-tech celebration
How to choose connection over perfection—and why it matters more than anything

Melanie also shares real stories from families who’ve removed toxic tech and discovered unexpected peace in their homes.

Make this the Christmas your kids will actually remember—not because of gadgets, but because you were fully present… and so were they.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

ScreenStrong Gift Guide (updated for 2025)
Evan’s Soft Christmas Piano Album (perfect for calming evenings)

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

For this special holiday encore episode, Melanie is joined by her son Evan to discuss practical holiday gift ideas—and encourage people to skip smartphones and video games as gifts this season. Evan gives his perspective on the highs and lows of wanting a smartphone in middle & high school and shares some of his favorite childhood gifts.

Grab your copy of our Non-Tech Gift Guide discussed in this episode!

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this holiday episode, Melanie Hempe and Dr. Stacey unpack the #1 screen mistake parents make at Christmas: giving in and gifting devices. They reveal the hidden blind spots that cause even the best parents to rationalize smartphones and gaming systems as “good gifts,” especially during the emotional pressure of the holidays.

Together, they explain why teaching teens to “use social media wisely” isn’t the solution, why willpower can’t beat persuasive tech, and how guilt drives parents to hope their kids can handle technology they’re not developmentally ready for. Melanie and Dr. Stacey offer simple, practical alternatives: what to give instead of screens, how to plan a healthier holiday, and how to lead with confidence rather than emotion.

A timely, encouraging conversation to help families avoid Christmas regret and give their kids the gift of a healthier, screen-strong childhood.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this special Thanksgiving episode, Evan Hempe steps behind the microphone to share a powerful personal perspective you won’t want to miss. As a young adult looking back on a ScreenStrong childhood, Evan reflects on the unexpected (and sometimes overlooked) gifts that came from growing up without toxic screens.

While the culture insists that kids “need” smartphones, video games, and social media to survive socially or academically, Evan’s story paints a very different—and hopeful—picture. This episode dives into the ten things he’s most grateful for now that he’s old enough to see the lifelong benefits clearly.

From deeper friendships and genuine confidence to stronger focus, better sleep, and a childhood filled with real connection instead of digital distraction, Evan shares why he’s thankful his parents took the road less traveled. His list is honest, encouraging, and full of insight for families wondering whether the screen-strong path is worth it.

As we head into Thanksgiving, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that protecting your kids from toxic screens isn’t deprivation—it’s a gift they will appreciate for the rest of their lives.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

What is the best phone for kids?
It’s the question parents everywhere are asking—and today, we’re finally going to answer it.

In this episode, Melanie is joined by special guest and fellow mom, Hayley, who recently went on the journey of deciding what kind of phone her son should have. When Hayley casually mentioned that she uses a flip phone, Melanie knew she needed to get her on the show to unpack the whole story—and the bigger dilemma every parent is facing in today’s digital world.

Together, they walk through The Grand Smartphone Experiment—how we all went from simple flip phones to handing miniature supercomputers to 12-year-olds, and why the cultural pendulum is finally swinging back toward sanity.

Melanie and Hayley revisit the flip-phone era, the arrival of the smartphone, the “let’s give these to our kids” panic years, the rise of “safe phones,” and the slow slide back into danger as kid-phones become more like adult smartphones.

Most importantly, they answer the real question:

What do kids actually need—developmentally, emotionally, and socially—when it comes to tech?

This conversation offers parents clarity, confidence, courage, and a fresh perspective on what independence really looks like. You’ll learn:

Why kids never needed smartphones in the first place
How “safe phones” slowly became unsafe
The hidden developmental costs of giving kids smartphones
Why the simplest tool—a basic, boring flip phone—is often the smartest choice
The surprising benefits kids gain by NOT having what everyone else has
Why phones should be tools, not toys
And why giving kids less tech builds more grit, leadership, and real independence

If you’ve ever felt unsure, pressured, or alone in your phone decision, this episode will leave you empowered. The narrow road is rarely the easy road—but it’s always the right one.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this special episode, we share audio from a virtual panel discussion hosted by Thrive Forward Therapy, “Protecting Youth in the Digital Age.”

How can parents keep their kids safe online? It’s one of the most urgent questions families face today. With nearly 70% of parents saying parenting is harder now than it was 20 years ago—largely due to technology and social media—this conversation couldn’t be more timely.

Join Melanie Hempe, RN, BSN, founder of ScreenStrong, Homeland Security Special Agent Dennis Fetting, and Jennifer Wilmoth, LMFT, founder of Thrive Forward Therapy, as they unpack the real risks kids face online and offer practical tools for families and educators. From digital safety and social media pressures to emotional health and prevention strategies, this powerful discussion equips parents to take confident, informed steps toward protecting and guiding their children in today’s tech-driven world.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In today’s episode, ScreenStrong Ambassador Liaison and host Mandee Hamann welcomes Katie Kimball, founder of Kids Cook Real Food
and two-time TEDx speaker, for an inspiring conversation about helping kids build real life skills in a world obsessed with screens.

As a mom of four, teacher, and creator of the #LifeSkillsNow summer camps, Katie has helped thousands of families empower their kids to cook, clean, and take responsibility for their daily lives—all while bringing families closer together around healthy food and meaningful work.

Mandee and Katie dive into:

Why life skills are essential for kids’ confidence and independence
How screens are replacing valuable opportunities for hands-on learning
Why risk-taking (yes, even with sharp knives and climbing trees!) is necessary for growth
How busy families can find time to teach practical skills in everyday moments
Ways to foster critical thinking and problem-solving—even before the “age of logic”

Whether you’re navigating the ScreenStrong 30-Day Detox or simply looking for ways to replace screen time with real-life learning, this episode will encourage and equip you to raise capable, confident kids who know how to thrive—no device required.

🎧 FREE Kids Cook Real Food resource for ScreenStrong audience

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

This week, Melanie sits down with psychiatrist Dr. Adriana Stacey to discuss new research showing how social media use in adolescence may be changing the way our kids think.

Most parents know that excessive screen time can impact mood and sleep, but Dr. Stacey explains how it goes much deeper — affecting attention, memory, and even language development. Together, they explore what’s happening inside the adolescent brain, why even “moderate” social media use can interfere with learning, and what parents can do to protect cognitive growth during these crucial years.

You’ll also hear the story of one teen whose focus and motivation began to unravel with increased online use — and how simple changes helped restore his ability to think clearly and engage again in real life.

Key Takeaways:

How social media overstimulates the brain’s reward system
Why cognitive performance may decline even with moderate use
The “opportunity cost” of screen time — what our kids lose when they scroll
Practical steps for helping teens build stronger focus and healthier habits

If you’ve ever wondered whether your child’s smartphone is interfering with their ability to think, focus, and learn, this episode is for you.

Access FREE "Undoing Choices" Download

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this powerful and eye-opening episode, host Melanie Hempe sits down with Amy Eytchison, a mother of four grown children, to have an honest conversation about one of the most overlooked issues in parenting today: video game addiction among boys.

While the nation is finally waking up to the dangers of smartphones and social media for our daughters, many parents are missing the other half of the digital crisis—our sons, who are quietly slipping away behind glowing screens. Together, Melanie and Amy uncover why gaming is not “just a game,” how it preys on boys’ developmental needs, and why so many young men are struggling to launch in life.

They discuss the cultural blind spots keeping parents in denial—like “he’s safe at home,” “he’s smart, so I’m not worried,” or “it’s just how boys socialize”—and reveal the neuroscience behind why gaming can rewire a child’s brain and fuel depression, loneliness, and loss of purpose.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or friend, this is an essential listen for anyone who cares about helping today’s boys grow into strong, healthy, and purpose-driven young men.

Resources Mentioned:

Start your family’s 7-Day or 30-Day Digital Detox through the ScreenStrong Connect community.
Explore the Kids’ Brains & Screens Home Edition for science-based tools and family conversation guides.
Visit ScreenStrong.org
for more information, resources, and upcoming events.

Articles Referenced:

"Tyler Robinson and America's Lost Boys”
'Failing at life': Psychiatrists reveal what made Tyler Robinson ideal lone wolf in Charlie Kirk case
The Psychology of Charlie Kirk Killer Tyler Robinson Predicted by Psychiatrist

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this episode, Mandee Hamann sits down with Sarah Rebick to explore the unique qualities of the Maine Coast Semester at Chewonkiand how they align with ScreenStrong’s mission of raising healthy, well-balanced kids in a screen-heavy world. Together, they discuss how the program’s focus on community, connection with nature, and hands-on learning provides an inspiring model for families seeking alternatives to the digital default. Sarah shares stories of students who’ve thrived in this unplugged environment—gaining confidence, building resilience, and rediscovering joy in authentic relationships. Whether you’re curious about immersive educational programs or simply looking for encouragement to create a screen-strong culture at home, this conversation will leave you inspired with practical takeaways for your own family.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In today’s episode, Melanie sits down with Beth, a high school teacher, to hear her firsthand experience with the new phone-free classroom policy this school year.

Beth shares the contrast between last year’s inconsistent approach—where teachers set their own phone rules, leading to confusion and frustration—and this year’s unified, zero-tolerance policy: no phones, headphones, smartwatches, or personal devices from bell to bell.

The results have been remarkable. Students are talking and connecting with each other, engaging more with their teachers, and showing up to class happier, less stressed, and better rested. Teachers are noticing fewer distractions, better focus, and improved productivity in class.

Of course, there are challenges to keep an eye on, like students attempting to sneak in earbuds or use smartwatches, and some adjusting to moments of boredom without their devices. But overall, the shift has been transformative—for both students and teachers.

This episode offers an inspiring look at what really happens when schools go phone-free.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

What really happens when kids grow up without smartphones, video games, and social media? In this eye-opening episode, Melanie Hempe sits down with Dr. Adriana Stacey to explore the powerful changes families see when they step off the screen-saturated path.

From more creativity and deeper conversations at the dinner table to stronger confidence, healthier friendships, and greater resilience, Dr. Stacey shares both personal stories and professional insights that prove life beyond screens is not only possible—it’s better.

You’ll discover:

The two big myths most parents believe about kids and screens
What kids actually do with their time when they aren’t glued to devices
How screen-free teens grow into more confident, capable, and connected young adults
Why raising the bar with a ScreenStrong culture is easier—and healthier—than negotiating with kids about toxic tech

If you’ve ever wondered whether your child will “miss out” without a smartphone or gaming console, this episode will show you the truth: when you remove toxic tech, you make room for freedom, growth, and joy.

You’re not alone—and you’re not crazy. You’re just ahead of the curve.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

On this episode, host Mandee Hamann sits down with Aaron Plaat (aaronplaat.com) to unpack one of the most pressing questions for parents today: What does the rise of artificial intelligence mean for our kids?

From AI-driven apps and chatbots to personalized digital companions, Aaron shares his insights on how these technologies are shaping children’s development, relationships, and even their sense of identity. Together, Mandee and Aaron explore the promises and pitfalls of AI, including:

How AI tools are targeting children and teens
The potential impact of AI on executive function, creativity, and critical thinking
Why AI-powered “friends” and digital companions can be especially dangerous for young users
What parents can do now to protect, equip, and guide their kids in an AI-saturated world

If you’ve been wondering how to navigate the rapidly changing landscape of artificial intelligence and its impact on childhood, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence you need.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Melanie is joined once again by Officer Gomez—School Resource Officer (SRO) and sworn Deputy of the Boise County Sheriff’s Department—to discuss how to remove smartphones from schools. Officer Gomez shares his own school success story and gives some amazing tips for parents and educators alike.

Officer Gomez has an active and highly informative Facebook Page that he uses to educate parents on the dangers of Social Media and the internet. Make sure to follow Officer Gomez on Facebook. You can also view his school's Smartphone Policy here.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

The First Voice Matters: Talking to Kids About Porn Before the Internet Does

Welcome to this powerful encore episode of the ScreenStrong Families Podcast with Melanie Hempe and Doug Smith (author, ScreenStrong Ambassador), where we tackle one of the most critical conversations parents must have in today’s digital world: pornography.

Together, Melanie and Doug explain why the first voice your child hears about porn should be yours, not the internet’s. They dive into the science behind early exposure, anchoring bias, brain development, and the damaging effects of porn on young minds. You’ll hear practical tools to help you equip, prepare, and protect your children, including why delaying smartphones is one of the strongest choices a parent can make.

This episode offers hope, research-backed strategies, and age-appropriate solutions to help you confidently open the conversation, build trust, and reclaim your child’s innocence in a hyper-sexualized digital culture.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this powerful episode of the ScreenStrong Families Podcast, Melanie Hempe sits down with digital addiction pioneer Dr. Hilarie Cash, one of the earliest voices to sound the alarm on the dangers of screen overuse and gaming addiction in kids and teens.

As the co-founder of reSTART Life, the nation’s first residential treatment program for internet and video game addiction, Dr. Cash shares what she saw—years before most of us were paying attention—and what every parent needs to know now. From her clinical experience working with young people consumed by screens to her insights on what really happens behind the scenes in their emotional and social development, this conversation offers a candid and compassionate look into the world of screen addiction.

🎮 What are the red flags that signal a deeper problem?
📱 Why don’t we have treatment centers for kids addicted to Legos—but we do for gaming?
🧠 What happens to the developing brain when screens take over?
🛑 And most importantly, what can parents do to prevent ever needing a clinic like hers?

Dr. Cash and Melanie dive deep into what today’s families are really facing, and why the answer isn’t just tighter filters—but smarter parenting, early prevention, and informed choices.

Whether your child is a toddler or a teen, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand the real cost of screen overuse—and how to protect their family from it.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this special episode, originally aired on the Developing Minds podcast and shared with permission, host Mariana Carazo sits down with Mandee Hamann from ScreenStrong to explore how early tech exposure impacts brain development—and what parents can do about it.

Mandee and Mariana discuss practical insights grounded in brain science, emphasizing the vital role of play in early childhood and the importance of delaying tech for as long as possible. Drawing from experience, they offer simple, effective strategies to reduce screens at home, encourage real-world engagement, and support kids in developing strong social, emotional, and cognitive foundations.

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or educator, this conversation is full of empowering information to help you make intentional choices that protect childhood and promote healthy brain development.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this powerful crossover episode, Dr. Andrew Doan welcomes Melanie Hempe—registered nurse, author, and founder of ScreenStrong—to share her deeply personal and eye-opening journey from screen struggles to screen solutions. Originally featured on Dr. Doan’s Podcast, this conversation dives into the real impact of screens on families and how one mom’s wake-up call became a national movement.

Melanie recounts how her oldest son’s battle with video game overuse led her to uncover the science behind screen addiction—and how it’s particularly dangerous for developing brains. Together, she and Dr. Doan explore:

The neuroscience of screen overuse in kids and teens
Why smartphones and gaming aren't essential for healthy development
What makes parents hesitate—and what helps them finally take action
Practical tools and inspiring stories from families who’ve successfully unplugged and reconnected

Whether you’re just beginning to question screen norms or ready to make a change in your home, this episode offers both the science and encouragement to help you move forward with confidence.

Check out Dr. Andrew Doan's YouTube channel and website.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this encore episode of the ScreenStrong Families Podcast, Melanie Hempe revisits an important conversation with Dr. Douglas Gentile, award-winning research scientist, educator, author, and professor of developmental psychology at Iowa State University.

Together, they dive into the scientific research behind the addictive nature of video games and explore why many parents struggle to accept the mounting evidence. Dr. Gentile explains how gaming impacts children's developing brains, why certain games are designed to keep kids playing, and how overuse can prevent them from building real-world skills.

He also offers a preview of what’s ahead in the fields of diagnosis and screening tools for screen overuse, equipping parents with insight into how science is catching up with what many families are already experiencing.

Dr. Gentile shares practical advice for parents: set limits, create balance, and stand firm even when children resist. As he wisely cautions: “Don’t feed the bears.” His message is clear—it’s worth the effort to protect your child’s development. “Trust that parenting matters.”

If you missed this episode the first time, or need a fresh reminder of why boundaries around gaming are so critical, this is a must-listen encore.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In today’s episode, Melanie Hempe sits down with Dan Rothert—a former college soccer coach, now consultant, and proud ScreenStrong dad—to share how he and his wife, Karen, a middle school teacher, successfully raised three thriving teens without personal smartphones. Yes, you read that right: no phones, no pushback—and no regrets.

Dan’s story challenges the cultural script and shows that strong leadership and intentional parenting can lead to emotionally resilient, socially confident, and academically successful kids—all without the constant presence of a screen.

You’ll hear:

The “why” behind their no-phone decision
How they built a family culture that made pushback almost nonexistent
The real-life benefits their teens have experienced
How to respond to doubters and critics
And one powerful piece of advice Dan has for every parent on the fence

This episode is a breath of fresh air and a beacon of hope for families feeling overwhelmed by digital pressure. You are not alone—and yes, this is possible for your family too.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this urgent and eye-opening episode of the ScreenStrong Families Podcast, host Melanie Hempe is joined by child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Adriana Stacey to tackle one of the most difficult, but essential, topics facing parents today: early porn exposure.

Drawing from real-world stories and powerful brain science, Melanie and Dr. Stacey explain why today’s digital landscape is especially dangerous for young, developing brains—and how porn exposure can become a deeply traumatic memory that sticks for life. But there’s good news: parents are not powerless.

Together, they offer seven practical, research-backed strategies to protect your child from porn exposure and help them build a healthy, shame-free foundation for digital habits. From ditching personal devices and limiting sleepovers to starting age-appropriate conversations early, this episode provides the tools you need to defend your child's innocence and mental health.

Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or educator, this episode will help you move from fear to action—and give you the confidence to say no to toxic tech and yes to ScreenStrong solutions.

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

Kids Brains & Screens Curriculum
Canopy Filter (Recommended Parental Controls)
ScreenStrong Ambassador Program
Previous episode with Smith Alley on talking to kids about porn

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this inspiring episode, Mandee Hamann sits down with Chet Kittleson, entrepreneur and founder of Tin Can, a company on a mission to help kids and families connect offline—without the interference of screens. Chet shares the story behind Tin Can's creation, the challenges of raising kids in a hyper-digital world, and how meaningful connection can be reclaimed through intentional, tech-free moments.

From the inspiration behind the simple-yet-powerful Tin Can to the importance of curiosity, trust, and communication in parenting, this conversation is full of encouragement and practical insight. Whether you’re just starting your screen-free journey or looking for new ways to strengthen family bonds, Chet’s message will resonate deeply.

Pricing

The pre-order price is $75, and then it'll go to $100 after that.
Tin Can now has a free plan for families who only want/need Can2Can calling (ie. the ability to call/receive calls from Tin Cans).
The Party Line Plan, where they can add normal numbers to their approved network (cell phones, landlines, 911, etc) is $9.99 / month.
Use the invite code SCREENSTRONG to receive a free month of service.
You can also email Chet with any questions, comments, or ideas at chet@tincan.kids.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

This episode deals with mature topics (suicide, cyberbullying, sextortion). Listener discretion is advised.

In this powerful and deeply moving episode, Melanie is joined by Brian Montgomery—a devoted husband and father of four—who bravely shares the heartbreaking story of his son, Walker. Walker tragically lost his life to the devastating effects of sextortion on Instagram, and Brian’s raw transparency is a courageous gift that offers hope and awareness to families everywhere.

Through this emotional conversation, Brian reflects on the painful lessons learned and offers critical insights every parent needs to hear. His mission is clear: to prevent other families from experiencing the same unimaginable loss. Join us as we honor Walker’s memory and uncover essential truths that can help protect our children in today’s digital world.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Why do smart, caring kids get stuck in harmful digital habits—and why do even the best parenting strategies sometimes fall flat? In this compelling conversation, Melanie Hempe sits down with psychologist and author Dr. Richard Freed to discuss his groundbreaking new book and the manipulative force shaping youth culture today: Persuasive Design.

Dr. Freed explains how powerful tech companies use behavioral science to keep kids scrolling, gaming, and glued to screens—often at the expense of their mental health, relationships, and futures. They dive into the research behind screen addiction, the myth of “safe” screen time, and the science that parents must understand to protect their kids.

You’ll walk away from this episode informed, empowered, and equipped with practical steps to reclaim your child’s attention—and your family’s connection.

In This Episode:

What persuasive design is—and how it targets your child
Why traditional parenting advice often fails in the digital age
The role of Silicon Valley psychologists in youth screen addiction
Real-life solutions for pushing back against Big Tech’s influence
Why family connection is the antidote to persuasive tech

This is a conversation every parent needs to hear.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this deeply personal and sobering episode, Melanie Hempe and Mandee Hamann unpack the haunting Netflix film Adolescence, a raw portrayal of the modern teenage experience and how easily even “good kids” can spiral when left alone with the wrong influences online.

Together, Melanie and Mandee walk through the film’s most powerful moments, examining the disconnection between parents and teens, the normalization of harmful online behavior, the secret digital languages kids use, and the heartbreaking reality of kids who are more connected to their screens than their families.

They ask the tough questions: What does real family attachment look like in the digital age? How can parents intervene before it’s too late? And are we leading our kids out of the online fire—or just watching it burn?

This isn’t just a film review—it’s a wake-up call. The stories in Adolescence reflect what’s happening in real families every day. But there is hope. At ScreenStrong, we believe these tragedies are preventable. Join us to learn how to reclaim your influence, reconnect with your child, and start leading them to safety—today.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Big news! In this episode, Melanie Hempe and Mandee Hamann share an exciting announcement—Kids’ Brains & Screens now has a Home Edition! After the incredible success of the Student Edition in classrooms, ScreenStrong is making the same science-backed content more accessible for families. Designed for easy home discussions, book clubs, and personal use, this compact, streamlined resource brings powerful education straight to parents and kids.

Melanie and Mandee break down the key differences between the Student Edition and the new Home Edition, explaining how both versions equip families with the “why” behind screen limits. They share inspiring testimonials from teachers, highlight how the curriculum is transforming classrooms, and discuss how parents can take this knowledge into their own hands.

If you’re serious about eliminating screen struggles at home and reclaiming your child’s brain, this episode is for you. Education is the key to real change, and it’s never too late to start!

Get your copy of the Home Edition today!

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this powerful episode, Mandee Hamann sits down with Andrea, ScreenStrong Ambassador, and her 8th-grade son, Colin, to share their eye-opening journey through screen addiction. Colin once watched over 16,000 YouTube videos in class, trapped in a cycle of digital distraction that left him disengaged and overwhelmed. But everything changed when his parents took action, guiding him through the Kids’ Brains & Screens curriculum and removing personal tech devices from his life.

Now, Colin is not only thriving—he's advocating for change, writing to his local legislature to push for removing personal tech in schools. He eloquently describes the struggles of digital detox, the transformation he experienced, and the newfound clarity and connection he now enjoys. This episode is an inspiring testament that it’s never too late to reclaim childhood from the thrall of the online world.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this episode, Melanie speaks with author and therapist Tom Kersting, diving into the profound impact of technology on children’s social and emotional development. Together, they explore the challenges many parents face—kids prioritizing gaming over real friendships, emotional dysregulation, and the growing disconnect between generations.

Tom unpacks key insights from Disconnected, offering practical strategies to help families break free from screen saturation. He and Melanie discuss actionable steps to rebuild meaningful connections, foster independent thinking in children, and encourage mindful tech use.

Tune in for expert advice and tangible solutions to help your family reclaim balance in the digital age.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this eye-opening episode, host Mandee Hamann sits down with Aleda Renter from Protect Me Project to discuss the alarming connection between screen use and child exploitation. Aleda shares her expertise on how traffickers use social media, gaming platforms, and other online spaces to groom and exploit young victims. She and Mandee explore the critical role that screens play in making children more accessible to predators and how seemingly innocent online interactions can escalate into dangerous situations.

Drawing from Protect Me Project’s work in prevention and ScreenStrong’s mission to help families reclaim childhood from screens, this conversation provides parents with practical tools to safeguard their children online. Tune in to learn how to recognize the warning signs, educate your kids about online dangers, and take proactive steps to keep them safe.

This episode is for mature audiences.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this episode, Melanie welcomes back Dr. Victoria Dunckley, an integrative psychiatrist and author of Reset Your Child’s Brain: A Four-Week Plan to End Meltdowns, Raise Grades, and Boost Social Skills by Reversing the Effects of Electronic Screen Time. This conversation, taken from a previous interview, focuses on the practical steps parents can take to successfully implement the screen-time reset. Dr. Dunckley shares strategies for preparing the whole family, including how to engage a reluctant spouse, tips for single parents, and what to expect from children as they adjust. She also debunks common myths about screen use, such as the fear of lost friendships or the belief that early tech exposure is necessary for future success. Describing the reset as a transformational process, Dr. Dunckley explains how reducing screen time strengthens a child’s brain, improves self-discipline, and fosters deeper connections.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Reset Your Child's Brain: A Four-Week Plan to End Meltdowns, Raise Grades, and Boost Social Skills by Reversing the Effects of Electronic Screen-Time

In this episode, Melanie welcomes Dr. Victoria Dunckley, an integrative psychiatrist and author of Reset Your Child’s Brain: A Four-Week Plan to End Meltdowns, Raise Grades, and Boost Social Skills by Reversing the Effects of Electronic Screen Time. This conversation, taken from a previous interview, highlights how Victoria’s early work with troubled children and adolescents led her to research the profound effects of screen time on young minds. She introduces the concept of Electronic Screen Syndrome and explains how excessive screen use impacts children's emotions, behavior, and cognitive function. With her hands-on experience and medical expertise, Victoria provides valuable insights into why reducing screen exposure is critical for a child's well-being.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Reset Your Child's Brain: A Four-Week Plan to End Meltdowns, Raise Grades, and Boost Social Skills by Reversing the Effects of Electronic Screen-Time

Melanie Hempe welcomes Dr. Stacey to discuss the recent pushback against phone-free school initiatives and social media regulations. A recent Wall Street Journal article claims parents are overreacting and that social media isn’t the real culprit behind the teen mental health crisis—but is that true?

In this episode, Melanie and Dr. Stacey break down the common arguments against limiting social media use, including:

The myth that parents are fearmongering
Why moderation isn’t the solution we think it is
How delaying access to social media is no different from other safety measures, like seatbelts and driving laws
The truth about social media’s impact on teen mental health

Rather than accepting social media as inevitable, we must empower parents with real solutions to protect childhood and build resilience in the real world. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation that will help you stand firm in your decision to delay social media in your home.

Resources: Don’t forget to check out our free Phone-Free Schools Guide.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Host Mandee Hamann engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Erin Loechner, former social media influencer and founder of The Opt-Out Family movement. Erin shares her journey of stepping away from a digital-centric lifestyle to embrace a low-tech approach, focusing on genuine family connections and intentional living.

Drawing from her book, The Opt-Out Family: How to Give Your Kids What Technology Can't, Erin discusses practical strategies for parents aiming to reduce their family's reliance on screens and foster a tech-free culture at home. Tune in to discover how opting out of pervasive technology can lead to a more fulfilling and connected family life.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this thought-provoking episode, host Mandee Hamann sits down with Andrew Liddell, a career federal courts litigator, technology attorney, and passionate advocate for youth digital civil rights. Together, they dive into educational technology (EdTech) and explore why it may not be as beneficial for children and learning as many believe.

Andy shares his insights on the hidden dangers of EdTech, including issues related to data privacy, screen overuse in schools, and the commercialization of childhood education. Drawing from his extensive legal background and advocacy work, he discusses how Big Tech companies have prioritized profit over student well-being and why parents and educators should be concerned about the growing presence of digital learning tools in classrooms.

If you're a parent, educator, or policymaker questioning the role of technology in schools, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for a critical conversation that challenges the status quo and empowers families to rethink how kids learn in the digital age.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Melanie Hempe is joined by Laura Wurzburger to tackle some of the most pressing screen-related parenting questions from our Facebook group. From managing screen-free boredom to motivating kids without video games, we dive into real struggles faced by families just like yours.

Topics include:

Helping an only child (11) learn to entertain herself without screens
Finding effective motivation strategies beyond screen time
Transitioning teens (14-16) to a screen-free lifestyle—success stories and challenges
Setting limits on internet access without damaging trust
Supporting a neurodivergent child (9, ASD/ADHD/gifted) through screen-time changes

Melanie and Laura provide practical tips, expert insights, and encouragement for parents looking to set healthy digital boundaries. Whether you're just starting this journey or rethinking your approach, this episode will give you the tools and confidence to lead your family toward a balanced screen life.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this inspiring episode of the ScreenStrong Families Podcast, Mandee Hamann sits down with Gabriela and Kaylee, the Founder and Vice President of APPstinent, a Gen Z-led student organization dedicated to helping individuals, especially Gen Z, redefine their relationship with social media and technology.

Kaylee and Gabriela’s contrasting experiences with technology growing up offer a powerful lens into the challenges their generation faces. Kaylee’s parents avoided introducing smartphones and social media early, while Gabriela’s parents, influenced by Big Tech and social pressures, allowed her access from a young age. Despite this, Gabriela’s father instilled early seeds of tech skepticism, which ultimately inspired the creation of APPstinent.

Gabriela and Kaylee share their honest perspectives on the impact of social media and screens on their generation, offering candid insights into how constant digital engagement affects mental health, relationships, and personal growth. They discuss APPstinent's mission to empower young people to embrace a lifestyle of freedom and peace by recognizing that social media use is optional.

From practical tips to thought-provoking conversations, this episode is a must-listen for parents looking to understand the realities of screen culture from a Gen Z perspective and learn strategies to help their kids thrive in the digital age.

Resources Mentioned:

Visit APPstinent.org to learn more about Gabriela and Kaylee's mission.
Explore the ScreenStrong movement for additional resources to help your family.

Tune in and discover how Gen Z leaders are paving the way for a healthier, screen-free future!

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

This episode is shared with permission from Dr. Johann D'Souza and the Virtuous Leaders Podcast.
In this episode, Dr. Johann D’Souza talks with Melanie Hempe, RN, founder of ScreenStrong, about her personal journey to combat screen addiction after her son’s struggle with video games. Melanie shares practical tips for parents, including delaying access to social media and smartphones, using tools like Canopy for content filtering, and encouraging offline activities and face-to-face connections.

Learn how early education and simple strategies can help protect your child’s mental health and foster a balanced, screen-free lifestyle.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Thank you all for listening and engaging with the podcast this year. Here are just a few highlights from our 2024 episodes, and we look forward to continuing to see you in 2025!

Happy New Year!

Episodes Featured (in order of appearance):

Dad of 6 Shares Advice for Removing Screens with Michael Rainer (#218)
A Psychologist’s Perspective on Screen Addiction with Tom Heidrich (#178)
Understanding Dopamine in Developing Brains with Dr. Anna Lembke (#211)
Australia Raises Social Media Age to 16: A Conversation with Dany Elachi (#219)
From Chaos to Strength: Navigating ScreenStrong Parenting with Christina Rahm (#180)
LIVE Teen Q&A on Growing Up Without Addictive Screens (#179)

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Happy New Year! In this special encore episode, Melanie and Dr. Stacey help you start the year off right by debunking common screen myths and offering practical tips to establish healthier screen habits for your family. Discover strategies to reclaim connection, restore balance, and make this year your best ScreenStrong year yet!

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Got questions? We've got answers!

In this episode, Melanie and Mandee tackle some of the most pressing holiday concerns from our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group. From managing screen time during the holidays to the benefits of a holiday screen detox and creative ways to keep only children entertained, this episode is packed with practical advice to help your family stay connected and screen-free this season!

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

The holidays are here, and many parents are contemplating whether to gift their middle schoolers a smartphone. In this episode, Melanie and Amy, who together have raised eight middle schoolers, dive into why smartphones are the most regretted parenting gift. They explore the science behind middle school brain development, the risks of increased dependence and peer pressure, and the long-term effects on social skills and mental health.

Learn why phones should never be given as gifts, how they can lead to stress and arguments, and practical alternatives that will spark joy without the screen-time battles. Plus, Amy and Melanie share ideas for big-ticket, non-tech gifts that will light up your child’s Christmas morning while encouraging creativity, connection, and growth.

If you’ve already purchased a phone, don’t worry—there’s still time to make a better choice! Tune in for advice, encouragement, and actionable tips to navigate this challenging decision and keep your holidays ScreenStrong.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this episode, co-host Mandee Hamann is joined by Dany Elachi, co-founder of the Heads Up Alliance, to discuss Australia’s historic move to raise the minimum age for social media access to 16. This game-changing draft bill, which recently passed the Senate, positions Australia as a global leader in protecting children from the harmful impacts of early exposure to social media.

Together, Mandee and Dany explore the details of the new law, including why the age of 16 was chosen, how it will be implemented, and what challenges lie ahead. They address tough questions, such as whether this law undermines parental autonomy, how kids might attempt to bypass the rules, and what critics are saying about the bill.

Most importantly, they celebrate the victory for children and families, reflecting on the greater time for play, connection, and learning this law affords kids. While challenges remain—like ensuring all platforms comply—this episode highlights a bold step toward reclaiming childhood from the grip of social media.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this powerful episode, Melanie Hempe sits down with Michael Rainer, a father of six, to discuss his inspiring journey of transforming his family's screen habits. After hearing a ScreenStrong talk that deeply resonated with him, Michael decided to remove iPads, limit screen time, and even pack away the Nintendo Switch gathering dust in his home. The result? A happier, more connected household—without the battles many parents fear.

Michael shares what sparked his passion for tackling the screen problem and offers practical advice for parents struggling to set limits. He tackles common myths, explains why screens often replace valuable social and developmental time, and provides actionable tips for creating screen-free alternatives. Michael also discusses the unique challenges dads face when setting screen boundaries and offers encouragement for fathers looking to take a leadership role in this area.

From recharging family connections to rediscovering the joy of siblings playing together, Michael’s story is a testament to the power of small changes that lead to big results. Tune in to hear his heartfelt advice and learn three steps you can take right now to reclaim your family’s time and well-being.

This episode is a must-listen for parents ready to make meaningful changes and create a home where kids can thrive—without the constant pull of screens.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

For this special holiday ENCORE episode, Melanie is joined by her son Evan to discuss practical holiday gift ideas—and encourage people to skip smartphones and video games as gifts this season. Evan, a senior in high school, gives his perspective on the highs and lows of wanting a smartphone in middle & high school and shares some of his favorite childhood gifts.

Grab your copy of our Non-Tech Gift Guide discussed in this episode! Exclusively available in our Connect Plus subscription.

Evan's digital piano recommendation: Yamaha Clavinova CSP-170 Home Digital Piano | Guitar Center

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Every year, we talk about Christmas gifts, but this year we're getting ahead of the game with a plan for a Screen-Free Christmas.

In this episode, Melanie Hempe and ScreenStrong Ambassador, Liz Breen, unwrap the magic of "real" toys—the ones that spark creativity, inspire imagination, and build lasting memories. They explore why video games and smartphones are not true toys and discuss the loss that comes when these screens replace traditional childhood gifts. Melanie shares personal stories, including a surprising realization from a friend's experience, showing how today's kids may be missing out on meaningful holiday traditions and the joy of unwrapping a gift that shows parents truly know them.

This heartfelt conversation covers everything from the disappearance of iconic childhood toys and stores to the impact of screen-based gifts on kids' mental health and social development. Plus, they reveal why giving non-tech gifts nurtures connection, empathy, and a sense of belonging.

Tune in for practical ideas on making this Christmas screen-free and creating gift traditions that support a healthier, happier childhood. And don’t miss their "vintage gift" suggestion: bring back a favorite toy from your own childhood to spark joy and imagination in the next generation.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this heartwarming episode, host Melanie Hempe sits down with children’s book author Beth Wilson to discuss her beautifully crafted book, Togetherness Town. Beth reads her inspiring story aloud, inviting listeners into a world where connection and community are at the heart of every page.

Melanie and Beth dive into the themes of Togetherness Town, discussing the vital role of community, the often-overlooked gift of boredom, and the importance of building strong, in-person relationships. Whether you're a parent or educator, this episode is full of insights on how to nurture meaningful connections and create a supportive environment for children. Don’t miss this opportunity to reflect on the value of togetherness and learn how to bring its principles into your own family and community.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Join Mandee Hamann and special guest Rob McLeod—known as Frisbee Rob—for an inspiring episode of the ScreenStrong Families Podcast, one you can listen to with your kids and teens! Rob, a Guinness World Record holder and newly certified ScreenStrong Ambassador, has spent over a decade traveling to schools, engaging over 200,000 students, and encouraging healthy screen habits and active lifestyles.

In this episode, Rob shares his journey, offers a mini-version of his school assembly, and answers important questions about balancing technology with real-life activities. From discussing what kids really want to the importance of movement, Rob’s insights are perfect for families wanting to build healthier tech habits together. Don't miss his inspiring words and practical tips for kids, teens, and parents alike!

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this episode, Melanie and Dr. Stacey explore how teachers and parents can collaborate to create a phone-free school environment. Teachers can support the policy by using research-backed education, setting an example with their own phone use, and staying alert to signs of phone overuse, like distracted behavior and declining grades. Parents play a crucial role by supporting the school’s efforts, limiting contact with kids during school hours, and encouraging phone-free days.

For parents wanting to go further, we’ll also discuss becoming a Phone-Free Champion in your school, organizing fun, tech-free activities that encourage socializing and new hobbies.

Tune in to learn how phone-free schools can help students stay focused, build friendships, and feel more connected.

Download our NEW Phone-Free School Resource Guide.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Are you considering a smartphone-free childhood for your teens? In a world where teens seem inseparable from their phones, it's refreshing to hear from those who have taken a different path.

Andrew Hempe and Lydia Hamann share insights on making friends without social media, engaging activities that replace endless scrolling, thriving while being different from the crowd, and why they don’t harbor resentment toward their parents for opting out of smartphones. This Show is perfect for your tweens and teens! It offers an invaluable opportunity for them to hear from 2 teens who have successfully navigated adolescence without smartphones.

LISTEN TO PART ONE

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Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this episode, host Melanie Hempe is joined by her son, Andrew, who shares his personal insights on screen habits and addiction. Together, they dispel the myth that setting boundaries around screen time leads to rebellion. Instead, Andrew explains how boundaries are an act of love that helps kids thrive.

They focus on three main ideas:

Boundaries = Love: Kids do better with limits, especially when it comes to addictive activities like video gaming and social media.
Habit Science: The habits kids form now, whether good or bad, will stick with them into adulthood.
Skill Building: Childhood is the time to build important skills. Limiting screen time helps kids focus on developing lifelong talents and interests.

Andrew encourages parents to take action, replace screens with meaningful activities, and teach their kids about the science of screen use. It's never too late to create healthier habits. Tune in for practical tips and advice to protect your child’s future.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this episode, host Melanie Hempe sits down with psychiatrist and author, Dr. Anna Lembke, to dive deep into the science behind screen addiction and its impact on teen brains. Using Melanie’s personal experience with her son Adam as a starting point, they explore dopamine's role in shaping behavior, particularly in a teen's developing brain.

Dr. Lembke breaks down what every parent needs to know about dopamine—the brain’s reward chemical—and how screen activities can hijack this system in ways that mirror addiction. They discuss how tolerance builds up, why moderation of high-dopamine activities like gaming can be more harmful than parents realize, and what permanent brain changes can occur.

Dr. Lembke also shares her DOPAMINE framework as a roadmap for parents struggling to help their children detox from screens. The episode walks through practical steps, from collecting data on screen usage to setting boundaries and managing the emotional fallout of screen detox.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this episode of the ScreenStrong Families podcast, host Melanie Hempe sits down with Jennifer, a mother who chose a unique approach to parenting in the digital age. Jennifer shares her story of raising several children thriving socially and academically without the constant presence of smartphones and social media. Contrary to the belief that children without devices will struggle socially, Jennifer's kids are confident, active, and leaders in their extracurriculars, with her oldest daughter even being voted Homecoming Queen.

Jennifer offers practical advice for parents looking to limit screen time while fostering communication and independence. She highlights the importance of creating a welcoming home environment, providing family access to social media through a shared account, and modeling balanced tech use. Tune in to hear Jennifer’s insights and tips for helping your kids navigate a low-tech lifestyle in today’s high-tech world.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this episode, Melanie speaks with Dr. Kim Le, a child and adolescent psychiatrist based in Adelaide, Australia. He completed his psychiatry training in New South Wales and in 2015, Dr. Le received a federal grant to collaborate with an Internet Gaming Addiction Clinic for teenagers in Singapore. He has a special interest in “Gaming Disorder," which was recognized by the World Health Organization in 2018 as a mental health disorder.

Dr. Le shares his professional journey that led to his interest and passion in treating families struggling with gaming addiction, and he is committed to increasing community awareness of the negative effects of online games on a child’s development.

Melanie and Dr. Le discuss how the game designers capitalize on the business aspect of video games that leads to the scientific development of the immersive design that hooks the player. Dr. Le introduces the idea of "The Hero's Journey" archetype that appears to meet the psychological needs of children but disconnects them from reality. They discuss why moderation is not encouraged, but rather to change the focus on family values in changing your family's routines. Identification and prevention of screen addiction are also discussed as Dr. Le shares stories of families he has worked with struggling to address issues of gaming addiction with their children. This is a must-listen episode for all parents, and we encourage you to share this with friends!

Dr. Kim Le's TedTalk

Learn more about Dr. Le's practice

Send us a text

Support the show

Check out the brand new SUMMER FUN BUNDLE!
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In today's episode, Melanie tackles common misconceptions about screen use for children and teens. She emphasizes the importance of setting healthy boundaries to protect our children and shares practical strategies for limiting screen time. Melanie breaks down the warning signs of screen addiction and reveals the hidden dangers of persuasive design, showing how tech is intentionally designed to capture young minds. Melanie also discusses how fostering offline activities can help create a healthier, more balanced lifestyle for children and teens.

This interview is shared with permission from Joel Pelland and the Raising Kingdom Warriors Podcast.

Send us a text

Support the show

Check out the brand new SUMMER FUN BUNDLE!
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In today’s episode, we dive into a hot topic on the minds of many parents: “Why have a phone-free school?” We’re joined by the brilliant Dr. Adriana Stacey to unpack six key mental health reasons behind the need for phone-free schools.

We explore the alarming stats on how smartphones impact teenagers' mental health, academic performance, and social development. From skyrocketing rates of anxiety and depression to increased loneliness and bullying, the evidence is clear—phones do not belong in schools. But it’s not just about the risks; Dr. Stacey and Melanie Hempe also discuss the powerful benefits of creating a phone-free environment in schools, from improved social skills to better academic focus.

We also tackle the common concerns parents have—like how to stay in touch with your child during the day and what to do in emergencies. Tune in for practical solutions, encouragement, and insights on how to start this important conversation at your child's school.

Send us a text

Support the show

Check out the brand new SUMMER FUN BUNDLE!
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Tune in for a powerful live presentation with Melanie and her son Andrew, as they delve into the science of screen overuse and offer actionable solutions for reclaiming your children from the grip of digital addiction.

In this insightful session, Melanie shares the vital knowledge she wishes she had before her eldest child struggled with screen addiction. Together, they’ll explore the science behind childhood screen addiction, including critical facts about healthy brain development, the dopamine reward pathway, and the impacts of video games and social media on the teenage brain.

You'll learn to recognize the warning signs of screen overuse and addiction and discover ScreenStrong’s proven strategies for shifting your children’s entertainment and social lives from the virtual world back to real-life interactions. This episode is packed with the education and tools families need to make a meaningful change.

Send us a text

Support the show

Check out the brand new SUMMER FUN BUNDLE!
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this enlightening episode, host Mandee Hamann sits down with learning specialist Jamie Seibert (Enrichment Therapy and Learning Center) to explore the essential strategies for teaching and developing executive function skills in children and teens. Jamie, with years of experience working with young learners, shares her top tips for fostering skills like organization, time management, and self-regulation—crucial for academic success and personal growth.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or anyone invested in helping the next generation thrive, this episode offers practical advice and actionable insights to empower children and teens with the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from an expert in the field and help the young people in your life develop the executive function skills they need to succeed.

Send us a text

Support the Show.

Check out the brand new SUMMER FUN BUNDLE!
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this episode, Melanie sits down with Teralea Moore—a seasoned college math professor with over 20 years of teaching experience across high school, community college, and private college settings. Teralea brings her wealth of knowledge to the conversation, sharing her top 10 tips for thriving in the classroom.

Whether you're navigating elementary school, high school, or college, these insights will help students, parents, and educators alike achieve success at every educational level.

Send us a text

Support the Show.

Check out the brand new SUMMER FUN BUNDLE!
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

This interview is shared with permission from Dave Anderson and the Tech Seeking Human Podcast.

In this compelling interview from the Tech Seeking Human Podcast, Melanie shares her deeply personal journey of navigating her oldest son’s video game addiction and the profound impact it had on his life. The conversation also explores widespread misconceptions about teenage social media use, underscores the critical need for setting boundaries, and highlights the advantages of fostering offline activities.

Melanie passionately advocates for educating both parents and children on the risks of excessive screen time and promotes proactive strategies for building genuine connections and maintaining a balanced lifestyle.

Send us a Text Message.

Support the Show.

______________________________________________________

Check out the brand new SUMMER FUN BUNDLE!
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Join us as host Andrew Hempe sits down with Uly Junker, a fellow ScreenStrong Teen who made the bold decision to ditch his smartphone. In this compelling episode, Uly shares his journey of breaking free from the grip of his device, detailing his thought process before and after the change. He highlights the pros and cons of life without a smartphone and offers valuable advice for teens considering a similar path. Andrew, who has grown up without a smartphone, adds his own insights into the benefits of disconnecting from screens and connecting with real life. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about reclaiming control and finding balance in a tech-driven world.

Send us a Text Message.

Support the Show.

______________________________________________________

Check out the brand new SUMMER FUN BUNDLE!
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

CONTENT WARNING: Discussions around pornography and sexual material. Not suitable for anyone under 18 without parental approval.

One of the hardest challenges in parenting today is managing exposure to pornography. At ScreenStrong, we take this issue very seriously and understand that for many parents, this is a major reason for removing toxic screen platforms. We include pornography on our list of the three toxic screens we guard against, alongside video games and social media.

In this episode, we have the immense honor of speaking with Kristen Jenson from Defend Young Minds. Many of you know her as the author of "Good Pictures Bad Pictures," a book that has provided invaluable help to countless families. Join us as we delve into this crucial topic and learn from Kristen's expertise on protecting young minds from harmful content. Don't miss this insightful and important conversation.

Website/Books: www.defendyoungminds.com/books
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DefendYM/
Instagram: @defendyoungminds
X (formerly Twitter): @defendYM
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/defend-young-minds

Send us a Text Message.

Support the Show.

______________________________________________________

Check out the brand new SUMMER FUN BUNDLE!
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this episode, we’re diving into the world of ScreenStrong travel! Join Mandee Hamann as she interviews ScreenStrong Ambassador, Heather Franklin, about her recent screen-free road trip.

Heather has compiled a list of 30 exciting and engaging activities to keep everyone entertained and make your journey unforgettable. Whether it’s playing classic car games, exploring nature, or sparking meaningful conversations, there’s something for everyone.

For parents planning a road trip, we've got some heartfelt encouragement and practical tips to make your screen-free adventure a success. Tune in to learn how to create lasting memories, strengthen family bonds, and truly enjoy the journey together. Let's hit the road and embrace the joy of being present!

Send us a Text Message.

Support the Show.

______________________________________________________

Check out the brand new SUMMER FUN BUNDLE!
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Are you considering a smartphone-free childhood for your teens? In a world where teens seem inseparable from their phones, it's refreshing to hear from those who have taken a different path. Evan Hempe and Hallie Kate Oldham answer your questions and share insights on making friends without social media, engaging activities that replace endless scrolling, thriving while being different from the crowd, and why they don’t harbor resentment toward their parents for opting out of smartphones.

This podcast offers an invaluable opportunity for them to hear from two teens who have successfully navigated adolescence without smartphones.

Send us a Text Message.

Support the Show.

______________________________________________________

Check out the brand new SUMMER FUN BUNDLE!
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this episode, Melanie is joined by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, public speaker and author of "Assassination Generation," to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing families today: the division between parents when it comes to video games. Often, dads see no harm in playing or letting their kids play, but this can lead to significant issues.

Together, they explore the detrimental effects and bad habits that modern games can create, discussing how true play is free from aggression and violence, and how excessive screen time deprives children of vital physical and social interactions. They delve into the stark differences between how a dad playing a video game and a child’s experience impacts their development.

Melanie and Lt. Col. Grossman also offer practical solutions focused on delaying game exposure and fostering healthy, balanced habits to ensure our kids grow up well-rounded and socially adept. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that every parent needs to hear.

Send us a Text Message.

Support the Show.

______________________________________________________

Check out the brand new SUMMER FUN BUNDLE!
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Don’t let boredom rule this summer, and instead, have summer fun without the screens! Join this enlightening conversation with Mary Thorne and Melanie as they explore the magic of replacing screen time with engaging activities. Discover how this shift can not only transform your home but also inspire your kids to unleash their creativity and innovation. With practical tips and inspiring stories, this episode promises to make your summer screen-free and full of fun. Tune in to learn how to make the most of the sunny season with activities that will captivate and energize your entire family!

Send us a Text Message.

Support the Show.

______________________________________________________

Check out the brand new SUMMER FUN BUNDLE!
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this episode, Melanie and Dr. Stacey dive into the recent article in the New York Times, "Surgeon General Calls for Health Warnings on Social Media for Younger Users." Join us as we explore the implications of this groundbreaking recommendation and why it marks a significant stride toward safeguarding our children and teens online.

Melanie and Dr. Stacey break down the key points of the Surgeon General's call, discussing how these proposed health warnings can play a crucial role in mitigating the risks associated with social media usage among young people. They share insights into the potential benefits of increased awareness and education, and how this move aligns with broader efforts to create a safer digital environment.

Tune in to hear expert opinions on why this initiative is a positive direction for public health, and what parents, educators, and policymakers can do to support and implement these recommendations effectively. This is an essential conversation for anyone concerned about the well-being of the younger generation in our increasingly connected world.

Send us a Text Message.

Support the Show.

______________________________________________________

Check out the brand new SUMMER FUN BUNDLE!
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Join us for an insightful discussion led by teens who have experienced the benefits of a smartphone-free upbringing. In this episode, these inspiring young voices share their personal stories, highlighting the unique advantages of living without the constant buzz of notifications.

From deeper connections with family and friends to improved focus and creativity, discover how a smartphone-free childhood has shaped their lives in positive ways. Our teen guests will also answer your burning questions about this empowering lifestyle choice, offering practical advice for parents and teens alike.

Tune in for an eye-opening conversation that explores the many rewards of becoming ScreenStrong!

Support the Show.

______________________________________________________

Check out the brand new SUMMER FUN BUNDLE!
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Today, we're diving into some of the most frequently asked questions from our amazing listeners. Our very own Amie Robillard, who manages all your emails and comments, joins Melanie to address your queries and provide insights straight from the field.

We've been receiving a ton of questions, and we thought it was high time we dedicated an episode to answering them. So sit back, relax, and join us as we get to the heart of your questions. And remember, we’re planning to make this a regular feature, so keep those questions coming!

Support the Show.

______________________________________________________

Check out the brand new SUMMER FUN BUNDLE!
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

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 Reward
Mistake #2: Easy Access to Screens
Mistake #3: Misunderstanding Content and Time Spent
Mistake #4: Relying on Moderation for Addictive Screen Activities
Mistake #5: Missing Warning Signs

Join us for this insightful discussion on how to manage screen time effectively and create a healthier, more balanced environment for your children. Tune in to learn more and empower your family with strategies that work!

Support the Show.

______________________________________________________

The "Kids' Brains & Screens" paperback is NOW AVAILABLE!
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, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Kids' Brains & Screens: A ScreenStrong Student Course

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 association of transmission of mental disorders when students were in a class with a student who had a mental health disorder. The highest risk was observed in the first year of follow-up. Particularly noteworthy is the increased risk for mood, anxiety, and eating disorders, even after accounting for various influencing factors at the parental, school, and area levels.

The study proposes a potential link between peer dynamics and the increasing teen mental health crisis. Could social media activity be exacerbating this phenomenon? Dr. Stacey and Melanie explore this question, offering insightful perspectives into the interaction between online interactions and mental well-being.

Tune in as they navigate the complexities of peer influence versus peer pressure, providing valuable insights on how to support teens facing mental health challenges in today's digital age. Whether you're a parent, educator, or concerned individual, this podcast will educate you further on the relationship between adolescent peer networks and mental wellness. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of this pressing issue and discover ScreenStrong strategies for navigating the adolescent digital maze.

Support the Show.

______________________________________________________

The "Kids' Brains & Screens" paperback is NOW AVAILABLE!
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, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Kids' Brains & Screens: A ScreenStrong Student Course

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 week. Also, you can find other sample letters for school situations on our School Policy Resources page on the ScreenStrong website.

Other Resources: Kids’ Brains and Screens Curriculum

Books: Screen Schooledby Joe Clement and Matt Miles

Support the Show.

______________________________________________________

The "Kids' Brains & Screens" paperback is NOW AVAILABLE!
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, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Kids' Brains & Screens: A ScreenStrong Student Course

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 lack of development of essential interpersonal skills for our children. Joe shares how the social and academic culture within the school environment has been negatively influenced by the toxic use of screens resulting in increased distractibility, increased impulsivity to cheat, and decreased educational discussion in the classroom. Lastly, Joe provides encouragement and tips to parents and educators to improve the balance in their use of technology in the home and the classroom.

Support the Show.

______________________________________________________

The "Kids' Brains & Screens" paperback is NOW AVAILABLE!
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, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Kids' Brains & Screens: A ScreenStrong Student Course

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. Discover the surprising medical benefits of a screen detox and the transformative outcomes it can bring to children's lives.

This episode isn't just about highlighting the problem; it's also about providing actionable solutions. Learn about proven strategies for a successful screen detox and practical tips for parents navigating this digital age with their children.

Join our free Connect forum and embark on the 30-Day Challenge Screen Detox for kids & teens. Take the first step towards reclaiming your child's health and happiness in a screen-saturated world.

Support the Show.

______________________________________________________

The "Kids' Brains & Screens" paperback is NOW AVAILABLE!
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, the 30-Day ScreenStrong Challenge, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Kids' Brains & Screens: A ScreenStrong Student Course

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 key. Is it for safety, communication, or simply convenience? Let's be honest—it's often more about parental peace of mind than the child's actual needs.

As we delve into the world of technology, we encounter both risks and benefits. While phones offer connectivity and convenience, they also pose risks like exposure to inappropriate content and excessive screen time. Are the benefits worth the potential pitfalls?

Support the Show.

______________________________________________________

The "Kids' Brains & Screens" paperback is NOW AVAILABLE!
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 webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Kids' Brains & Screens: A ScreenStrong Student Course

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 to establish a ScreenStrong Classroom and improve the learning environment for her students.

Support the show

______________________________________________________

The "Kids' Brains & Screens" paperback is NOW AVAILABLE!
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 webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Kids' Brains & Screens: A ScreenStrong Student Course

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" paperback is NOW AVAILABLE!
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 webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Kids' Brains & Screens: A ScreenStrong Student Course

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 popularity has spread with astonishing speed, affecting all that engage with it. Melanie and Dr. Sax take a deep dive to deconstruct TikTok’s algorithm and its harmful impact and suggestibility on young people. From social pressure to self-harm, Dr. Sax expands on the dark side of social media’s influence on our children’s development. He also dives into the parental trap of “just wanting to make our children happy” and how we need to shift and strengthen our parenting intentions to help our children fulfill their potential.

This is an episode that you may want to use to start a small discussion group among a few friends to encourage and cultivate support in your parenting journey.

Support the show

______________________________________________________

The "Kids' Brains & Screens" paperback is NOW AVAILABLE!
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 webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Kids' Brains & Screens: A ScreenStrong Student Course

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 levels of stress and anxiety. From the fear of missing out (FOMO) to cyberbullying, Melanie and Dr. Stacey dissect the various ways in which smartphones exacerbate anxiety in teens. They also discuss the impact of excessive screen time on mental health, sleep patterns, and interpersonal relationships.

Throughout the episode, Melanie and Dr. Stacey provide practical tips and strategies for parents, educators, and teenagers themselves to navigate the digital landscape more mindfully and mitigate the adverse effects of smartphone use on mental well-being.

Support the show

______________________________________________________

The "Kids' Brains & Screens" paperback is NOW AVAILABLE!
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 webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Kids' Brains & Screens: A ScreenStrong Student Course

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 upbringing with the pervasive presence of adult content. He explores the nuances of communication within the family unit, emphasizing the crucial role of parental guidance in navigating sensitive topics such as sexuality and pornography.

Through Isaac's poignant narrative, listeners are invited to confront the realities of addressing taboo subjects in a digital age, where boundaries blur, and access to explicit material is omnipresent. His story is a poignant reminder of the profound impact of openness and support within familial relationships.

Tune in as Mandee and Isaac delve deep into the intersection of upbringing, technology, and personal struggle, offering insight and empathy to those grappling with similar challenges.

Support the show

______________________________________________________

The "Kids' Brains & Screens" paperback is NOW AVAILABLE!
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 webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Kids' Brains & Screens: A ScreenStrong Student Course

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 Screens material and how it resonates with students and parents alike.
Get practical strategies to engage resistant or sensitive kids, including seeking feedback and providing incentives.
Explore tips for encouraging open dialogue and applying the curriculum to various aspects of kids' lives.
Understand the transformative potential of the Kids’ Brains & Screens curriculum in empowering students to control screen habits and build offline relationships.
Gain insights into the importance of education in making informed decisions about screen time, with parallels drawn to health education.

Tune in for valuable insights and practical advice on guiding kids toward healthier screen habits, and join the mission to empower the next generation in the digital age.

Support the show

______________________________________________________

The "Kids' Brains & Screens" paperback is NOW AVAILABLE!
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 webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Kids' Brains & Screens: A ScreenStrong Student Course

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 understanding the complexities involved. Through candid insights and expert analysis, we explore the ways in which Big Tech shapes our children's online experiences and its repercussions on their mental well-being.
Join us in this important conversation as we navigate the intersection of technology and parenting. Listen, learn, and share this podcast with others, as together, we work towards creating a safer and more balanced digital environment for our children.

The paperback version of "Kids' Brains & Screens: A ScreenStrong Student Course" is OUT NOW—get your copy on Amazon today!

Support the show

______________________________________________________

The "Kids' Brains & Screens" paperback is NOW AVAILABLE!
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 webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Kids' Brains & Screens: A ScreenStrong Student Course

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, fostering healthier connections along the way.

Whether your kids are already glued to their devices or you're deliberating when to introduce them, KBS arms them with the knowledge and inspiration to take a step back from harmful screen habits and rediscover the joys of the offline world.

This eight-part course isn't your run-of-the-mill curriculum. Bursting with vibrant graphics reminiscent of a graphic novel, it's designed to captivate and educate. While tailored for middle schoolers, its impact transcends age, resonating with high schoolers and parents alike.

What's inside Kids’ Brains and Screens for Students?

300 pages of engaging content filled with captivating visuals to keep your child hooked
Eight Colorful Lessons, each divided into three sections, complete with Lesson Worksheets and Quizzes
24 Lesson Plans meticulously crafted for educators
24 Video Summaries delivered by a Physician for enhanced understanding
A 7-Day Challenge Screen Detox to kickstart healthier habits
Friday Fun Night instructions for family bonding
An Escape from Screen Jail Bonus Challenge for added excitement

Don't miss out on this game-changing resource that promises to reshape your family's screen dynamics. Tune in as Melanie and Mandee give you an exclusive sneak peek into the future of screen education.

Support the show

______________________________________________________

The "Kids' Brains & Screens" paperback is NOW AVAILABLE!
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 webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Kids' Brains & Screens: A ScreenStrong Student Course

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 support their teens in reclaiming a healthy balance with technology.

Whether you're grappling with concerns about excessive device usage or seeking guidance on fostering healthier screen habits, this podcast offers a wealth of wisdom and encouragement. Tune in to empower yourself with the tools needed to navigate the screen detox journey and cultivate a thriving, screen-balanced lifestyle for your family.

Support the show

______________________________________________________

The "Kids' Brains & Screens" paperback is NOW AVAILABLE!
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 webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Kids' Brains & Screens: A ScreenStrong Student Course

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 interconnected world.

Support the show

______________________________________________________

The "Kids' Brains & Screens" paperback is NOW AVAILABLE!
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 webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Kids' Brains & Screens: A ScreenStrong Student Course

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 brain, paving the way for improved outcomes and healthier tech habits. Join the conversation to discover practical solutions for navigating the complex terrain where ADHD intersects with our digital world.

Support the show

______________________________________________________

The "Kids' Brains & Screens" paperback is NOW AVAILABLE!
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 webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Kids' Brains & Screens: A ScreenStrong Student Course

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 practical advice and overarching encouragement. Start 2024 on the right foot with the tools and insights that Melanie and Dr. Stacey share as they delve into the intricacies of fostering a healthy family dynamic through mindful screen usage and eliminating toxic screens.

Support the show

______________________________________________________

The "Kids' Brains & Screens" paperback is NOW AVAILABLE!
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 webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Kids' Brains & Screens: A ScreenStrong Student Course

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 may resonate with many of us. She doesn’t shy away from portraying the raw truth of their situation.

Christina provides valuable insights into how they managed to break free from the grip of excessive screen time. She delves into the specifics of their detox process, shedding light on their strategies to regain control. As you listen, you’ll gain a vivid picture of what their home looks like post-detox—a testament to the positive changes that can be achieved.

What sets Christina’s story apart is her transparency about their direction and the determination it took to alter that course. By the end of her narrative, you’ll be informed and infused with a sense of hope and confidence. This newfound perspective will undoubtedly inspire you as you prepare to embrace a ScreenStrong Lifestyle in the weeks ahead.

Support the show

______________________________________________________

The "Kids' Brains & Screens" paperback is NOW AVAILABLE!
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 webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Kids' Brains & Screens: A ScreenStrong Student Course

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 during middle and high school

Support the show

______________________________________________________

The "Kids' Brains & Screens" paperback is NOW AVAILABLE!
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 webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Kids' Brains & Screens: A ScreenStrong Student Course

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 societal norms and culture are yet to catch up with the profound impact screens have on the younger generation. Drawing from his firsthand experiences and intimate understanding of the field, Tom imparts invaluable insights and encouragement for parents seeking to navigate their individual screen journeys.

Support the show

______________________________________________________

The "Kids' Brains & Screens" paperback is NOW AVAILABLE!
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 webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Kids' Brains & Screens: A ScreenStrong Student Course

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 48 Months ScreenStrong with Evan & Andrew Hempe (#169)
Pornography Is Chasing Our Kids with Nadya Seboldt (#148)
Raising Healthy Teenagers: Equipping Your Child to Navigate the Pitfalls and Dangers of Teen Life with Tom Kersting (#155)
Prevent Screen Problems With Neuroscience with Sarah Hendrix, RN, MSN (#149)

Support the show

______________________________________________________

The "Kids' Brains & Screens" paperback is NOW AVAILABLE!
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 webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Kids' Brains & Screens: A ScreenStrong Student Course

"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 Dr. Stacey challenge conventional notions, questioning if a bit of relaxation in screen time policies is a harmless indulgence or a potential pitfall.

Tune in for a refreshing perspective on finding harmony between enjoying the festivities and maintaining a healthy relationship with screens. Whether you're a parent, educator, or anyone in between, this episode offers practical advice and thought-provoking ideas for a well-balanced holiday season.

Support the show

______________________________________________________

The "Kids' Brains & Screens" paperback is NOW AVAILABLE!
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 webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Kids' Brains & Screens: A ScreenStrong Student Course

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 strong friendships and robust social skills requires a broader range of experiences, including face-to-face interactions, empathy, emotional intelligence, and a diverse network of connections beyond the gaming screen. But your child - who is not an adult yet - will not be able to recognize the limitations of virtual interactions.

See research here on studies that suggest that excessive gaming can have a negative impact on the development of social skills for teens.

Support the show

______________________________________________________

The "Kids' Brains & Screens" paperback is NOW AVAILABLE!
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 webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Kids' Brains & Screens: A ScreenStrong Student Course

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

______________________________________________________

The "Kids' Brains & Screens" paperback is NOW AVAILABLE!
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 webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Kids' Brains & Screens: A ScreenStrong Student Course

For this special holiday ENCORE episode, Melanie is joined by her son Evan to discuss practical holiday gift ideas—and encourage people to skip smartphones and video games as gifts this season. Evan, a senior in high school, gives his perspective on the highs and lows of wanting a smartphone in middle & high school and shares some of his favorite childhood gifts.

Grab your copy of our Non-Tech Gift Guide discussed in this episode!

Evan's digital piano recommendation: Yamaha Clavinova CSP-170 Home Digital Piano | Guitar Center

Support the show

______________________________________________________

The "Kids' Brains & Screens" paperback is NOW AVAILABLE!
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 webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Kids' Brains & Screens: A ScreenStrong Student Course

Happy Thanksgiving from ScreenStrong! We are thrilled to share a special episode with you this week, centered around the theme of gratitude. Tune in to hear expressions of thankfulness from fellow ScreenStrong families, reflecting on what has brought them joy this year and the invaluable support they've received on their ScreenStrong journeys. A heartfelt thank you to all who submitted their testimonials! On behalf of the entire ScreenStrong team, we extend warm wishes for a joyous Thanksgiving to you and your family.

Support the show

______________________________________________________

The "Kids' Brains & Screens" paperback is NOW AVAILABLE!
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 webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Kids' Brains & Screens: A ScreenStrong Student Course

Today's show will take us behind the curtain of the teen brain who is searching for a way to get around parental controls!

You will learn that the idea of parental controls is a way to gain brand loyalty by the companies who want your kids glued to their devices. If you use parental controls then your child will be safe, right? Wrong. Because the job of every child is to discover work around every parental control out there! With the help of Doug Smith and Melanie, you will quickly see how many ways there are for a child to discover the thrill of hacking your parental controls.

Remember, You don't have to be a tech expert you just have to be a smart ScreenStrong parent. As always we have your back and we will give you the strong truth and the bold solutions to winning the screen battle at home.

Refrences & Links:

TikTok’s Parental Control page is a perfect example of propaganda language
[Un]Intentional: How Screens Secretly Shape Your Desires and How You Can Break Free by Doug Smith

Support the show

______________________________________________________

The "Kids' Brains & Screens" paperback is NOW AVAILABLE!
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 webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Kids' Brains & Screens: A ScreenStrong Student Course

[Un]Intentional: How Screens Secretly Shape Your Desires and How You Can Break Free

Today, Melanie has a very special guest—her daughter, Melissa! In this episode, we will hear how Melissa feels about growing up without social media or a smartphone. They discuss an overview of teen brain science, what makes social media irresistible for teens, the risks for teen girls, and end with some practical tips for parents. You will enjoy the candid nature of this conversation and will be inspired to make some changes in your home!

Recommended Reading: "Can Your Teen Survive and Thrive Without a Smartphone?"—found on Amazon and Connect Plus.

Support the show

______________________________________________________

The "Kids' Brains & Screens" paperback is NOW AVAILABLE!
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 webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Kids' Brains & Screens: A ScreenStrong Student Course

Human Trafficking has been the world’s fastest-growing criminal enterprise for over a decade. It is estimated that over 26 million people are enslaved globally, and over 1 million, 300,000 of which are children, in the U.S. alone. An even darker statistic, the 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report conducted annually by the State Department, states that less than 1% of victims are ever identified and consequently get out alive.

Human trafficking in the U.S. is not only what you see in the movies, foreign impoverished children being kidnapped and made available for purchase to pedophiles. The truth is that most sex trafficking victims in the U.S. are American girls, and the average age of initial victimization is 13 years old. Sex trafficking does not discriminate based on race or economic standing. In a report published in 2016 by doctors in their respective fields, human trafficking was found in every school in San Diego County. The wellbeing of our children has become a national crisis, and the only way to protect your child is to understand how they could become or are already the targets of criminals who desire to use and abuse them.

References:

International Organization for Stopping Exploitation of Women
San Diego Report

Support the show

______________________________________________________

The "Kids' Brains & Screens" paperback is NOW AVAILABLE!
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 webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Kids' Brains & Screens: A ScreenStrong Student Course

In this episode, we debunk the common misconception that preteens and teens are fully prepared for group texting. Dr. Stacey and Melanie explore the fascinating insights from developmental science that present a different perspective. Together, they identify ten prevalent issues within group texting and media sharing.

As you tune in, you might be startled by the striking similarities between group texting and social media. In fact, these two seemingly distinct platforms are, in many ways, one in the same. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the convergence of communication technologies and the potential implications for our younger generation.

Article: Why Social Media is NOT Smart for Middle School Kids

Support the show

______________________________________________________

The "Kids' Brains & Screens" paperback is NOW AVAILABLE!
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 webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Kids' Brains & Screens: A ScreenStrong Student Course

Join us for an enlightening episode as Evan and Andrew Hempe share their incredible journey of living 48 months as ScreenStrong Teens, completely free from smartphones and video games. They take us through their unique experiences and reveal a list of 48 surprising benefits they discovered during this bold experiment.

This episode is all about the unexpected rewards and transformations that come from disconnecting in a hyper-connected world. Whether you're a parent seeking insight into managing screen time or someone looking to find balance with technology, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways.

Support the show

______________________________________________________

The "Kids' Brains & Screens" paperback is NOW AVAILABLE!
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 webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Kids' Brains & Screens: A ScreenStrong Student Course

Join us in this episode as we dive into the world of Roblox, sleepovers, and Snapchat with invaluable insights from our friend Officer Gomez, a School Resource Officer (SRO) and sworn Deputy of the Boise County Sheriff’s Department.

Discover what parents need to know to keep their children safe and informed in today's digital age. From the challenges of online gaming to the issues of sleepovers and the nuances of Snapchat, Officer Gomez shares expert advice to help you navigate these crucial aspects of your child's life.

Support the show

______________________________________________________

The "Kids' Brains & Screens" paperback is NOW AVAILABLE!
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 webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Kids' Brains & Screens: A ScreenStrong Student Course

Today, we are honored to welcome Susan Linn, the author of "Who's Raising the Kids," to our podcast. We love the title of her book because it encapsulates the essence of being ScreenStrong!

One of the most significant, albeit often invisible, risks parents confront in childhood screen overuse is the unintentional surrender of our children to a virtual caregiver. We lose our kids daily—not physically, but emotionally, as they gravitate toward virtual families.

The issue with childhood screen use is multifaceted, but in ScreenStrong's view, the most pressing concern is the detachment disorder between children and parents that is becoming all too common. Kids naturally bond with the things they spend the most time with, and it's beautiful when that bond is with their family. However, it becomes a cause for concern when that bond is primarily formed with screens, games, or social media, as Susan will expertly shed light on during this conversation.

LINKS:

Who’s Raising the Kids?: Big Tech, Big Business, and the Lives of Children by Susan Linn

Support the show

______________________________________________________

The "Kids' Brains & Screens" paperback is NOW AVAILABLE!
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 webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Kids' Brains & Screens: A ScreenStrong Student Course

In this episode, Melanie is joined by Brian Montgomery, a husband and father of four who courageously shares his family’s heartbreaking story. Brian’s son, Walker, tragically took his life due to the devastating effects of sextortion on Instagram. Brian’s unwavering transparency about this tragic event is an invaluable gift to us all.

In this emotionally charged conversation, Brian imparts invaluable advice for parents, reflecting on what he wishes he had known sooner. By opening up about Walker's story, Brian aims to ensure that no other family endures the same unbearable pain that his did. Join us as we honor Walker's memory and explore critical information that can help protect our children in the digital age.

Read more about the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA).

Support the show

______________________________________________________

The "Kids' Brains & Screens" paperback is NOW AVAILABLE!
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 webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Kids' Brains & Screens: A ScreenStrong Student Course

We have a special treat today! Melanie was recently on The Pete Kaliner Show to discuss ScreenStrong and some key points about screen use, such as why fifteen is the worst age for a smartphone, the difference between Android and iPhones, and how screens are overprotecting our kids and teens.

Tune in to this episode to better understand the history, science, and solutions behind ScreenStrong's mission to support healthy screen use for our youngest generations. Learn why ScreenStrong's approach stands out as one of the best in the field and how it can positively impact the lives of children and families.

Reserve your spot for the ScreenStrong event in Charlotte, NC, October 12-14, 2023

Originally aired on The Pete Kaliner Show on 9/18/23

Support the show

______________________________________________________

The "Kids' Brains & Screens" paperback is NOW AVAILABLE!
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 webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!
Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement (use code STRONG for discount)
Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Kids' Brains & Screens: A ScreenStrong Student Course

In today's episode, join Melanie Hempe as she reviews an often-overlooked long-term consequence of childhood gaming dependency: failure to thrive in college. Melanie shares warning signs and offers practical tips for both parents and teenagers to address and reverse these issues effectively.

In addition, she explains how this bad habit can take root well before high school and why parents need to care about early gaming habits.This episode serves as a powerful call to action, reminding parents of the crucial need to take early gaming habits seriously in order to foster healthier, well-rounded futures for their children. Don't miss out on this important conversation!

References

Washington Post Article:Young Men Are Gaming More. Are They Working Less?
ScreenStrong Blog: Will Your Gamer Survive College?
Book: Will Your Gamer Survive College? by Melanie Hempe. Or get the e-book for free in our Connect+ group!
October 2023 Event in Charlotte, NC

______________________________________________________

Please subscribe, rate, and share this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our ScreenStrong Student Course is NOW AVAILABLE!

Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!

Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations—Use code STRONG for discounts

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement
Canopy—Device Filter

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

None

THE STUDENT COURSE IS HERE!!!

Our team is over the moon to finally present the brand new ScreenStrong Student Course. We have been working day and night for months to bring you this amazing content. Melanie is joined by Dr. Stacey who graciously reviewed the Student Course and is here to give her opinion on why it's the BEST screen education for kids to date.

Visit our website for more details about the Student Course which is NOW AVAILABLE!

______________________________________________________

Please subscribe, rate, and share this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our ScreenStrong Student Course is NOW AVAILABLE!

Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!

Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations—Use code STRONG for discounts

Gabb Wireless—Smartphone Replacement
Canopy—Device Filter

______________________________________________________

Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

Melanie is joined by Kristin Bride, a social media reform advocate whose son, Carson, died by suicide as a result of cyberbullying on Snapchat and other anonymous apps. It is her heart's desire to get her family's message out about the deadly dangers of what parents think are innocent apps. Kristin testified before the Senate Committee in Feb of 2023.
Please call your US Senator and ask them to support KOSA for the Senate floor vote in September.

Read about the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA).

Get educated on the algorithms that feed our children harmful information.

Find your state's laws on cyberbullying: stopbullying.gov.

______________________________________________________

Please subscribe, rate, and share this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!

Our ScreenStrong Lifestyle Courses are NOW AVAILABLE!

Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

ScreenStrong welcomes everyone back to school with this ENCORE episode in which Melanie is joined by our friend Matt Miles, a teacher and co-author of Screen Schooled: Two Veteran Teachers Expose How Technology Overuse Is Making Our Kids Dumber.

Matt is a passionate educator and advocate for his students. With his uniquely bold convictions, Matt Miles talks about the counterproductive nature of "ed tech," the social anxiety that screens perpetuate in students, and tips for parents to communicate with educators regarding screen use in the classroom.

______________________________________________________

Please subscribe, rate, and share this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!

Our ScreenStrong Lifestyle Courses are NOW AVAILABLE!

Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

On today's episode, Melanie is joined by ScreenStrong Ambassador Emily Harrison as she reflects on the last five years as a ScreenStrong family. Emily offers up some fantastic tips that she's learned along the way, and it's lovely to hear how her family's life has been forever changed.

______________________________________________________

Please subscribe, rate, and share this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!

Our ScreenStrong Lifestyle Courses are NOW AVAILABLE!

Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

Today is an exceptional episode! Hallie Kate joins Mandee Hamann to talk about her experience with screen addiction and the aftermath of her parents deciding to take away the devices. Wise beyond her years, HK offers poignant observations about her generation based on personal experiences and encourages parents from a teen perspective. Her poem about her screen-addicted generation at the end of the episode will leave you in tears.

______________________________________________________

Please subscribe, rate, and share this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!

Our ScreenStrong Lifestyle Courses are NOW AVAILABLE!

Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

As our ENCORE episode this month, we wanted to bring back an essential discussion about smartphones, 8th grade, and how they are a terrible match.

Dr. Adriana Stacey joins Melanie to discuss the current research and discourse around 8th grade being the worst age to give a child a smartphone. Together they go through a handful of tips and reasons why this statement is true and encourage parents to stand firm in their screen decisions.

______________________________________________________

Please subscribe, rate, and share this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!

Our ScreenStrong Lifestyle Courses are NOW AVAILABLE!

Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

In this episode, Melanie is joined by Dr. John Hutton to discuss his research into MRI screening for young kids and how toxic screens impact a child's brain.

Dr. John S. Hutton, MD, MS, is a pediatrician and clinical researcher in the Division of General and Community Pediatrics and Director of the Reading Literacy Discovery Center. He has published 29 children’s books, many with health-promoting themes. These include screen time reduction (Baby Unplugged), dialogic reading, reading to babies, infant calming, safe sleep, breastfeeding, ADHD, and how the heart works.

As a pediatrician, Dr. Hutton is also working to validate efficient screening measures of emergent literacy skills and risk factors for clinical use to guide early interventions and reinforce the concept of reading as a critical aspect of child health and development. Interventions include specially designed mobile health apps and community-based sessions in dialogic reading. He is also actively developing and applying children’s books for various pediatric health literacy and advocacy topics, including in clinical trials.

References & Links

Screen Usage Linked to Differences in Brain Structure in Young Children
Book+MRI Scans Help Predict Reading Risks for Preschoolers
Dr. Hutton's Children’s Books

______________________________________________________

Please subscribe, rate, and share this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!

Our ScreenStrong Lifestyle Courses are NOW AVAILABLE!

Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

As our ENCORE this month, we wanted to bring back our 100th episode, full of tips to encourage you in your ScreenStrong summer!

In this episode, Melanie is joined by Ellen Cotton, a longtime friend of ScreenStrong and living the ScreenStrong Lifestyle. She and Melanie present 100 unique tips to help you on your ScreenStrong journey and share personal stories about the ups and downs of reclaiming your kids from the virtual world.

This episode is full of laughter, joy, and advice from parents who have been where you are now. It’s one you won’t want to miss!

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Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!

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Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

In this packed episode, Melanie and Dr. Victoria Dunckley go through some prevalent Twisted Truths in society right now, such as: “screens are suitable for neurodivergent kids,” “screens are harmless babysitters,” and “tablets are just toys.”

References:

Autism and Screen Time: Special Brains, Special Risks by Dr. Victoria Dunckley, M.D.
Reset Your Child’s Brain: A Four-Week Plan to End Meltdowns, Raise Grades, and Boost Social Skills by Reversing the Effects of Electronic Screen-Time by Dr. Victoria Dunckley, M.D.
Time for a view on screen time by Dr. Aric Sigman

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Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

Reset Your Child's Brain: A Four-Week Plan to End Meltdowns, Raise Grades, and Boost Social Skills by Reversing the Effects of Electronic Screen-Time

In this episode, Mandee Hamann is joined by ScreenStrong Ambassador Janine McKenna. Janine is a credentialed school counselor and teacher who has worked with middle school students in Los Angeles County for more than a decade. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts and a master’s degree in Counseling.

Janine shares her experience as an educator, counselor, and mom of two in discovering the ScreenStrong Lifestyle and how technology has changed the field of education.

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Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!

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Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

On May 23rd, the United States Surgeon General issued an advisory about the dangers of social media. The advisory warned that social media poses “a profound risk of harm to the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents.”

In today’s episode, Melanie and Dr. Stacey unpack the details of the advisory and offer advice to parents.

References & LinksFull Report:"Social Media and Youth Mental Health" - The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory

Press Release: "Surgeon General Issues New Advisory About Effects Social Media Use Has on Youth Mental Health"

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Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

Continuing our Tips for Moms series, ScreenStrong Founder Melanie Hempe shares MORE top-tier screen tips for moms in this stellar episode. She is joined by Amie Robillard, a ScreenStrong mom of five boys under 12, to share summer tips for moms of younger kids.

Listen to Tips for Moms

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Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

For this episode, we welcome back a long-time friend of the podcast, Tom Kersting. Tom is a nationally renowned psychotherapist, author, and television contributor. He is the author of Disconnected(one of our favorites!), and today Tom and Melanie talk about his newest book, Raising Healthy Teenagers: Equipping Your Child to Navigate the Pitfalls and Dangers of Teen Life.

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Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

Disconnected: How To Reconnect Our Digitally Distracted Kids

None

To start the summer, we want to bring back a great episode with Andrew and Evan Hempe to talk about how they felt growing up ScreenStrong. Since many of you choose to do the ScreenStrong Challenge this time of year, we wanted to kickstart your summer with some encouragement!

Andrew and Evan Hempe grew up in a video game-free home after their older brother’s life derailed due to gaming addiction. Today, Andrew and Evan are answering parents’ common questions about the ScreenStrong lifestyle from the perspective of high school teens. They discuss what it was like living with a former gamer sibling, how they managed to live through middle school without video games and smartphones, and how they made friends without social media.

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Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

In this episode, Melanie is joined by LaNissa Davison, ScreenStrong Ambassador and mom of four. LaNissa shares the five benefits she’s seen since her family went ScreenStrong—including personal examples—and encourages parents to

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Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!

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Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

On today’s episode, Mandee Hamann and Olivia Kernekin share personal screen stories and talk about why everyone should be a ScreenStrong Ambassador.

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Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!

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Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

This episode starts a new series on the podcast called Twisted Truths, where we uncover topics that seem true—and may be true in part—but these “truths” fall apart when applied to the screen issue.

Today, Melanie and Dr. Stacey dive into the dopamine addiction reward pathway and highlight how screen activities can throw your kids’ brains out of balance. Melanie also shares some foundational truths to counteract the twisted ones.

References & Links:

The Teenage Brain: A Neuroscientist’s Survival Guide to Raising Adolescents and Young Adults by Frances Jensen
Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence by Anna Lembke

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Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence

The Teenage Brain: A Neuroscientist's Survival Guide to Raising Adolescents and Young Adults

Melanie is joined by Olivia Bruner, author of Playstation Station, one of ScreenStrong's favorite books about video game addiction. From the perspective of two seasoned gamer moms, Melanie and Olivia discuss the warning signs of video game addiction, the pitfalls of the dopamine trap, and the ten things every parent needs to know regarding video games.

References & Links:

Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence by Anna Lembke
Assassination Generation: Video Games, Aggression, and the Psychology of Killing by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman
The Village Effect: How Face-to-Face Contact Can Make Us Healthier and Happier by Susan Pinker
Breaking the Trance: A Practical Guide for Parenting the Screen-Dependent Child by George T. Lynn and Cynthia C. Johnson
Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul by Dr. Stuart Brown

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Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!

Our ScreenStrong Lifestyle Courses are NOW AVAILABLE!

Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

Assassination Generation: Video Games, Aggression, and the Psychology of Killing

Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul

Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence

Playstation Nation: Protect Your Child from Video Game Addiction

The Village Effect: How Face-to-Face Contact Can Make Us Healthier and Happier

Mandee Hamann—our Ambassador Liaison—interviews Sarah Hendrix, a Senior Director in corporate healthcare and a Master’s Degree prepared Registered Nurse with specialty experience in Neurosciences. She is also a new ScreenStrong Ambassador. Sarah shares her screen journey with her preschool son and encourages parents wherever they are on their own journey.

This is part of a series of episodes getting to know our ScreenStrong Ambassador team. If you want to become an Ambassador, please visit our website or email mandee@screenstrong.org.

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Our ScreenStrong Lifestyle Courses are NOW AVAILABLE!

Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

On this episode, Melanie is joined by Nadya Seboldt, a Licensed Educational Psychologist, to discuss the history of pornography, the easy access kids have to porn, and how parents can prevent early porn exposure.

While this is not an explicit episode, it is an in-depth discussion of pornography. Listener discretion is advised.

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Our ScreenStrong Lifestyle Courses are NOW AVAILABLE!

Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

In this special episode, Melanie interviews Lydia, a ScreenStrong teen whose story we first heard back in January 2021. Lydia gives us an update on her life and how she’s been thriving without social media. She also offers encouragement to teens and parents just starting on the ScreenStrong journey.

References & Links:

Lydia's first episode: ScreenStrong Teens: Lydia (#16)

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Please subscribe, rate, and share this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, LIVE webinars with medical experts, and the entire ScreenStrong library of videos, audio clips, interviews, e-books, handouts, and more!

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Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

In today’s episode, Melanie and Dr. Stacey discuss the issue of screens in school and offer tips for parents to take charge of their children's learning habits.

References & Links

Why Screens Are Failing Students and Frustrating Teachers with Matt Miles (#61)

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Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

ScreenStrong Founder Melanie Hempe shares top-tier screen tips geared toward moms in this fantastic episode. Speaking directly from her own experience raising an addicted gamer, Melanie offers from-the-heart tips and shortcuts for you to protect your children from toxic screens and give them the freedom to enjoy a rich childhood.

References & Links:

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
How to Get Your Child to Take Music Lessons with Dr. Catharine McClure Jackson (#112)

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Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance

In light of the horrific school killing in Nashville this week, we invited Lt. Col. Dave Grossman to speak to us about the tragedy. Lt. Col. Grossman is an internationally recognized scholar, author, soldier, and speaker who is one of the world’s foremost experts in human aggression and the roots of violence and violent crime.

Lt. Col. Grossman and Melanie discuss the effect of violent video games on children and what we can do as parents to protect our kids from the onslaught of toxic screens.

Our hearts are breaking for the victims, their families, and the killer's family. Our prayers are with you.

References & Links

Assassination Generation: Video Games, Aggression, and the Psychology of Killingby Lt. Col. Dave Grossman

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Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

Assassination Generation: Video Games, Aggression, and the Psychology of Killing

Today, Melanie and Dr. Adriana Stacey discuss a recent article in the Journal of Pediatrics on independent play and how it relates to children’s mental well-being. This episode is full of great recommendations, encouragement, and a ton of research on why allowing your children the autonomy of independent play will make them happier, healthier, and more well-rounded adults.

References & Links:

Journal of Pediatrics article Dr. Stacey refers to throughout the episode: Decline in Independent Activity as a Cause of Decline in Children’s Mental Wellbeing: Summary of the Evidence
Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul by Dr. Stuart Brown
The Let Grow Project for Childhood Independence
Episode 38: Helping Your Children Avoid Screen Addiction with Tracy Markle

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Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul

In this episode, Melanie is joined by long-time ScreenStrong friend Dr. Leonard Sax, M.D., to talk about the effect of toxic screen time on children’s brains and social interactions. They review new screen-time studies, discuss how to manage screen meltdowns, warning signs for screen addiction, and how important the parent’s role is when making decisions about screen time.

If you want to share your family’s story with Dr. Sax, email us at team@screenstrong.com.

References & Links:

Jonathan Haidt's article: 'Social Media Is Riskier for Kids Than ‘Screen Time.’

Dr. Sax's Books:

The Collapse of Parenting: How We Hurt Our Kids When We Treat Them Like Grown-Ups
Boys Adrift: The Five Factors Driving the Growing Epidemic of Unmotivated Boys and Underachieving Young Men
Girls on the Edge: Why So Many Girls Are Anxious, Wired, and OBsessed—and What Parents Can Do

Other Dr. Sax Episodes:

TikTok: It’s All In The Algorithm with Dr. Leonard Sax (#102)
The Collapse of Parenting with Dr. Leonard Sax, Part 2 (#26)
The Collapse of Parenting with Dr. Leonard Sax, Part 1 (#22)

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Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

The Collapse of Parenting: How We Hurt Our Kids When We Treat Them Like Grown-Ups

Girls on the Edge: The Four Factors Driving the New Crisis for Girls--Sexual Identity, the Cyberbubble, Obsessions, Environmental Toxins

Today is a special teen-centered episode! We’re sharing audio from Andrew Hempe’s presentation to parents of lower and middle-school-aged children. Andrew is an 18-year-old high school senior who grew up without smartphones or video games. His unique perspective on making friends, enjoying your family, and living a rich life outside the virtual world is at the heart of this episode. Enjoy!

FURTHER READING:Article: 'Surgeon General says 13 is 'too early' to join social media'
Article: Jean Twenge

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Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

This week we welcome back our friend Officer Gomez to discuss how online predators find kids, the best parental controls, how to lock down Chromebooks, and age-restrictions for social media.

Other Episodes with Officer Gomez:

How to Get Smartphones Out of School with Officer Gomez (#116)
The Battle Against Screen Time with Officer Gomez (#86)

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Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

Today, we continue our new “Real Parents, Real Questions” series with Part 2 of April Gross’s questions for Melanie. Here are just a few of her questions:

Do parental controls work?
How much screen time should I allow?
My kids say they're bored without screens... what do I do?

This is an episode and series you will NOT want to miss!

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Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

Welcome to a new series on our podcast where we have parents from our community come on the podcast to ask Melanie their burning screen questions. Today, April Gross joins us with the following questions:

Can video games be played in moderation?
Am I overprotecting my kids by not allowing screens?
How do I navigate relationships with other parents who still allow toxic screens?

This is an episode and series you will NOT want to miss!

CONTENT WARNING: Adult content is discussed in detail within the context of video games.

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Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

It’s common knowledge that boys can struggle with pornography, but do girls struggle with it? Today Melanie is joined by 18-year-old Madi to discuss this exact question. Madi shares her history of porn addiction and her advice for struggling teens and parents.

HOMEWORK:

For any girl struggling with porn addiction, Madi’s door is always open! Feel free to email her at sistasinthefight@gmail.com
A must-read book on this topic is Your Brain on Porn by Gary Wilson
Check out Gary Wilson’s TEDTalk “The Great Porn Experiment”

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Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

Today Melanie is joined by Cris Rowan, a Pediatric occupational therapist, biologist, speaker, author, and longtime friend of ScreenStrong. In this stellar episode, Melanie and Cris discuss four critical foundational factors for a child's growth, how screens are stunting our kids' growth, as well as screen solutions for home and school.

Cris Rowan's Website
Cris Rowan's Blog

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Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

‘Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.’
—Maya Angelou

Dr. Adriana Stacey presents to a group of school parents on how devices affect the brains of kids and teens, how technology affects children and teen’s social, emotional, and family growth, and offers tips, solutions, and resources for parents wanting to make a difference and live the ScreenStrong lifestyle.

*Presentation audio shared with permission.

Transcript UNAVAILABLE. Access research studies.*

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Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

Melanie is joined by college sophomore Jackson West—age 19—to discuss his addiction to video games and the impact of that addiction on his social life and mental/emotional health.

JOIN THE 30-DAY CHALLENGE ON 2/1/23
Join us as we lead you through a 30-day Screen Detox for your family. You will have a step-by-step guide and the help of community. Reserve your spot for FREE today!

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Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

Happy New Year!

Melanie and Dr. Stacey are helping us start the year on the right foot by sharing some common screen myths and tips for beginning new screen habits in 2023.

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Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

Thank you all for listening and engaging with the podcast this year. Here are just a few highlights from our 2022 episodes, and we look forward to continuing to see you in 2023!

Happy New Year!

Episodes Featured (in order of appearance):

"Your Child Hates the Sound of Your Voice, and This is Why" with Erik Goldfield (#121)
Welcome 'Glow Kids' Author Dr. Nicholas Kardaras! (#124)
The Battle Against Screen Time with Officer Gomez (#86)
Social Media & The Resistant Parent with Laura Hickman (#129)
Mastering the Flip Phone: A ScreenStrong Family’s Story with Amy & Aubrey (#87)
The Mom I Want to Be: A ScreenStrong Family's Story with Carmen Lindner (#128)
Debunking Screen Myths with Andrew & Evan Hempe (#91)
Trusting Your Gut with Laura Wurzburger (#99)
Mind-Blowing Screen Hacks Your Kids Are Using with Julie Christian (#120)
Video Game Addiction & Treatment with Dr. Brett Kennedy (#109)
How to Get Your Child to Take Music Lessons with Dr. Catharine McClure Jackson (#112)
The ScreenStrong Lifestyle: An Explanation (#101)

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Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

To all our listeners and friends, Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from everyone at ScreenStrong! In this bonus episode, Melanie Hempe gives us all a pep talk to stay strong in your screen choices during the pressures of the holidays.

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Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

Today, Melanie and Dr. Stacey discuss overcoming the stress, fear, and frustration around screens taking over your holidays.

Maybe you’ve been working on the ScreenStrong Challenge with your family and are worried about maintaining screen routines during the holidays. Remember, short moderation times can derail our kids due to the addictive nature of screens—and the holiday season is just enough time to undo the hard work you have put in to get your kids interested in other things.

Melanie and Dr. Stacey will give you tried-and-true tips on how to avoid these pitfalls during the holidays while still sharing quality times as a family.

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Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

For this special holiday episode, Melanie is joined by her son Evan to discuss practical holiday gift ideas—and encourage people to skip smartphones and video games as gifts this season. Evan, now a senior in high school, gives his perspective on the highs and lows of wanting a smartphone in middle & high school and shares some of his favorite childhood gifts.

Grab your copy of our Non-Tech Gift Guide discussed in this episode!

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Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

Today, Melanie is joined by Laura Hickman, a 17-year practicing, licensed mental health counselor and mom to three daughters with a front-row seat to the mental health crisis that technology has created in our youth. In Laura's own words, "never before social media did I have clients coming to my office seeking diagnoses and rattling off symptoms from the DSM in hopes that I would tell them they have autism or OCD. This is the reality now. Some parents don't know and want to know. Other parents I find want to keep their heads in the sand and believe that it is not impacting their children."

This is an in-depth episode on mental health and social media you won't want to miss!

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Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

To all our American friends, happy Thanksgiving from everyone at ScreenStrong! Today is a special bonus episode from ScreenStrong founder, Melanie Hempe, giving us all an important reminder.

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Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

In today's emotional episode, we hear from ScreenStrong Mom, Carmen Lindner. Carmen shares her struggle with social media addiction, its effect on her family, and how discovering ScreenStrong changed her life, helping her become a better mom, wife, and friend. Carmen's vulnerability and transparency can inspire anyone suffering through the painful reality of being at the mercy of screens.

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Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

Using examples from conversations with parents from her workshops, Melanie Hempe walks through 10 reasons parents cave when it comes to their children's screen use.

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Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

Dr. Adriana Stacey joins Melanie to discuss the importance of a "phone-free car." Together they make some compelling arguments for not allowing teens to drive with smartphones and for parents to be intentional with their teens. They also give some anecdotes on why leaving the smartphone at home might be the best option.

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Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

On this episode, Melanie is joined by Alejandra Correa, and ScreenStrong Ambassador and mom to three young children. They discuss tips for living the ScreenStrong lifestyle, best practices for setting your home up for success, and giving specific reasons why starting your ScreenStrong journey when your kids are young is the best way to go!

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Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

Today, Melanie is joined by Glow Kids author Nicholas Kardaras to discuss his experience with treating video game addiction & social media dependency, as well as discussing childhood brain development.

Check out Dr. Kardaras's NEW book 'Digital Madness: How Social Media Is Driving Our Mental Health Crisis—and How to Restore Our Sanity.'

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Our ScreenStrong Lifestyle Courses are NOW AVAILABLE
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com
Use code STRONG at ...

Today, Melanie answers YOUR questions about toxic screen use—video games, social media, pornography—screen use in school, and offers encouragement to make the best screen choices for your family.

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Our ScreenStrong Lifestyle Courses are NOW AVAILABLE
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text-only phone for teens

Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

Melanie is joined by Dr. Adriana Stacey to discuss the current research and discourse around 8th grade being the worst age to give a child a smartphone. Together they go through a handful of tips and reasons why this statement is true and encourage parents to stand firm in their screen decisions.

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Our ScreenStrong Lifestyle Courses are NOW AVAILABLE
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text-only phone for teens

Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

Melanie is joined by Erik Goldfield, a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has worked in settings ranging from private practice to hospitals and schools. Erik claims at least 50% of the issues he deals with in his practice are related to screen issues.

Today, Erik reveals the truth about the video game rating system, discusses how to teach social-emotional learning to kids and teens, and explains how video games are conditioning kids to hate their parents' voices. This is definitely a must-listen episode!

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Our ScreenStrong Lifestyle Courses are NOW AVAILABLE
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text-only phone for teens

Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

In this episode, Melanie is joined by ScreenStrong Ambassador, Julie Christian, to discuss the many insane ways kids and teens are able to bypass internet and device safeguards. Julie and Melanie share stories from their own experiences as well as those from the ScreenStrong community.

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Our ScreenStrong Lifestyle Courses are NOW AVAILABLE
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text-only phone for teens

Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

Every organization has a founding story, and ScreenStrong is no different. Today we will hear Melanie give a detailed account of her family's decision to remove smartphones and social media from her younger kids' lives after the mistakes she made with her oldest, Adam.

This interview was originally aired on October 5, 2020, on The Save the Kids Podcast.Listen to the first part of our founding story: Video Game Addiction: ScreenStrong's Founding Story (#113)

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Our ScreenStrong Lifestyle Courses are NOW AVAILABLE
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text-only phone for teens

Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

Melanie is joined by Dr. Adriana Stacey to discuss the current research and discourse around multitasking. Together they make some compelling arguments against multitasking and give some excellent tips to set kids and teens up for success.

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Our ScreenStrong Lifestyle Courses are NOW AVAILABLE
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text-only phone for teens

Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

In today’s episode, Melanie welcomes her longtime friend, Teralea Moore, who is a mother and college math professor with 20+ years of teaching in the classroom. Teralea has taught in high school, community college, and private college settings, and she shares with us her top 10 tips for success in the classroom, at the elementary, high school, and collegiate levels.

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Our ScreenStrong Lifestyle Courses are NOW AVAILABLE
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text-only phone for teens

Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

Melanie is joined once again by Officer Gomez—School Resource Officer (SRO) and sworn Deputy of the Boise County Sheriff’s Department—to discuss how to remove smartphones from schools. Officer Gomez shares his own school success story and gives some amazing tips for parents and educators alike.

Officer Gomez has an active and highly informative Facebook Page that he uses to educate parents on the dangers of Social Media and the internet. Make sure to follow Officer Gomez on Facebook. You can also view his school's Smartphone Policy here.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our ScreenStrong Lifestyle Courses are NOW AVAILABLE
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text-only phone for teens

Melanie is joined once again by Dr. Adriana Stacey to discuss their favorite books about brain development and screen addiction.

Visit OUR WEBSITE for links to most of the books discussed on this episode.

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Our ScreenStrong Lifestyle Courses are NOW AVAILABLE
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text-only phone for teens

Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

How is it August already? In this episode, Melanie is joined by Olivia Kernekin—a member of the ScreenStrong staff and ScreenStrongAambassador—to discuss back-to-school tips regarding personal screens in the classroom and how to establish healthy habits to start the school year right.

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Our ScreenStrong Lifestyle Courses are NOW AVAILABLE
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text-only phone for teens

Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

Every organization has a founding story, and ScreenStrong is no different. Today we will hear Melanie give a detailed account of her family's struggle with video game addiction—in the form of her oldest son, Adam.

To hear Adam give a first-hand account of his story, check out THIS EPISODE.

This interview was originally aired August 20, 2020, on The Save the Kids Podcast.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our ScreenStrong Lifestyle Courses are NOW AVAILABLE
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text-only phone for teens

Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

Melanie is joined by Dr. Catharine McClure Jackson to discuss the benefits of musical study on brain and social development, and actively choosing to replace screen time with developing musical skills. Dr. Jackson received her undergraduate degree from the Peabody Conservatory, her Masters from the University of South Carolina, and her Doctorate in Music from the University of Iowa.

This episode will encourage all listeners to pick up an instrument, just for fun, and just to find the beauty.

Book Referenced: The Beauty Chasers

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Our ScreenStrong Lifestyle Courses are NOW AVAILABLE
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text-only phone for teens

Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

Melanie welcomes back Officer David Gomez, a School Resource Officer (SRO) and sworn Deputy of the Boise County Sheriff’s Department. Today, Officer Gomez discusses the destructive nature of Snapchat and its secret features that parents may not know. He also explains how students get around school Firewalls and encourages parents to stay the course when it comes to screen issues.

Officer Gomez has an active and highly informative Facebook Page that he uses to educate parents on the dangers of Social Media and the internet. Make sure to follow Officer Gomez on Facebook.

Learn more about the Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our ScreenStrong Lifestyle Courses are NOW AVAILABLE
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text-only phone for teens

Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

Melanie is joined once again by Dr. Adriana Stacey to discuss the dangerous combination of smartphones and sleepovers, and how to navigate childhood activities while still living the ScreenStrong Lifestyle.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our ScreenStrong Lifestyle Courses are NOW AVAILABLE
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text-only phone for teens

Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin

Today, Melanie is joined by Dr. Brett Kennedy, co-director of the Digital Media Treatment & Education Center and a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with adolescents, adults and couples. Dr. Kennedy and Melanie discuss the history of video games, how video games specifically meet boys' needs, and tips for helping your son through a video game detox.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our ScreenStrong Lifestyle Courses are NOW AVAILABLE
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text-only phone for teens

Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin
Writer/Editor—Adrienne McKechnie

Melanie shares ScreenStrong's tried-and-true advice for loving your gamer through a screen detox. From setting firm boundaries to spending quality time with your spouse, you won't want to miss these helpful tips!

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Our ScreenStrong Lifestyle Courses are NOW AVAILABLE
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text-only phone for teens

Production Team:

Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin
Writer/Editor—Adrienne McKechnie

Today, Melanie is joined by ScreenStrong mom, Mary Laird Garrison, to discuss screen tips for young children, being intentional with screen time, and encouraging parents to put down their own devices and live out the ScreenStrong Lifestyle for their kids.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our ScreenStrong Lifestyle Courses are NOW AVAILABLE
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text-only phone for teens

Production Team:Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin
Writer/Editor—Adrienne McKechnie

Today we welcome back Dr. Adriana Stacey, a Board Certified Psychiatrist, for part two of her discussion with Melanie. In this episode they cover why going cold-turkey with screen removal may be the best option for your family and offer tips and tricks for handling addictive behavior.

Dr. Stacey's areas of specialty include female mental health treatment, including treatment of depression, anxiety, adult ADHD, insomnia, and sports psychiatry.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our ScreenStrong Lifestyle Courses are NOW AVAILABLE
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text-only phone for teens

Production Team:Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin
Writer/Editor—Adrienne McKechnie

Today we welcome Dr. Adriana Stacey, a Board Certified Psychiatrist to discuss screen ADHD in kids and the destructive nature of smartphones on children's brain.

Dr. Stacey's areas of specialty include female mental health treatment, including treatment of depression, anxiety, adult ADHD, insomnia, and sports psychiatry.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our ScreenStrong Lifestyle Courses are NOW AVAILABLE
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text-only phone for teens

Production Team:Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin
Writer/Editor—Adrienne McKechnie

After the heinous elementary school massacre in Uvalde, TX last week, ScreenStrong invited Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, a West Point Psychology Professor and author of Assassination Generation, to discuss the link between video game addiction and school violence that few are talking about. This is a heartbreaking but absolutely necessary episode to check out.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our ScreenStrong Lifestyle Courses are NOW AVAILABLE
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text-only phone for teens

Production Team:Host—Melanie Hempe
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin
Writer/Editor—Adrienne McKechnie

Today Melanie welcomes Becky Grant, an elementary school teacher of 11 years, a ScreenStrong Ambassador, and mom of two boys. Becky shares her family’s story with us, which she acknowledges is likely very similar to many other families’ stories of navigating a screen-saturated culture. She offers her story with the wish to provide hope, encouragement, and support for other families having doubts about being able to become ScreenStrong.

Join us as she shares the growth she has noticed in her boys and how she is building community within her neighborhood to focus on in-person connections from group play at the park to impromptu dog walks with friends. There are so many tips in this episode that you can recreate in your home and neighborhood, and Becky’s story is one you’ll listen to again to be re-inspired as you progress on your own journey!

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our ScreenStrong Lifestyle Courses are NOW AVAILABLE
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text-only phone for teens

Production Team:Host—Melanie Hempe
Co-host—Mandee Hamann
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin
Writer/Editor—Adrienne McKechnie

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 popularity has spread with astonishing speed affecting all that engage with it. Melanie and Dr. Sax take a deep dive to deconstruct TikTok’s algorithm and its harmful impact and suggestibility on young people. From social pressure to self-harm, Dr. Sax expands on the dark side of social media’s influence on our children’s development. He also dives into the parental trap of “just wanting to make our children happy” and how we need to shift and strengthen our parenting intentions to help our children fulfill their potential.

This is an episode that you may want to use to start a small discussion group among a few friends to encourage and cultivate support in your parenting journey.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our ScreenStrong Lifestyle Courses are NOW AVAILABLE
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text-only phone for teens

Production Team:Host—Melanie Hempe
Co-host—Mandee Hamann
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin
Writer/Editor—Adrienne McKechnie

In this episode, Melanie is joined by our Brand Manager, Anna Wight to give a lesson-by-lesson preview of our new Kids’ Brains & Screens and ScreenStrong Solution Courses. This content deep-dive will give you an idea of what to expect in these courses and encourage you to take the step towards becoming a ScreenStrong Family.

Kids’ Brains & Screens Course

Lesson 1: Building Healthy Brains
Lesson 2: The Teenage Brain
Lesson 3: Brains & Screens
Lesson 4: Smartphones & Social Media
Lesson 5: Video Games
Lesson 6: The Dark Side of Screens
Lesson 7: Screens In School
Lesson 8: The Teen Mental Health Crisis

The ScreenStrong Solution Course

Lesson 1: Lead Like a Coach
Lesson 2: Prepare for Change
Lesson 3: Share the News
Lesson 4: Understand Screen Habits
Lesson 5: Remove the Screens
Lesson 6: Reset Your Home
Lesson 7: Retrain Life Skills
Lesson 8: Restore Interests & Hobbies
Lesson 9: Reconnect Your Family

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our ScreenStrong Lifestyle Courses are NOW AVAILABLE
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text-only phone for teens

Production Team:Host—Melanie Hempe
Co-host—Mandee Hamann
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin
Writer/Editor—Adrienne McKechnie

We’ve made it to 100 EPISODES!!! Thank you all for listening and supporting us. We couldn’t do this without your community support.

Today Melanie is joined by Ellen Cotton, a longtime friend of ScreenStrong and living the ScreenStrong Lifestyle. She and Melanie present 100 unique tips to help you on your ScreenStrong journey and share personal stories about the ups and downs of reclaiming your kids from the virtual world.

This episode is full of laughter, joy, and advice from parents who have been where you are now. It’s definitely one you won’t want to miss!

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our ScreenStrong Lifestyle Courses are NOW AVAILABLE
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text-only phone for teens

Production Team:Host—Melanie Hempe
Co-host—Mandee Hamann
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin
Writer/Editor—Adrienne McKechnie

Today Melanie welcomes Laura Wurzburger, a ScreenStrong Ambassador, and a mom of two adopted children from China. Laura shares her inspiring and vulnerable story of her family's journey to enrich their lifestyle by changing technology use in their home. She shares and acknowledges the mistakes and unhealthy habits she and her husband created in raising their children and what they learned while going through this process of reducing unhealthy and toxic screen use in their life. Laura credits having a healthy attachment with her children, being fully aware of her parenting goals, and not giving into fear that the cultural myths try to influence her parenting. She encourages families with tips and advice for connecting with their kids during detox and to have the strength to “go hard” and make the changes “with your arms outstretched to your child.”

This episode is one that you will want to share, save, and listen to again as it encourages your family in making changes to become a ScreenStrong Family.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our ScreenStrong Lifestyle Courses are NOW AVAILABLE
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text-only phone for teens

Production Team:Host—Melanie Hempe
Co-host—Mandee Hamann
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin
Writer/Editor—Adrienne McKechnie

Today Melanie welcomes Ben O'Sullivan, a new ScreenStrong Ambassador based in Australia. Ben has worked in education as a teacher's aide for over 5 years now and is soon to be expanding his role as a school chaplain. He has also worked with youths in church groups and is presently working on a bachelor's degree in counseling.

Ben shares his perspective on the changes influenced by the current technology use by youths in his work and community. He shares how his work as a teacher's aide pushed him into advocacy with a focus on prevention of exposure of traumatic content in children. Ben pinpoints the "dark triad" of traumatic content that is deeply impactful to children's well-being. He discusses how the content children consume can affect their behavior, their psyche, and well-being. Ben introduces three solutions that he is concentrating on to help parents and children. He is also creating a community-based support website called ScreenSmiles with the goal to provide education and resources to his local communities in Australia.

Join us as Ben inspires us with his stories and his dedication to improving the lives and development of children being raised in this technology culture.

RESOURCES:

ScreenSmiles Website
Follow on Instagram @screensmiles

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our ScreenStrong Lifestyle Courses are NOW AVAILABLE
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text-only phone for teens

Production Team:Host—Melanie Hempe
Co-host—Mandee Hamann
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin
Writer/Editor—Adrienne McKechnie

Join us in today's episode where Melanie unpacks the myth of the forbidden fruit. This myth is based on the theory that if you limit an activity that your children desperately want, they will long for it even more, it will make it more appealing, and they will binge on technology when they are older and/or in college.

Melanie emphasizes that ScreenStrong is not about supporting the removal of screens from a family's life as that is just not possible in the day and age that we live in. She points out the brain science that debunks the myth of the forbidden fruit, such as the concept of neuronal pruning and pathways, the developmental areas of the brain in adolescence, and how dopamine plays a role during the teenage years.

ScreenStrong is about increasing awareness of toxic screen use in our daily lives, education on how toxic screen use negatively impacts our children's development and supporting family values of connection and community when raising our children.

This episode is short, sweet, and full of ScreenStrong inspiration!

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our ScreenStrong Lifestyle Courses are NOW AVAILABLE
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text-only phone for teens

Production Team:Host—Melanie Hempe
Co-host—Mandee Hamann
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin
Writer/Editor—Adrienne McKechnie

Join us today as Melanie welcomes Zachary Church, a High School Varsity Swim Coach and an Assistant Coach for a Cross Country Track and Field Program. His main purpose in coaching is to “make a positive impact on individual lives, especially teenagers.”

Zach shares with us his unique perspective on the impact of screen use by teenagers in his role as a coach at his High School and in the community. Zach talks about the important life skills that can be developed through a teenager’s involvement in sports. He also shares the obstacles toxic screen use can have on a student athlete’s sports performance and team experience.

Additionally, Melanie and Zach discuss how the influence of social media has robbed the attention of parents and kids alike and how it has changed the family-centered attachment to a generational gap of disconnection.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our ScreenStrong Lifestyle Courses are NOW AVAILABLE
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text-only phone for teens

Production Team:Host—Melanie Hempe
Co-host—Mandee Hamann
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin
Writer/Editor—Adrienne McKechnie

Today Melanie welcomes Ali Pfister, one of ScreenStrong’s Ambassadors, who shares her journey of creating her family’s ScreenStrong Lifestyle. Ali and her husband have four young kids under the age of 10 and they have been living ScreenStrong for about 3 years now.

Ali shareS how she began educating herself when her second son was identified with a speech delay at the age of 18 months to learn how she could best help him. Through her reading, she became aware of how technology affects child development and she shared that she had a “call to action” that prompted an immediate change in her family’s lifestyle.

This episode is full of passionate inspiration and positive energy that may just be “the call to action” for your family! Listen as Ali shares how she became an actively engaged parent and how she cultivated her children’s sibling bond as well as her and her husband’s parental bond with their four children.

This is a must-listen episode for all parents that will inspire you to not only change your family’s lifestyle but also encourage and educate others to do the same.

REFERENCES: mindfulfamilytech.com

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our ScreenStrong Lifestyle Courses are NOW AVAILABLE
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text-only phone for teens

Production Team:Host—Melanie Hempe
Co-host—Mandee Hamann
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin
Writer/Editor—Adrienne McKechnie

Today, Melanie welcomes Heather Turgeon and Julie Wright, marriage and family therapists and the co-authors of The Happy Sleeper and the forthcoming Generation Sleepless: Why Tweens and Teens Aren’t Sleeping Enough and How We Can Help Them. Heather Turgeon, MFT writes about child development and parenting. Her work has appeared in The New York Times and The Washington Post, among others, and she is a writer for The National Sleep Foundation. Julie Wright, MFT is a marriage and family therapist with an extensive background in infant mental health and early childhood development. She specializes in mindful parenting, sleep issues, and attachment theory.

In this episode, Heather and Julie focus on the science behind the teen brain and why sleep is so important for development during their teenage years. They discuss the benefits of getting adequate sleep as well as the high costs of inadequate sleep. Heather and Julie share the optimal duration of sleep, the remodeling and pruning that occurs during sleep, the system of brain detox generated by sleep, and the importance of having time for all the stages of your sleep cycle. The costs of sleep deprivation are also discussed, and the role screens play in stealing sleep from our teens. Lastly, they share tips on how to build new routines of healthy sleep habits, build connections within the family, and ways they hope to create an impactful societal shift within the community.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text-only phone for teens.

Production Team:Host—Melanie Hempe
Co-host—Mandee Hamann
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin
Writer/Editor—Adrienne McKechnie

Today Melanie welcomes Joel May, a Youth Pastor and a Director of Youth Ministries at a local church in North Carolina. One of the unique things about Joel is that he was raised without a smartphone or video games. This lack of toxic technology growing up allowed for him to develop his identity independent of others or needing external validation through social media. He found his identity through extracurricular activities ranging from music, athletics, and theater to his church involvement with various community service projects. He attributes his unique outlook to his parents, who raised him and his siblings with a strong sense of work ethic, responsibility, and independence to develop strong life skills.

In this episode, Melanie and Joel discuss the addiction and dependency on screens by teenagers and the struggle it presents for families. He provides his perspective on how toxic technology use becomes a barrier to connection, fellowship, and community building, and goes against the fundamentals of what it means to be human. Melanie and Joel discuss the difficult subject of pornography, and Joel shares his perspective on how exposure to pornography is affecting our children and our culture through toxic technology. Joel offers us his thoughts on what to do if you find your child using pornography, and he also provides us with a list of skills and advantages that kids with low-tech exposure can develop.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text-only phone for teens.

Production Team:Host—Melanie Hempe
Co-host—Mandee Hamann
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin
Writer/Editor—Adrienne McKechnie

Today, Melanie welcomes back Dr. Richard Freed, author of Wired Child and a practicing Clinical Psychologist and supervisor studying the effects of technology on children. He is on the advisory board of ScreenStrong and is a contributor to many well-respected publications. A link to Dr. Freed’s article, The Tech Industry’s War on Kids, is included in the show notes.

Melanie asks Richard to provide our listeners his perspective on frequently asked questions from parents related to screens in the classroom, how to modify and/or request help with reducing screen use for homework, how to request a support letter for an in-school accommodation for your child, and one of the most difficult questions to answer, what to say to your child that is struggling with addictive behaviors.

Their discussion addresses how technology has changed the school experience and learning opportunities for our children, which have significantly impacted children's development of Social Emotional Learning (SEL), which encompasses the growth of personal identity, communication, empathy, and healthy connections with parents, teachers, and coaches within the overall community setting. Lastly, Melanie and Richard provide an overview of tips pulled from their conversation today with an emphasis on strong parenting, reducing screens in schools, and re-establishing the strong guidance and love our kids need from us from elementary through high school and beyond.

REFERENCES: The Tech Industry’s War on Kids by Dr. Richard Freed

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text-only phone for teens.

Production Team:Host—Melanie Hempe
Co-host—Mandee Hamann
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin
Writer/Editor—Adrienne McKechnie

For today’s episode, Evan and Andrew Hempe respond to common questions from parents about toxic screen use, drawing from their own experiences growing up without video games, smartphones, or social media.

Evan and Andrew are Juniors in high school who are enjoying and thriving on living a full ScreenStrong lifestyle. They are both active in multiple extracurricular activities, including sports and music—as well as actively learning life skills like finding their way around town with a paper map without depending on GPS for directions!

Listen and be inspired as the Hempe boys—in their eloquent way—dispel some of the myths of technology that fool many parents, and also encourage parents to spend daily quality time with their children and to love them enough to say no to toxic screens.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text-only phone for teens.

Production Team:Host—Melanie Hempe
Co-host—Mandee Hamann
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin
Writer/Editor—Adrienne McKechnie

In this episode, Melanie tackles two of the most common issues concerning smartphones and your kids and teens: the age of 13 as the "appropriate age" of having a smartphone and the concept of phone contracts.

For the first issue, Melanie responds to the question of "Why do parents believe that 13 has become the new age of adulthood on the internet?" The answer may surprise you. For the second issue, Melanie challenges the concept of the family phone contract. She stresses that healthy activities do not require contracts, which leads to the question, how is your family's phone contract working for you?

Episode References:
COPPA imposes certain requirements on operators of websites or online services directed to children under 13 years of age, and on operators of other websites or online services that have actual knowledge that they are collecting personal information online from a child under 13 years of age. (REFERENCE)

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Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text-only phone for teens.

Production Team:Host—Melanie Hempe
Co-host—Mandee Hamann
Producer & Audio Editor—Olivia Kernekin
Writer/Editor—Adrienne McKechnie

In today’s episode, Melanie welcomes her longtime friend, Teralea Moore, who is a mother and college math professor with 20+ years of teaching in the classroom. Teralea has taught in high school, community college, and private college settings, and she shares with us her experiences of how technology has changed her classroom experience over the years.

Teralea discusses the differences in an online learning platform versus in-person learning and emphasizes how teaching is truly a hands-on experience for both the student and the teacher, optimizing active learning and group collaboration—important skills for our children to develop. Teralea discusses the timing of when calculators or other web-based tools are introduced, the use of computers for note-taking, Google’s influence on homework and test-taking, the difficulties in learning from video-based teaching models, and the smartphone’s role in cheating.

Teralea encourages parents to help their children create effective and quiet homework areas that limit distractions of noise and cellphone use, and emphasize the use of textbooks and on building focused learning habits. She offers tips for parents to help their children build the necessary skills and habits through elementary and high school years that will help prepare them for their future college years.

This episode is full of ideas and tips to help you in whatever stage of schooling your children are at as we focus on the basic skills to build a foundation for your future college students to launch from.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text-only phone for teens.

Production Team:Host—Melanie Hempe
Co-host—Mandee Hamann
Producer & Editor—Olivia Kernekin
Writer/Editor—Adrienne McKechnie

Did you know that since 2007, suicide rates have doubled and that since 2010, rates of depression, self-harm, and suicide have increased more in girls than boys? Did you know that girls are 3 times more likely to be depressed than boys? Listen in as Melanie delves into the link between social media use and how it is adversely affecting the development of self-esteem, identity formation, interpersonal relational skills, and emotional well-being in girls. She also discusses how social media use reduces intellectual abilities, impulse control, one’s immune system, and sleep. Lastly, Melanie emphasizes the importance of family and parental connection and recommends several interventions parents can put into action today. Whether you have a daughter or not, this is an episode you will not want to miss.

Other Citations: Decreases in psychological well-being among American adolescents after 2012 and links to screen time during the rise of smartphone technology.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text-only phone for teens.

Production Team:Host—Melanie Hempe
Co-host—Mandee Hamann
Producer & Editor—Olivia Kernekin

Melanie is joined by longtime friend, Amy Eytchison, and her daughter, Aubrey. This lively group discusses growing up countercultural, having a flip phone in middle school (gasp), and cultivating healthy habits. Amy and Aubrey offer advice for both parents and teens on how to navigate "being different" and completely thrive while doing it. Prepare yourself for an abundance of joy and laughter in this episode!

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text-only phone for teens.

Production Team:Host—Melanie Hempe
Co-host—Mandee Hamann
Producer & Editor—Olivia Kernekin

Melanie welcomes Officer David Gomez, a School Resource Officer (SRO) and sworn Deputy of the Boise County Sheriff’s Department. Officer Gomez is the SRO for Idaho City High School, Middle School, and Elementary School. He also has an active and highly informative Facebook Page that he uses to educate parents on the dangers of Social Media and the internet.

Melanie and Officer Gomez delve deep into the many reasons and factors to consider when you make the decision to give your kid a smartphone. From social conformity to acknowledging and honoring your parental intuition to three of the biggest dangers of providing your kid a smartphone and allowing access to Social Media, this episode is overflowing with so much to consider when you ask yourself what your values are when raising your kids. They also explore the negative effects of porn on our children’s well-being and how it affects their future relationships, and they discuss the “Age of 13 Rule” and the misconceptions surrounding this assumption. Lastly, Officer Gomez points out the challenges the schools and the educational system are creating by the use of technology in the classroom and how our current pandemic has influenced and amplified these changes.

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again, this episode is not to be missed!

Make sure to follow Officer Gomez on Facebook.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Production Team:Host—Melanie Hempe
Co-host—Mandee Hamann
Producer & Editor—Olivia Kernekin

In today’s episode, Mandee Hamann welcomes Gretchen Heinen, a mom of three, multi-entrepreneur, and creator of Dreams Over Screens, a 5-day challenge to reduce screens for adults in business. Gretchen shares her ScreenStrong story of overcoming “blind spots” when it came to screen use by her own kids and how screens used to influence her family’s culture and habits.

Join Gretchen as she takes us on the journey of changing her family culture and habits by implementing a ScreenStrong lifestyle. You’ll find inspiration in how she used the ScreenStrong Families Podcast as a way to educate her family and introduce the science and health risks associated with the overuse of screens… which led to her family taking The ScreenStrong Challenge. Gretchen and her family are now about three months into their ScreenStrong lifestyle, and she is so excited to share all of this with you.

If this episode inspires you to share your struggles and accomplishments in your family’s journey, we invite you to email us and let us know today!

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Production Team:Host—Melanie Hempe
Co-host—Mandee Hamann
Producer & Editor—Olivia Kernekin

Happy New Year!

To kick off our fourth season, Melanie Hempe reviews her observations from the holiday season and gives helpful tips for parents who are reconsidering screen time in their home. She also reviews ScreenStrong's bold message and core values to give your family the best chance for success in 2022.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Thank you all so much for listening and engaging with the podcast this year. Here are just a few highlights from our 2021 episodes and we look forward to seeing you for Season 4!

Happy New Year!

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Melanie welcomes Olivia Kernekin for today's episode to highlight ScreenStrong's 10 tips to boost your family through holiday gift giving and family traditions. Olivia has worked with ScreenStrong since 2018. She earned a dual degree in English and Dramatic Arts from Centre College in Danville, Kentucky and has worked in medical, financial, theatrical, humanitarian, and childcare fields. She shares with us some of her personal anecdotes of her screen journey from childhood through college and provides a unique perspective for parents to consider when choosing to set forth on a screen strong lifestyle.

If you find yourself longing for a stronger family connection and are noticing that your child or teen is spending family time isolating on screens, then this is the episode to inspire you to make changes today. The holiday tips offered are practical, authentic and center around holiday activities enjoyed by many families during this special time of the year. Melanie and Olivia invite you to join them as they share how they practice these tips in their own families and you might even find a new tradition that may inspire you to explore with your family.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In today’s special episode, Andrew and Evan Hempe answer the question many parents are facing this holiday season, “The only items on my child’s Christmas list are video games, smartphones, and social media, etc. What should I do and what else should I get my kids?”

Andrew and Evan share their thoughts on the use of toxic technology while providing a fun and very creative list of non-tech gift suggestions from A to Z. You will find suggestions appropriate for all ages, for girls and boys, that promote real life connections, social and individual skill development that technology just cannot provide to growing children. We hope you find this episode inspiring and encouraging as you either start or continue your ScreenStrong Lifestyle.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Andrew & Evan Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Today Melanie shares a generous and priceless gift from our recent guest, Arlene Pellicane, co-author of Screen Kids: In Their Own Words.

Arlene granted permission for ScreenStrong to play the audio of her film, and we couldn’t be more excited to share this with you all! For those families who have asked us for something they can share with their kids and teens to help them understand the “why” of living ScreenStrong, here is your episode!

“WHEN PARENTS WATCH this film, they will be educated about what is possible and why your kids don't have to follow the crowd to digital addiction.”

“WHEN KIDS WATCH, they'll see there's much more to life than YouTube, video games, and TikTok.”

This episode is a must-listen, must-share, and will encourage you to continue being your own family’s ScreenStrong Coach!

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.
To watch the full version of Screen Kids: In their Own Words, The Film with your family, visit https://www.happyhomeuniversity.com/film

Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Today, Melanie speaks with Arlene Pellicane, co-author of Screen Kids: 5 Relational Skills Every Child Needs in a Tech-Driven World with Gary Chapman.

Arlene and Melanie talk about raising kids without addictive screens, how to encourage your children to stand out from the crowd, and tips for parenting ScreenStrong kids. Arlene also talks about the film she made with her children where they reflect on their childhoods and the benefits of growing up ScreenStrong.

Get ready for an emotional discussion of what it means to be a parent and how to give your kids & teens the childhood they deserve.

You can find Screen Kids: In Their Own Words, The Film on Arlene's website.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Screen Kids: 5 Relational Skills Every Child Needs in a Tech-Driven World

Mandee Hamann welcomes Kirt Manecke, a marketing, fundraising, and business development specialist and author of Smile & Succeed for Teens: Must-Know People Skills for Today’s Wired World.

Kirt shares the change in teens' development of social skills that inspired him to write his book in order to help teens and young adults build skills and become successful. He perfectly highlights basic tips for teens such as how to interview and get a job, develop customer service skills, volunteer successfully to aid in the development of leadership skills, and build self-esteem and confidence that teens and young adults are not able to learn from a screen.

This episode will motivate parents to talk and encourage their teens to get a summer job or to start volunteering in a community organization and build those life skills!

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Mandee Hamann
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Today, Mandee Hamann welcomes our own founder, Melanie Hempe, to talk about ScreenStrong’s new initiatives launching next month. She introduces ScreenStrong’s new Member Portal which will ultimately strengthen our community and help families create positive change.

Melanie shares her passionate vision and hard work over the last eight years that's accumulated into offering the exclusive content to our members. It’s been her goal to create a safe place to grow ScreenStrong and establish a culture of belonging. She describes the newly revised Kids’ Brains & Screens Online Course, our new 30-Day Challenge, and bonus content of e-books, worksheets, Q&A interviews, and webinars.

The Member Portal content is endorsed and supported by experts in the field of child & adolescent psychiatry and psychology, as well as by other professionals in related fields.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Mandee Hamann
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Today Melanie is joined by Brandie Hadfield, a Certified Attachment Parenting Educator and Certified Family Health Coach. She is a mother to two boys and a new ScreenStrong Ambassador who shares her story of how she changed her family’s lifestyle and began parenting without screens.

Brandie and her family are six months into their ScreenStrong journey with a very clear “before” and “after.” She shares how self-judgement colored her ability to create effective limits with her kids, which is a common struggle for parents wanting to do the “right thing” for their children. Brandie introduced the concept of a 30-day screen break to her family, using a team approach to making changes in her family’s habits. She shares how this screen break led her to the ScreenStrong community, giving her the opportunity to be more informed and educated in how screen exposure was affecting her children’s development.

Brandie is passionate and joyful about sharing her family’s achievements by choosing real life over a virtual, disconnected world. This episode is encouraging, uplifting, and inspiring. You will want to share this one with a friend.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Today, Melanie talks with Dr. Kim Le, a child and adolescent psychiatrist based in Adelaide, Australia. He completed his psychiatry training in New South Wales and in 2015, Dr. Le received a federal grant to collaborate with an Internet Gaming Addiction Clinic for teenagers in Singapore. He has a special interest in “Gaming Disorder," which was recognized by the World Health Organization in 2018 as a mental health disorder.

Dr. Le shares his professional journey that led to his interest and passion in treating families struggling with gaming addiction, and he is committed to increasing community awareness of the negative effects of online games on a child’s development.

Melanie and Dr. Le discuss how the game designers capitalize on the business aspect of video games that leads to the scientific development of the immersive design that hooks the player. Dr. Le introduces the idea of "The Hero's Journey" archetype that appears to meet the psychological needs of children that disconnects them from reality. They discuss why moderation is not encouraged, but rather to change the focus on family values in changing your family's routines. Identification and prevention of screen addiction is also discussed as Dr. Le shares stories of families he has worked with struggling to address issues of gaming addiction with their children. This is a must-listen episode for all parents, and we encourage you to share this with friends as this would be the perfect episode to start a podcast discussion group and grow your own ScreenStrong community.

Dr. Kim Le's TedTalk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJ7A74Vx7YE&t=55s&ab_channel=TEDxTalks

Learn more about Dr. Le's practice here: https://cgiclinic.com/about-the-doctor/

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Join Melanie in Part 2 of her conversation with Dr. Richard Freed, author of our book of the month, Wired Child. Dr. Freed is a practicing Clinical Psychologist and supervisor studying the effects of technology on children and speaking on parenting in the age of digital technology. He is also on the advisory board of ScreenStrong and the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood's Children's Screen Time Action Network, and a contributor to the Huffington Post.

In this episode, Dr. Freed introduces solutions and what to watch out for in your elementary through high school age children. Dr. Freed describes the two characteristics of authoritative parenting, which science backs as the best way to parent your children. Melanie and Dr. Freed discuss how technology displaces the family bonds, and thus, the primary solution is to bring your child back to the family and away from toxic technology use. He discusses how dependency on screens can look for children in elementary, middle, and high school, and what problems or issues that arise and are red flags to parents. This episode touches on gender differences in technology use, extrinsic versus intrinsic motivators, and suggestions on how to replace screens with a focus on family and community.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Wired Child: Reclaiming Childhood in a Digital Age

Today Melanie talks with Pediatric Optometrist, Dr. Janet Wilson, who has practiced as a developmental functional vision specialist over the past 13 years. Janet is also mother to a 3-year old son and is actively parenting a low-tech lifestyle with him.

Janet discusses how visual development is linked to other childhood developmental milestones that actually assist children in gaining 17 visual skills as they grow. She goes on to explain what is at risk when we interrupt child development with exposure to hand-held screens and how we may be unknowingly affecting our children’s lifelong skill development.

Janet also identifies three problem areas she sees in her field of practice that are related to the overuse of screens: vision and learning, the increase in diagnosis of myopia or nearsightedness, and the increase in dry-eye disease in teenagers.

This episode is wonderfully educational as well as encouraging parents to protect eye health by less exposure to screens and more interactive play in nature and in our daily lives as we are raising our children.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In today's episode, Mandee is joined by Jason and Lisa Frost, founders of the nonprofit organization, Wired Human, and authors of the book, The Glass Between Us: Empowering Youth to Combat Digital Exploitation - A Value-Based Approach to Screen-Driven Challenges. They have worked with teens, individually and together, for almost a decade through speaking engagements, nature-focused camps, and teaching in community-based settings. Jason and Lisa share their passion and enthusiasm in encouraging the next generation, our teens, to be digital pioneers in tackling the challenges toxic screen use presents to their enjoyment in living a full life. The values of authenticity, leadership, and the power of presence in cultivating deep, fulfilling relationships are the focus to help teens create the future they desire.

Their primary message is one of hope and that "you are enough" in this digital age. They encourage teens to socially connect with each other in real life to discover the truth of the inherent value of themselves, and ultimately their generation, that cannot be found through a screen.

In listening to this episode, you will find yourself inspired by their message and ready to help your teen, as well as your family, start the journey of self-discovery through building real-life relationships.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Mandee Hamann
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Dr. Richard Freed, author of our book of the month, Wired Child, is a practicing Clinical Psychologist and supervisor studying the effects of technology on children. He is on the advisory board of ScreenStrong as well as a contributor to many publications.

In part 1 of 2 interviews, Melanie and Richard share a passionate conversation about the lies and myths being promoted by the tech industry and how it has manipulated the way we have parented over the last 15+ years. They discuss how under the guise of “empowerment” and “getting ahead,” the tech industry sold us myths that we grabbed hold of and continue to cling to as technology exploded with popularity in our culture. In actuality, the effects of toxic screen use and media exposure is constantly undermining the two most important factors in our children’s well-being: family connections and school engagement.

This episode is one that you will want to listen to at least twice and inspire you to join us in reading Dr. Fred’s book, Wired Child: Reclaiming Childhood in a Digital Age.

Stay tuned for Part 2 when Melanie and Richard talk about solutions.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Wired Child: Reclaiming Childhood in a Digital Age

Today's discussion is the second part of our book of the month, Assassination Generation: Video Games, Aggression, and the Psychology of Killing, written by Lt. Col. David Grossman.

Melanie and Lt. Col. Grossman discuss what he views as the “single greatest threat to our civilization”—our children’s exposure to violent visual imagery perpetuated by the Media industry at large. Lt. Col Grossman points out the Media’s double message in their acknowledgment of their influence on society while rejecting any responsibility in the content of what they are streaming to our society.

This interview is packed with information on the key factors that have influenced the dramatic rise in teen suicide to how violent media content is processed by our kids’ brains. Melanie also dives into the process of the ScreenStrong Challenge and identifies it as a starting point for families to begin detoxing from toxic screen use. Lastly, Lt. Col. Grossman offers essential encouragement to families who are struggling to find hope in bringing back childhood to their children.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Are video games hurting your relationship with your kids? Have you lost your kids to their screens? Are you desperate to get them back? Imagine never having screen conflict in your home again!

As a dad, have you ever asked:

Is playing video games with my kids a good bonding activity?
Am I connecting with my kids as much as a think I am?
Aren't screens the primary way parents spend time with their kids?

Join ScreenStrong and James & Arlene Pellicane in an exclusive webinar for dads. Listen to James describe how he has solved the screen dilemma in his home by establishing healthier bonding activities with his kids.

Audience Q&A included.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Today Melanie speaks with Marilyn Evans, a mom of 5 boys and the director of Parents Aware, a resource she launched in 2016 with the goal of educating and helping parents begin to have open, honest and compassionate conversations with their children about relationships, sex and pornography.

Melanie and Marilyn discuss common blind spots parents have regarding pornography. They talk about how to build safer habits through having open and honest conversations with your children. Marilyn offers tips for both younger and older children that include taking advantage of daily moments, a focus on values, and using available resources to help guide the conversation.

Please join us in listening in to this simple, yet profound interview as Melanie and Marilyn encourage parents to be bold and brave in talking with their children about topics many of us find difficult to navigate.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Today, Melanie talks with Steve and Candice Watters, a married couple dedicated and passionate about helping and supporting young families. They have four children—13 to 22—whom they have raised ScreenStrong.

Steve and Candice share their “light bulb moments” that led to their realization and diligence in becoming intentional parents. They identified a focus and practice of building relationships with their children, building alternatives to what was being offered culturally, and being intentional about the culture of their home. They offer tips and guidance on how to introduce new habits and limits to create ways of reshaping your kids’ “appetites” for non-screen activities. Steve and Candice provide encouragement and remind us that “you are your child’s favorite toy,” and caution us on the small window of time we all truly have in building healthy families.

This is an episode to inspire you to reassess your family’s culture, reassess your spousal and parental bonds, and begin to cultivate alternative family choices and habits.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

This week we'll be hearing from Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, a US Army Ranger, paratrooper, former West Point Psychology Professor, and author of Assassination Generation: Video Games, Aggression, and the Psychology of Killing. Lt. Col. Grossman describes how playing "innocent" video games progress to addiction, why video games make kids aggressive, the dangers of operant and classical conditioning, and the mental, physical, and emotional turmoil children are experiencing due to a saturation of media violence.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

This week, Melanie talks with Candace Collins, a single parent of a 6-year old daughter living a Screen Strong lifestyle. Candace works in Social Media and Digital Marketing and is well aware of the pull that hand held devices have on our daily lives.

Candace shares her parenting journey of how she began to notice the toxic effects of screen use and how she made the choice to live counter culturally to provide her daughter a nurturing and connected environment. She offers tips and simple suggestions on how to cultivate connection, creativity, and reduce the use of toxic screens in parenting your young child.

This is an episode you have been waiting for and one that you will want to listen to more than once.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

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 lack of development of essential interpersonal skills for our children. Joe shares how the social and academic culture within the school environment has been negatively influenced by the toxic use of screens resulting in increased distractibility, increased impulsivity to cheat, and decreased educational discussion in the classroom. Lastly, Joe provides encouragement and tips to parents and educators to improve the balance in their use of technology in the home and the classroom.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Today, guest host, Mandee Hamann interviews Noah Reid, a 17 year old High School student and Competitive Debater and Public Speaker.

Noah shares the back story on how he, at the age of 15, wrote a persuasive speech about Age Restricting Social Media. He credits his parents’ continued open communication about Social Media and how their wisdom influenced the development of his speech and his perspectives.

Noah encourages parents to talk openly with their teens and for teenagers to question their use of Social Media by asking simply, “How is this benefiting you?” and “What is the purpose [behind your use]?”

This is an amazingly insightful interview that is sure to inspire a conversation between you and your teen.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Mandee Hamann
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Today, guest host, Mandee Hamann, introduces Tom Hayes, who is a nationally recognized comedian, speaker, entrepreneur, writer, and creator of an animation titled Beantown Pals.

Tom shares his personal story of being diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer at 13-years-old—learning that adversity leads to character development. Mandee and Tom discuss how the evolution of screens in our culture has changed how we parent, and Tom cautions parents that by taking away their child’s pain, it may be at the cost of their child’s character development. He urges families to consider that devices not only rob your child’s brain development, but also robs their emotional connections to the world. He encourages parents to make hard choices and ask themselves what they truly value as well as consider the legacy they are passing onto their family. Tom and Mandee’s conversation is engaging, thought provoking and straightforward—a quick listen that you’ll be glad you tuned in for.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Mandee Hamann
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Melanie is joined by Matt Miles, a teacher and co-author of Screen Schooled: Two Veteran Teachers Expose How Technology Overuse Is Making Our Kids Dumber. Matt is a passionate educator and advocate for his students. In this interview, he gives a teacher's perspective on virtual learning during the Covid pandemic and the negative outcomes that educators, parents, and students are facing. With his uniquely bold convictions, Matt Miles talks about the counterproductive nature of "ed tech," the social anxiety that screens perpetuate in students, and tips for parents to communicate with educators regarding screen use in the classroom.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Our guest today is Emma Lembke, a teenager from Birmingham, Alabama, who is the CEO and Co-Founder of the LOG OFF Movement. The mission of LOG OFF is to seek further dialogue about the multifaceted nature of social media and promote the healthy usage of it. LOG-OFF is passionate about lowering social media’s impact on mental health while teaching teen users and their parents about how to navigate the vast inner-workings of life on social media.

Emma shares her experience with social media addiction and the moment she asked herself, “Why does this device have so much control over me?” Emma speaks of her passion to spread digital consciousness to empower teens to become digital advocates for themselves and others. She shares how societal expectations and the myth of hyper-connectivity impact the use of digital media in our young children and teenagers and affect their mental health. Emma describes the LOG OFF Movement’s Digital Challenge for teens that provides a structured plan for implementing social media and screen use reduction with the goal of encouraging teens to explore the world around them and gain insight into their own motivations.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Mandee Hamann
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In today's episode, Mandee Hamann speaks with Doug Smith who is a Screenstrong Ambassador, father of four adult daughters, software developer, and a life-long Bible student. Doug is the author of [Un]Intentional, How Screens Secretly Shape Your Desires And How You Can Break Free. His book provides five practices to purposeful and intentional living with screen use. Doug encourages families to cast a vision of what their life could be without screen dependencies and to create a family mission to help guide their actions and choices intentionally. Mandee and Doug encourage families to be counter-cultural against screen dependency and recognize the negative impact of technology on our children's development. This episode offers profound solutions that would benefit any family.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Mandee Hamann
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

[Un]Intentional: How Screens Secretly Shape Your Desires and How You Can Break Free

In today's episode, Melanie has a candid conversation with Ronna Glickman, a retired middle school teacher passionate about educating students, parents, and educational administrators about internet safety and the dangers of social media's influence on children. Due to the pandemic, she is now active in tutoring children who are having difficulty managing the current online education platforms.

Melanie and Ronna talk about the culture of disrespect that is prevalent with children in our society today. They discuss the lack of parental authority which contributes to the disrespect children are actively displaying toward authority figures. Melanie and Ronna discuss how children's personalities are changing in relation to their poorly limited screen use. They discuss parental enabling and social conformity as the traps many parents are falling into.

Ronna provides many personal examples from her supportive interaction with families and children having difficulty with emotional dysregulation due to overexposure of screens. This is another fast-paced episode filled with tips, advice, and ideas to become ScreenStrong!

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Melanie welcomes Cris Rowan, who is a registered pediatric occupational therapist, certified sensory specialist (SIPT), biologist, author of "Virtual Child", and prolific speaker on the impact of technology on child development and learning.

Melanie and Cris start their conversation discussing the 4 Critical Factors needed for the developing child which include movement, touch, human connection, and nature. Cris emphasizes a focus on increased engagement of these factors to create the foundation your child needs for healthy development of their brain and body.

Melanie and Cris also unpack her 2017 article Cris wrote for HuffPost, 10 Reasons Why Hand-Held Devices Should Be Banned for Children Under the Age of 12 and how those reasons cited relate to these 4 Critical Factors.

This episode is so full of science-based information that supports the reduction of screens and promotes the focus on a daily practice of movement, touch, human connection and nature.

You won’t want to skip this one!

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In today's episode, Mandee Hamann welcomes Sarah, one of our ScreenStrong Ambassadors, as she shares her family’s story of becoming ScreenStrong. She shares that it all started with an iPad and describes how quickly her family’s dynamic changed over the course of a few months. Sarah shares how she and her husband guided their family through the ScreenStrong Challenge, what happened after the Challenge was over, and how she reclaimed her family’s positive dynamic. This story will inspire you on your own journey and encourage you to reflect on shifting your own parenting perspectives.
Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Mandee Hamann
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Today Melanie talks with Linda Charmaraman, Ph.D., a senior research scientist at the Wellesley Centers for Women and director of the Youth, Media & Wellbeing Research Lab. Dr. Charmaraman’s research interests include technology and adolescent health, digital citizenship, innovative research methods to include overlooked and hidden populations, and how social identities (e.g., gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, political affiliation) affect wellbeing.

Dr. Charmaraman shares with Melanie her current research on middle school-aged children—6th to 8th grade—and early social media use. They discuss how the manipulation of algorithms in media influences addictive use and promotes feelings of control within games or other platforms. Dr. Charmaraman discusses how not only the quantity of hours spent on screens, but the quality of content is influencing the outcomes of symptoms of depression, anxiety, loneliness, and school efficacy in children. Her research supports ScreenStrong’s message to delay smartphones for children and cites it as a protective factor in their adolescent development as a whole.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this episode, Melanie introduces our ScreenStrong Families to Dr. Andrew Doan, who shares his expertise on gaming addiction and how it impacts development in children. Dr. Doan is a neuroscientist, physician, author & speaker. With a doctoral degree in neuroscience, his background in molecular neuroscience adds in depth knowledge into the areas of internet, video game, and technology addictions. Dr. Doan is the author of Hooked on Games.

Today, Dr. Doan discusses the increase in Autism diagnoses and how it has become an epidemic in our society. He identifies digital media as the "elephant in the room" and the unrecognized toxin that has been playing an integral role in the continued rise of Autism in children. He shares his collaboration with other experts, both internationally and nationally, in observing the impact of screens on eye disorders and believes that Opthamologists have an important role in recognizing and providing intervention in addressing brain developmental delays due to overuse of screen media. Dr. Doan introduces his theory of when we expose the child to excessive screen time, this causes an overdevelopment of the frontal lobe in one area and underdevelopment in areas of nonverbal communication, speech, behaviors, and social skills resulting in autistic behaviors. This is a fascinating and educational episode you won't want to miss.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In today's episode, Mandee Hamann (filling in for Melanie Hempe) welcomes Jenny Hoey, the founder of Not My Kid, a group she created for the purpose of educating and supporting parents on the safety issues of raising children within the digital world. Jenny is a Screen Strong Ambassador and parenting coach that lives with her family in Australia. Today, Jenny shares her and her daughter's personal life-changing story of an on-line incident that occurred when her daughter was 9 years old. She shares her family’s journey of healing, what has inspired her in her endeavors, and how she began to bravely share their story to help empower other parents.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Mandee Hamann
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this episode of the ScreenStrong podcast, Melanie talks to James Good, whose young life was overtaken by video game addiction. James describes how as he moved through high school and into university, his healthy hobbies, interests, and friendships were slowly replaced by gaming until he began to struggle socially, emotionally, and academically. One of James’ key realizations as he beat his gaming problem was that he had never learned how to “do hard things”–he has since built his ability to concentrate and deal with boredom through meditation, exercise, journaling, and goal-setting. James learned that although gaming felt like an easy escape, it actually made real life feel more difficult. Melanie notes how common James’ story is, since her own son and many others have followed the same path from a normal (and even gifted) childhood to a crippling gaming addiction. James also describes exactly how he quit gaming for the first time at nineteen, inspired by others’ stories of fulfilling accomplishments and pursuing fascinating hobbies, and spurred by the realization that video games are truly designed to be addictive to young men.

Hear more from James Good on his YouTube channel.
Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Tom Kersting, author of our May Book of the Month (BOTM) pick "Disconnected," joins the entire ScreenStrong Team and members from our community to answer YOUR questions about fear culture, parental denial, teen privacy online, smartphones in school, and so much more!

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this episode, Barb Winters, a Sexual Risk Avoidance Specialist, discusses the emotional discovery of her son’s pornography exposure and her passion to help parents not suffer alone in isolation after making similar discoveries. She and Melanie talk through tips to prevent porn use for teens and some unique approaches to help kids engage in helpful conversations.

Subscribe at Barb's website hopefulmom.net to receive updates and a free resource, “7 Actions When Your Child Has Seen Porn.” You can also follow her Facebook Page.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In the second half of Melanie’s discussion with author Tom Kersting, they move on to his chapters about how technology affects children’s social and emotional development, and how family dynamics are negatively impacted by screen saturation in kids. Kersting focuses on problems that Melanie and other parents are familiar with: kids who would rather game than make real friends, emotional dysregulation, and a feeling of disconnection between the generations. Finally, Melanie and Tom delve into the third section of ‘Disconnected,’ which gives tips, techniques, and practical solutions to mitigate problems caused by technology and help parents reconnect their children with their families, their friends, and with their own minds. Kersting emphasizes the importance of teaching children how to think independently of their peers and how to be mindful about all aspects of their lives, including their tech use.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Nate Webb is a bullying survivor and high school counselor who started the Bullies Be Gone podcast and speaks at schools about bullying, social media, and how kids can get back to loving their lives.

As a counselor, he has seen how smartphone access and social media have exacerbated bullying by opening kids up to 24/7 contact with their peers. In his conversation with Melanie, Nate emphasizes his parents’ positive influence on his attitude as a suffering middle- and high-schooler, and gives advice about how parents can “love their kids louder than their insecurities can hate them.”

He believes that when kids are exposed to more communication and kindness, they can not only overcome being bullied, but also stop bullying others.

You can find Nate on Instagram: @bulliesbe.gone
www.linktr.ee/bulliesbe.gone

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Mary Mulliken is a healthy screen habits coach who encourages families to parent their children to be creators and not consumers of their environment. She is writing a book, Supercharged: 50 Reasons to Raise Kids Screen-Free from Birth to Age Seven. In today’s episode, Melanie and Mary talk about the benefits of raising your children screen-free during their early childhood years. From stimulating creativity in ideas as well as actions, Mary shared some of her family’s traditions and rituals with us. This interview is inspiring, perspective-shifting, and hopeful in bringing childhood back to real-life experiences.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In today's episode, Melanie speaks with Opal Singleton. She is the President and CEO of Million Kids and serves as the Training and Outreach Coordinator for the Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force and is contracted for human trafficking training services through the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. Opal has authored two books, Seduced: The Grooming of America's Teenagers, and Societal Shift: A World Without Borders...A Home Without Walls. She has educated tens of thousands of first responders, government agencies, civic leaders, school administrators, medical personnel, faith-based organizations, parents and grandparents about how predators operate and how to prevent young people from becoming victims of exploitation. If you have any question about the harm a smartphone can have on your child, then this is the episode for you.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this episode Melanie speaks with Tom Kersting, our featured author of our book of the month, Disconnected: How to Reconnect our Digitally Distracted Kids. Tom began his career as a School Counselor and Therapist almost twenty-five years ago. He is a nationally known speaker, author, TV personality, and he has a private practice located in Ridgewood, New Jersey.

Melanie and Tom explore the first part of his book where he discusses "Acquired ADHD" and other warning signs resulting from overexposure electronic screen exposure. They discuss how the overuse of technology has negatively impacted adolescents' ability to develop social relationships, create positive self-esteem, and a true sense of self. Melanie and Tom discuss how more screen exposure (with virtual classes) will create a stress response in kids that will likely result in increased anxiety, school phobia, and school avoidance. They give parents positive practical tips to help reduce family stress and increase family connection.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Dr. Victoria Dunckley, author of our April Book of the Month (BOTM) pick "Reset Your Child's Brain" joins the entire ScreenStrong Team and members from our community to answer YOUR questions about screens and teens, tips for getting through the screen reset, how to troubleshoot difficult transitions, and so much more!

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Melissa is an occupational therapist who specializes in sensory integration and processing. Her focus has moved from helping children with developmental delays to helping children and young people with screen and media addictions. This career trajectory made it clear to Melissa that the two problems were increasingly connected. Dependence on screens presents new challenges to sensory integration because children are no longer experiencing the world through physical experience the way they did a generation ago. Melanie and Melissa discuss how screen addiction affects children not only mentally and emotionally, but physically and socially as well. We all know that screen use changes the structure of kids’ brains—Melissa explains exactly how this happens and the negative effects she sees in real-life children in her practice.
Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this second episode featuring Dr. Victoria Dunckley, Melanie and Victoria discuss the goals and outcomes highlighted in the second half of the integrative psychiatrist’s book, Reset Your Child’s Brain: A Four Week Plan to End Meltdowns, Raise Grades and Boost Social Skills by Reversing the Effects of Electronic Screen Time. Victoria provides practical advice to parents on how to prepare for the reset, including how to engage a reluctant spouse, tips for the single parent, and what to expect from your child once you implement the reset plan. She also dispels some of the parental myths connected with screen and tech use, such as loss of friendships and preparing kids for adulthood by allowing technology use at an early age. Victoria describes the reset as a grieving process that creates a shift in your child’s thinking and allows your child’s brain to become stronger, more connected, and resilient. “A better developed brain is what manages and governs self-discipline in every area of life, including technology use.”

BOTM: Reset Your Child’s Brain: A Four Week Plan to End Meltdowns, Raise Grades and Boost Social Skills by Reversing the Effects of Electronic Screen Time.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Anne Marie McDonald is Vice President of PR & Strategy for Gabb Wireless, the company that provides talk and text phones without access to internet or social media to help kids and teens stay safely connected without temptation or distraction. In this episode, Melanie talks to the working mother of four about the dangers of typical smartphones for children and teenagers, and how Anne Marie became passionate about helping kids thrive without them, both within and beyond her own family. Anne Marie only began working for Gabb after witnessing the benefits of a smartphone-free lifestyle for her own oldest teen, so she has a wealth of experience and advice for real parents facing the same challenges in their homes. She describes how even with a Gabb phone, parents are responsible for teaching their kids the lessons they need to absorb about phone safety and staying protected.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Smith Alley, a brave and inspiring 17-year-old, shares his story of a five year battle with pornography addiction as well as his struggles with social media. Determined to be more than a “success story,” he founded his company, Protecht Strong, to help families safely set up technology limits in their home.

Melanie and Smith discuss what it means to prepare our children for the real world and that preparing doesn’t have to mean giving them a phone. Smith challenges parents to ask themselves, “Am I getting this device or giving them access because I want to be their friend or because I’m trying to be their parent?” before handing them a smartphone or other device.

This episode is one that invokes reflection on how you are communicating with your children about difficult and hidden issues. It is one that challenges you to consider where your “blind spots” are in your relationship with your children.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Not only is Tessa Stuckey a licensed professional therapist and author of For the Sake of Our Youth: A Therapist’s Perspective on Raising Your Family in Today’s Culture, she’s also raising four boys of her own. Tessa became a therapist with the goal of helping support children through the emotionally confusing teenage years, but what she found was worse than the dating drama and adolescent angst she expected: instead, she found prevalent suicidal ideation and other surprisingly dark problems, despite a general lack of deep-seated trauma. In her conversation with Melanie, Tessa dives into how technology is the main contributor to the problems she sees teens facing today, and how we as parents can help them develop the resiliency and connection to make it to the other side as healthy, balanced adults.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In today’s episode, Melanie talks with Tracy Markle, MA, LPC, who is the Founder/Owner of Collegiate Coaching Services & Founder/Co-Director at Digital Media Treatment and Education Center in Colorado. Melanie and Tracy begin their discussion identifying protective factors as well as risk factors to consider when establishing limits of media use within your family. Tracy explains the Self-Determination Theory of Motivation, and how she uses this theory in her work with her clients. She also gives advice for the parents of middle-school aged children to high-school aged teenagers in addressing addictive media use in their daily lives. This is a must listen for any parent, whether you have a young child not yet introduced to screen-related games, or you are the parent who is wondering if you are doing enough with your family limits, and for the parent that needs guidance in steps to take to initiate change.
Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this first of two episodes featuring Dr. Victoria Dunckley, Melanie and Victoria discuss the premise of the integrative psychiatrist’s book Reset Your Child’s Brain: A Four Week Plan to End Meltdowns, Raise Grades and Boost Social Skills by Reversing the Effects of Electronic Screen Time. Victoria explains how she came to be passionate about screen time through her early work with troubled children and adolescents, and then digs into the first part of her book, which covers what she calls “electronic screen syndrome” and how it negatively affects young people. She brings her hands-on experience and medical expertise to bear on the issue in a frank conversation with Melanie. In the upcoming Part 2, Victoria will delve into her practical advice on how to implement the four week plan and what to expect when resetting your child’s brain.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Olivia Bruner, author of our March Book of the Month (BOTM) pick "Playstation Nation" joins the entire ScreenStrong Team and members from our community to answer YOUR questions about video games and kids, how the industry has changed, connecting with your older teen, and so much more!

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

The show today is taken from an interview with Adam Brooker about growing up as a gamer. He is very candid with his description of how gamers think, how they trade the real world for the virtual gaming world and their need to dominate. He touches on the dangerous habit of pornography and explains how smartphones and social media are very similar to the gaming trap. Listen to discover if your child has a potential problem, to hear his advice on removing the devices, and for encouragement to be a strong parent.
Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Today Melanie continues her conversation with Olivia Bruner, author of our featured book of the month, Playstation Nation: Protect Your Child From Video Game Addiction. Olivia shares the rest of her family’s story and the steps she and her husband took to replace video games with parental connection and “real life.” Melanie and Olivia discuss the five most common mistakes parents make in attempting to set screen limits. They emphasize “rebuilding the muscles “ of your child’s connection to real life and share ideas for replacement activities for your family.
Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Today Melanie is joined by Adrienne, ScreenStrong Ambassador and mom of two teenagers. Adrienne shares her son’s struggle with ADHD, school anxiety, and the difficult decisions their family was forced to make because of his screen addiction. She emphasizes the importance of having like-minded community support because “no one can understand unless they are standing right there with you.” Adrienne also goes into how life changing the ScreenStrong Challenge was for her family and the long term benefits she’s already seeing in her son and daughter.
Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this episode, Melanie talks with Dr. Sarah Domoff, a Clinical Child Psychologist and the principal investigator for the Family Health Lab at Central Michigan University, Department of Psychology.

Melanie and Sarah talk about her research studies that she has published and what she discovered in her work that is forming her interventions with the parents she works with. Sarah shares her theory of what she and her collaborators believe on how problematic media use develops in childhood. Her research is focused on identifying the risk factors and maintaining factors for screen addiction or problematic media use within behaviors of children that can then be used as screening tools by professionals. Sarah also shares her work with parents on breaking the cycle of reinforcement of screens by teaching parenting skills, assisting with limit setting, and teaching parents how to implement replacement activities. This episode is one you will want to listen to more than once as it has so much essential information packed into each minute of dialogue.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Andrew and Evan Hempe grew up in a video game-free home after their older brother’s life derailed due to a gaming addiction. Today, Andrew and Evan are answering parents’ common questions about the ScreenStrong lifestyle from the perspective of high school teens. They discuss what it was like living with a former gamer sibling, how they managed to live through middle school without video games and smartphones, and how they make friends without social media.
Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Andrew & Evan Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In today’s episode, Melanie talks with Meghan Owenz, Ph.D., who is a psychologist, author, psychology professor, and mom of two young children. They discuss and break down Meghan’s child development-based S.P.O.I.L. system for prioritizing activities for your child’s day. Meghan emphasizes maintaining positive parental structure and rules that will ultimately help your child develop good habits and a screen-free lifestyle that is full of doing what they love. Melanie and Meghan connect on their shared fascination for research studies that focus on the benefits of parental limits in regards to screen exposure to young children. Meghan identifies the screen-free process as a “Perspective Shift” for parents and encourages parents to say “Yes!” to all the good things that come from reducing screens in your home.

Meghan Owenz is the author of Spoiled Right: Delaying Screen Time and Giving Children What They Really Need. Her website Screen-Free Parenting is https://www.screenfreeparenting.com/. It has a blog and other resources that have a ton of screen-alternative activities.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In today's episode, Melanie talks with Olivia Bruner, one of the authors of our featured book of the month, Playstation Nation: Protect Your Child From Video Game Addiction. Olivia shares her family's journey with video game use and addiction, which ultimately led to the creation of their book Playstation Nation, to help other families identify and address video game addiction. Melanie and Olivia discuss the 8 Warning Signs or Questions to help determine if your child has a problem with game addiction. They explore the addictive nature of video games and how gaming affects the brain. Olivia identifies the reward pathways of addiction in where basic feedback leads to adaptation of your brain's dopamine reward pathways. She also identifies the 7 driving forces behind the compelling nature of video games and how science is now providing proof to a parent's intuition. This episode is fast-paced, anecdotal, and stresses how our children's addiction to video games is not their fault. It's truly one you don't want to miss!

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Dr. Leonard Sax, author of our February Book of the Month (BOTM) pick "The Collapse of Parenting," joins the entire ScreenStrong Team and members from our community to answer YOUR questions about screens and kids, the American pharmaceutical companies, and so much more!

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In today's episode, Melanie is joined by Toni Ludlow, a mother of two young children, who shares her family's story of her daughter's traumatic experience with an online predator. Toni shares how her mother's intuition uncovered a manipulative bind her 10-year-old daughter fell into when she entered a chat room on a seemingly innocent online game. Toni points to the signs that her daughter displayed that told her something was off. She empowers parents to keep a keen eye on their children’s digital activity and not buy into the myth that kids need privacy online.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In today’s episode, Melanie continues her in-depth conversation with Dr. Leonard Sax, author of The Collapse of Parenting. Together they explore solutions while challenging several myths and misconceptions that many American parents have in raising children today. Dr. Sax pinpoints the “collapse of parenting” as occurring when we, as parents, allow our children to make decisions in every domain. Dr. Sax challenges parents to be courageous, to educate desire, to do the right thing at the right time, and to value family over the toxic American culture.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In today’s episode, Melanie has a conversation with filmmaker, author, and mother, Tiffany Shlain, who created a transformative weekly practice that she calls “Tech Shabbat'' for her family. She shares how taking one day completely off screens every week can inspire creativity, connectedness, and introspection. Tiffany and Melanie have a candid discussion about raising kids more offline than online and why we should pay attention to who is shaping your child. They talk about the benefits of going countercultural by practicing a ScreenStrong lifestyle. You can find Tiffany’s book 24/6: The Power of Unplugging One Day a Week on Amazon.
Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this episode, Ashlee Ayre, an insightful and courageous young woman, shares her story of her 6-year addiction to pornography that started at age 11 when her parents gave her a smart phone. Melanie and Ashlee talk about the insidious nature of social media and the hidden dangers in Apps like Pinterest, Instagram, Snapchat, and other social media sites. They discuss how explicit content is easily accessible to children by a click or a swipe. Ashlee talks about her relationship with her mom and how they managed through the dark days while bringing to real life a problem that is hidden in the lives of so many teens today. She emphasizes the importance of creating a connection with your children that allows for continued communication about difficult situations as well as creating an environment of trust and safety, which is ultimately what parents want to provide their children.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Dr. Douglas Gentile is an award-winning research scientist, educator, author, and is professor of developmental psychology at Iowa State University. In this episode, he and Melanie discuss the science that supports the addictive quality of video games and the resistance of parents to believe the evidence supporting the conclusion to the question, "Are video games addictive?" He hints as to what is coming in the near future in regards to the diagnosis of issues related to screen use and the creation of screening tools to identify when overuse becomes a problem. Dr. Gentile concludes that video games don't allow kids to build the skills they need in the real world and cautions parents, "Don't feed the bears!" He encourages setting limits and creating balance in your family despite the resistance kids may present. "It's worth having the fight...trust that parenting matters."

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Dr. Leonard Sax is an American Psychologist and Family Physician with over 30 years experience. He is the internationally acclaimed author of our featured book, The Collapse of Parenting, which identifies a cultural shift in the parenting role in relation to the way parents are raising their children.

In this conversation, Melanie and Dr. Sax focus on Chapters 1 thru 5, identifying multiple factors that have lead to a loss of parental authority. He pinpoints the toxic cultural shift over the last 20-30 years that is now at the forefront of our popular culture. Dr. Sax's book is weighted with research and world-wide studies that cover the negative impacts of sleep deprivation, over-importance of peer relationships, and the uncensored media use that are now having profound consequences on America's children.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

George Lynn and Cynthia Johnson, co-authors of our January Book of the Month (BOTM) pick "Breaking the Trance," join the entire ScreenStrong Team and members from our community to answer YOUR screen questions.

Take the ScreenStrong Challenge and join the ScreenStrong Families group on FB for extra support. Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com

Subscribe, rate, and review the ScreenStrong Families Podcast and help spread the word on this movement

Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In an online seminar, Melanie discusses how to reduce problematic screen use when learning from home.

Take the ScreenStrong Challenge and join the ScreenStrong Families group on FB for extra support. Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com

Subscribe, rate, and review the ScreenStrong Families Podcast and help spread the word on this movement

Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Patricia Gefert is a recently retired Early Childhood Educator of 35 years, a mother and grandmother, and a ScreenStrong Ambassador. In this podcast, Patricia shares her experiences with children from Kindergarten to Early Elementary. She notes the drastic changes she has witnessed in children's learning over the past 10-15 years, particularly how screens have affected their academic and social development. Patricia provides specific ideas and strategies for helping children grow in healthier ways, without screens, that focus on improving both brain and physical development to help create a strong foundation for growth, creativity, learning, and language.

Visit ScreenStrong.com to learn more about becoming a ScreenStrong Family and to take our ScreenStrong Challenge.

Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Jessica Ludlow joins Melanie Hempe to share the most recent events in her journey to becoming a ScreenStrong Family.

Take the ScreenStrong Challenge and join the ScreenStrong Families Group. Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at team@screenstrong.com!

Subscribe, rate, and review the ScreenStrong Families Podcast and help spread the word on this movement.

Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Melanie interviews George Lynn, co-author of "Breaking the Trance," our January pick for the ScreenStrong Book Club.

Get your physical or eBook copies of Breaking the Trance and read along with us!

Would you do us a favor? Subscribe, rate, and review the ScreenStrong Families Podcast and help spread the word on this movement.

Stay Strong!

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Melanie is joined by Lydia, a teen with an incredibly emotional ScreenStrong Challenge testimony.

Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at team@screenstrong.com!

Subscribe, rate, and review the ScreenStrong Families Podcast and help spread the word on this movement.

Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Melanie and Mandee give a detailed overview of The ScreenStrong Challenge, what's required, what to expect, and tips for getting through the detox period.

Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at team@screenstrong.com!

Subscribe, rate, and review the ScreenStrong Families Podcast and help spread the word on this movement.

Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Melanie interviews Cynthia Johnson, co-author of "Breaking the Trance," our January pick for the ScreenStrong Book Club.

Get your physical or eBook copies of Breaking the Trance and read along with us!

Would you do us a favor? Subscribe, rate, and review the ScreenStrong Families Podcast and help spread the word on this movement.

Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

You sent us your questions, now we give you answers! Melanie and Mandee address questions from our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group regarding screen time during the holidays, the benefit of a holiday detox, and tips for entertaining only children.

Would you do us a favor? Subscribe, rate, and review the ScreenStrong Families Podcast and help spread the word on this movement.

Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Dian Gibson, ScreenStrong Ambassador and mother of three, joins Melanie Hempe to share the most recent events in her journey to becoming a ScreenStrong Family.

Take the ScreenStrong Challenge and join the ScreenStrong Families Group.

Would you do us a favor? Subscribe, rate, and review the ScreenStrong Families Podcast and help spread the word on this movement.

Stay Strong!

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Are video games and smartphones the only things on your child's Christmas list? If so, listen in as Melanie and Mandee discuss non-tech alternatives!

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

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.

With the holidays coming up, this is the perfect time of year to take the ScreenStrong Challenge and make sure to join our ScreenStrong Families Group for more non-tech gift ideas!

Would you do us a favor? Subscribe, rate, and review the ScreenStrong Families Podcast and help spread the word on this movement. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Melanie sits down with Anneka Daniell, a mom of four, who has discovered the secret to scree-free homeschooling.

Whether you are distance learning or truly homeschooling, Anneka lists 5 benefits to a low-tech, learning-at-home experience for your kids with tips and resources to get you started.

Take the ScreenStrong Challenge and join the ScreenStrong Families Group.

Would you do us another favor? Subscribe, rate, and review the ScreenStrong Families Podcast and help spread the word on this movement. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

ScreenStrong Ambassador, Julie Christian, shares her journey in becoming a ScreenStrong Family—highlighting the highs, lows, and everything in between.

Take the ScreenStrong Challenge and join the ScreenStrong Families Group.

Would you do us another favor? Subscribe, rate, and review the ScreenStrong Families Podcast and help spread the word on this movement.

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Melanie Hempe and Mary Thorne (@maryellen0708) discuss the huge benefits of raising boys without video games—a choice that is so much easier than you may think! Happy parents and happy kids!

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Episode Pre-Recorded: 9/17/20

Crazy things seem to happen to a tween’s brain the first day he walks into middle school...

With seven middle school kids between them, Melanie and Mandee discuss middle school maturity, the detrimental effects of social media, and the "Middle School Girl Phone Speech."

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Melanie Hempe and Mandee Hamann share their stories about how they became ScreenStrong Families and give practical tips on how to begin reducing screen time in your home.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Distance Learning & Tips for Teachers with Melanie Hempe and special guest Dawn Poulterer Woods, family coach and ScreenStrong Ambassador.

Visit ScreenStrong.com for more information about The ScreenStrong Challenge!

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Melanie Hempe, Mandee Hamann, Michelle Barrett, and Olivia Kernekin discuss screen time during social distancing & quarantine, video game aggression, teen screen anxiety, and distance learning.

Visit ScreenStrong.com for more information about The ScreenStrong Challenge!

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

ScreenStrong founder Melanie Hempe and family counselor Michelle Barrett as they discuss the 6 Warning Signs for screen dependency and prevention solutions.

Visit ScreenStrong.com to learn more about becoming a ScreenStrong Family and to take our ScreenStrong Challenge.

Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin

ScreenStrong founder Melanie Hempe and family counselor Michelle Barrett as they discuss the levels of screen immersion and how to prevent childhood screen dependency.

Visit ScreenStrong.com to learn more about becoming a ScreenStrong Family and to take our ScreenStrong Challenge.

Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.

Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong!

Our Kids' Brains & Screens Course has launched!
Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: team@screenstrong.com.
Use code STRONG at GabbWireless.com for a discount on a talk & text only phone for teens.

Host: Melanie Hempe
Producer & Editor: Olivia Kernekin