Safety First: Tackling Tough Topics with Teens

Understanding AI Use Among Adolescents with Dr. Akanksha Dadlani, MPH

In this episode, Amanda talks with Akanksha Dadlani, MD, MPH, about teens' AI use. They discuss the many forms of AI, potential positive uses of AI, the risks of AI use (e.g., deepfakes, emotional connection with AI, replacement for mental health support), and developing safety plans for AI use. Helpful resources: https://akankshadadlani.carrd.co/ https://www.statnews.com/2025/10/29/chatbots-doctors-guide-medical-appointments-questions/ https://www.bark.us/ *The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host, the Safety First team, or any affiliated organizations

Understanding Adolescent Nutrition and Exercise with Dr. Erin Hennessy

In this episode, Amanda talks to Erin Hennessy, PhD, MPH, about adolescent nutrition and physical activity. They discuss the elements of a nutritious diet for teens, the effects of sugar and ultra-processed foods, the importance of reading ingredient labels, and recommendations for exercise and physical activity. Helpful resources: https://childobesity180.tufts.edu/ [https://childobesity180.tufts.edu/] https://nutrition.tufts.edu/ [https://nutrition.tufts.edu/]*The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host, the Safety First team, or any affiliated organizations

Understanding Eating Disorders Among Youth with Erin Birely, LCPC

In this episode, Amanda talks with Erin Birely, LCPC, about disordered eating among adolescents. They discuss the various types of eating disorders, the role of emotional avoidance, and biopsychosocial risk factors. Helpful resources: www.renfrewcenter.com https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/ *The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host, the Safety First team, or any affiliated organizations

Understanding Adolescent Gambling with Alison Wood, MSW

In this episode, Amanda talks to Alison Wood, MSW about gambling among youth. The two discuss the various forms of gambling, motives behind gambling activities, myths about gambling, and the need for media literacy. Helpful resources: https://bhs.unc.edu/adolescent-gambling-and-gaming-series morethanagame.nc.gov https://www.ncpgambling.org/ncpg/ *The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host, the Safety First team, or any affiliated organizations

Understanding Digital Media Use Among Teens with Jean Rogers, M.S.Ed., CPE

In this episode, Amanda talks with Jean Rogers, M.S.Ed., CPE, about digital media use among adolescents. They discuss the impact of digital media use on teens, risks such as cyberbullying, advocacy efforts, and both helpful and unhelpful strategies for managing teens' digital media use. Helpful resources: www.jeanrogersconsulting.com [http://www.jeanrogersconsulting.com/] https://fairplayforkids.org/pf/onlineharmskit/ [http://fairplayforkids.org/pf/onlineharmskit/] https://screentimenetwork.org/resource/dear-parents-digital-well-being-resource-teens-parents https://www.screenaware.org/ [https://www.screenaware.org/] https://www.waituntil8th.org/*The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host, the Safety First team, or any affiliated organizations