Thriving Kids

Q&A: Setting Healthy Screen Limits and Supporting Kids’ Well-Being Offline

In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson answers listener questions inspired by last week’s conversation with Dr. Candice Odgers about kids, social media, and what the research really says about screens and youth mental health. Dr. Dave discusses how parents can set healthy limits around phone use without reacting out of fear, why screens are often part of a much bigger picture, and how families can focus on the core drivers of kids’ well-being — including sleep, school, friendships, family connection, offline activities, and caregiver mental health. He also explains how to respond when kids see something upsetting online, how to manage parent anxiety around tech headlines, and how to model healthier screen habits at home. This episode offers practical guidance for helping kids use technology more intentionally, while keeping the focus on connection, communication, and the everyday habits that help children thrive.     In this episode, Dr. Dave covers: * How to tell the difference between healthy phone limits and fear-based reactions * Why screens should be considered in the context of a child’s whole life * What to focus on first when you’re worried about a child’s mental health * How to respond when kids see something upsetting online * Why parents should avoid passing tech anxiety on to kids * Why caregiver mental health is a major driver of child well-being * How to approach online risk when a child is already struggling offline   Further Reading How to Set Limits on Screen Time [https://childmind.org/article/how-to-set-limits-on-screen-time/] Media Guidelines for Kids of All Ages [https://childmind.org/article/media-guidelines-for-kids-of-all-ages/] How Phones Ruin Concentration [https://childmind.org/article/kids-shouldnt-use-phones-during-homework/] Common Sense Media [https://www.commonsensemedia.org] American Association of Pediatrics [https://www.aap.org/]

What the Research Really Says About Kids, Phones, and Mental Health

In this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson is joined by Dr. Candice Odgers, a professor of psychology at the University of California, Irvine, whose research focuses on adolescent mental health and the role of smartphones and social media in kids’ daily lives. Together, they discuss what the evidence does — and does not — show about technology and youth mental health, and why the most popular explanations are not always the most accurate.  In this episode, they cover:  • What current research can tell us about the relationship between smartphones and social media and adolescent mental health — and why correlation does not necessarily prove causation  • How adult anxiety about technology can shape the way we talk about kids  • Why family conflict, school stress, and peer relationships are still central factors affecting youth mental health    Key takeaways  • The research on social media and youth mental health is more complicated than many headlines suggest.  • Many studies show associations between screen use and mental health symptoms, but that does not mean screens are the primary cause.  • Family conflict, pressure to succeed at school, peer stress, and caregiver mental health are major factors that affect young people’s well-being.  • Tech companies should be held accountable, but blaming social media alone can distract from other urgent supports kids and families need.  • Parents can help kids more effectively by investing in relationships, routines, school support, and open conversations rather than focusing only on restrictions.    Further reading What We're Getting Wrong About Teens and Tech [https://www.ted.com/talks/candice_odgers_what_we_re_getting_wrong_about_teens_and_tech] Screen Time & Technology [https://childmind.org/topics/screen-time-technology/] Does Social Media Use Cause Depression? [https://childmind.org/article/is-social-media-use-causing-depression/] How Using Social Media Affects Teenagers [https://childmind.org/article/how-using-social-media-affects-teenagers/] Media Guidelines for Kids of All Ages [https://childmind.org/article/media-guidelines-for-kids-of-all-ages/] How Much Should You Monitor Your Teen’s Social Media? [https://childmind.org/article/how-much-should-you-monitor-your-teens-social-media/]

Q&A: Talking to Kids About Mental Health, Processing Current Events, and More

In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson answers listener questions inspired by last week’s conversation with Dr. Alfiee about youth mental health, community care, and what it really means to help young people thrive. Dr. Dave discusses how parents can talk with kids about mental health without making them feel like something is “wrong” with them, how to help children process stressful news and current events, and how families can think about social media in a balanced way. He also explores the mental health needs of marginalized kids, how to reduce stigma around therapy — especially for boys and young men — and why community support can make parenting feel less isolating.   In this episode, Dr. Dave covers: * What to do when kids are stressed by politics, current events, or frightening news * How to balance concerns about social media with the belonging some kids find online * What parents should understand about the mental health needs of marginalized kids * How to reduce stigma around therapy, anxiety, depression, and asking for help * Why boys and young men may need extra support talking about emotions * Realistic ways to build community around parenting and caregiving * What parents can do while waiting for therapy or additional support Further Reading Helping Children Cope After a Traumatic Event [https://childmind.org/guide/helping-children-cope-after-a-traumatic-event/] Helping Children Cope With Frightening News [https://childmind.org/article/helping-children-cope-frightening-news/] Mental Health Challenges of LGBTQ+ Kids [https://childmind.org/article/mental-health-challenges-of-lgbtq-kids/] Mental Health Support for Black Families [https://childmind.org/about-us/reports/mental-health-support-for-black-families/] Meeting the Mental Health Needs of Black Adolescent Boys [https://childmind.org/article/meeting-the-mental-health-needs-of-black-adolescent-boys/] What to Do (and Not Do) When Children Are Anxious [https://childmind.org/article/what-to-do-and-not-do-when-children-are-anxious/] Video Library [https://childmind.org/resources/videos/] Family Resource Center [https://childmind.org/]

Supporting Your Child's Mental Health and Your Own With Dr. Alfiee

In this episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson is joined by Dr.  Alfiee Breland-Noble — better known as Dr. Alfiee — psychologist, founder of The AAKOMA Project, and author of Rise and Thrive: An intentional guide to caring for your mental health. Together, they discuss youth mental health, the importance of community-based care, and how parents, caregivers, and mental health professionals can better support young people as they navigate stress, stigma, social media, and the challenges of growing up today.   In this episode, they cover: * How political news, social media, and stigma affect young people’s emotional well-being   * Why social media can be both risky and meaningful for marginalized kids * How community-based organizations can help make mental health care more accessible   * Why representation, empathy, and cultural understanding matter in mental health support   Key takeaways · Young people are managing a wide range of stressors, including anxiety, depression, political unrest, and the lingering effects of the pandemic. · Social media can pose real risks for kids and teens, but it can also provide connection, community, and support — especially for young people who may feel isolated offline. · Stigma remains a major barrier to mental health care, even as conversations about mental health become more common in popular culture. · Community-based organizations can play a powerful role in helping families access mental health support from people they already know and trust. · Representation matters, but so does what Dr. Alfiee calls an “empathy match” — the feeling that someone understands your experience and can meet you with compassion.   Further reading Does Social Media Use Cause Depression? [https://childmind.org/article/is-social-media-use-causing-depression/]– Child Mind Institute Quick Guide to Anxiety in Children [https://childmind.org/guide/anxiety-in-children-quick-guide/]– Child Mind Institute Dr. Alfiee [https://dralfiee.com/] – Dr. Alfiee’s website with research,  interviews, and more Rise and Thrive [https://shop.dralfiee.com/pages/rise-and-thrive-by-dr-alfiee-breland-noble-mental-health-workbook-for-young-adults] by Dr. Alfiee Couched in Color [https://www.youtube.com/c/CouchedinColorwithDrAlfiee] – A podcast with Dr. Alfiee The AAKOMA Project [https://aakomaproject.org/]

How to Help Kids Face Fear and Build Resilience

In this Q&A episode of Thriving Kids, Dr. Dave Anderson answers parents’ questions inspired by last week’s conversation with Dr. Brian Hoeflinger, a neurosurgeon who talked about how the death of his son led him to face his panic attacks over public speaking. In this episode, he covers: * What parents can learn from doctors about staying calm in a crisis * Why anxiety can run in families — and what parents can do about it * How parents can help kids face their fears * How to encourage to kids to take risks while still keeping them safe * How to talk to kids about grief and loss Key takeaways ·      To try and figure out if your child’s anxiety is problematic, consider the frequency, intensity, duration, and level of impairment. ·      Facing your fears is about being able to ride the discomfort. It doesn’t necessarily mean you feel comfortable. ·      Encouraging your child to try something scary by taking a small step can help them push themselves to try hard things. ·      If you're experiencing loss and you're sad, it’s important to label that and let your kid know it's okay for them to feel those emotions.   Further reading Healthy Minds, Thriving Kids [https://childmind.org/healthyminds/] Why Childhood Anxiety Often Goes Undetected [https://childmind.org/article/detecting-childhood-anxiety/] Treating Anxiety in Kids by Working With Parents [https://childmind.org/article/treating-anxiety-in-kids-by-working-with-parents/] Panic Attacks and How to Treat Them [https://childmind.org/article/panic-attacks-best-treatments/]