Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers Podcast

How are students really using ChatGPT and other AI tools for school work? What do they see as acceptable? And where do they draw the line? What happens when AI is used for creative projects, and at what cost? In this episode of Parenting in the Screen Age, Delaney Ruston, MD, explores the impact of AI tools like ChatGPT on student learning and academic integrity. She shares interviews with college students who talk candidly about using AI for academic purposes, what they will and won’t do, and how they navigate ethical gray areas. One student recounts being accused of cheating with AI, and we learn how she got through the experience.  The episode encourages parents, educators, and students to have ongoing conversations about the responsible use of AI technologies in and beyond the classroom.   00:00 Introduction 00:47 The Rise of AI in Education 01:46 Student Interviews: Creative Uses of AI 06:47 Student Interviews: Academic Uses of AI 14:53 Student Interviews: Ethical Concerns and Personal Choices 17:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

What role does social media play in disordered eating and eating disorders? And how can parents spot early warning signs and have meaningful conversations about these tough topics? In this episode, host Dr. Ruston talks with Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani, a physician specializing in eating disorders for nearly two decades.  Dr. Gaudiani explains the difference between disordered eating and clinical eating disorders and how social media can fuel both. She shares concrete strategies to help parents talk with their teens, recognize early signs, and prevent problems. This episode builds on our previous conversation with Isabelle, a young woman who shared her personal journey with an eating disorder and social media’s role in it. You don’t need to have heard that episode first, but they complement each other well.  This episode is intended for adult and teen audiences but please note it includes discussion of eating disorders, body image, and related experiences, so please listen with care.  If you or someone you love is affected by any of the issues we talk about today, you’ll find a list of support resources below.   Featured Expert Dr Jennifer Gaudiani, MD [https://www.gaudianiclinic.com/#welcome2]   Books Sick Enough: A Guide To The Medical Complications Of Eating Disorders [https://www.gaudianiclinic.com/sick-enough] by Jennifer Gaudiani    Time Code 00:00 Introduction to Parenting in the Screen Age 00:40 Recap of Previous Episode 01:06 Today's Topic: Understanding Eating Disorders 01:30 Meet Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani 01:59 Defining Eating Disorders vs. Disordered Eating 02:08 Impact of Social Media on Eating Disorders 02:19 Clinical Eating Disorders Overview 03:16 Interview with Dr. G: Early Warning Signs 07:27 Social Media's Role in Disordered Eating 10:10 Strategies for Moderating Social Media Use 10:25 Supporting Teens in Recovery 16:33 Parental Challenges and Support 27:34 Final Thoughts and Conclusion   Resources National Alliance for Eating Disorders (“The Alliance”) * Website: https://www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com * Free helpline: 866‑662‑1235 (Mon–Fri, 9am–7pm ET) * Offers: Personalized support and referrals. Also operates https://www.findEDhelp.com, a free directory of eating disorder treatment centers and providers.   National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) * Website: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org * Offers: Free screening tools, treatment locators, support group listings, and educational materials.   Crisis Text Line * Website: https://www.crisistextline.org * Text “HOME” to 741‑741 to chat with a trained crisis counselor, or use the live chat at the website * Offers: 24/7 mental health support, resources, and crisis intervention.   The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth) * Website: https://www.thetrevorproject.org * Text “START” to 678‑678 to connect with a crisis counselor * Offers: 24/7 crisis support, online chat, and mental health resources tailored to LGBTQ+ youth.

We often hear about social media’s impact on body image, but what can we learn from someone who’s lived it firsthand, developing a serious exercise and eating disorder? Dr. Delaney Ruston sits down with Isabelle, a teen who bravely shares her journey from body dysmorphia to a severe eating disorder, struggles made worse by the constant stream of triggering content on platforms like TikTok.  Isabelle opens up about how social media shaped her self-perception and how therapy, hospitalization, and strong family support helped her begin to heal. With candid insights from Isabelle and her parents, this episode explores the real risks of social media use and sets the stage for a follow-up conversation with a leading eating disorder expert.    This episode is intended for adult and teen audiences but please note it includes discussion of eating disorders, body image, and related experiences, so please listen with care.  If you or someone you love is affected by any of the issues we talk about today, you’ll find a list of support resources below.   Resources:  National Alliance for Eating Disorders (“The Alliance”) * Website: allianceforeatingdisorders.com [https://www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com] * Free helpline: 866‑662‑1235 (Mon–Fri, 9am–7pm ET) * Offers: Personalized support and referrals. Also operates https://www.findEDhelp.com, a free directory of eating disorder treatment centers and providers.   National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) * Website: nationaleatingdisorders.org [https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org] * Offers: Free screening tools, treatment locators, support group listings, and educational materials.   Crisis Text Line * Website: crisistextline.org [https://www.crisistextline.org] * Text “HOME” to 741‑741 to chat with a trained crisis counselor, or use the live chat at the website * Offers: 24/7 mental health support, resources, and crisis intervention.   The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth) * Website: thetrevorproject.org [https://www.thetrevorproject.org] * Text “START” to 678‑678 to connect with a crisis counselor * Offers: 24/7 crisis support, online chat, and mental health resources tailored to LGBTQ+ youth.     Time Codes:  00:00 Introduction to Parenting in the Screen Age 00:19 The Impact of Media on Teen Body Image 00:46 Influencers and the Promotion of Eating Disorders 02:21 Isabel's Journey with an Eating Disorder 03:26 The Role of Social Media in Isabel's Struggle 05:11 Family Perspectives on Isabel's Experience 11:48 The Turning Point: Seeking Treatment 12:55 Life After Treatment: Recovery and Reflections 17:08 Advice for Parents and Teens 20:40 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

Struggling to get on the same page with your co-parent about screen time rules? Worried that enforcing boundaries might harm your relationship with your teen? In this episode, Delaney talks with renowned family psychologist and author Dr. Laura Kastner about the tricky — but crucial — process of setting and upholding screen time rules. Together, they explore a practical roadmap built around The Four Cs: Calm, Confidence, Co-Parent Unity, and Collaboration. Packed with relatable examples and expert-backed strategies, this conversation will help you navigate resistance and hold boundaries that support your child’s emotional development and well-being.   Featured Expert Laura Kastner, PhD [https://www.laurakastnerphd.com/]   Books Getting To Calm [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6682444-getting-to-calm], by Laura Kastner, PhD Wise Minded Parenting [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16056891-wise-minded-parenting?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=wwnKsq1lXE&rank=1], by Laura Kastner, PhD   Time Code 00:00 Understanding the Core Issue: Fear and Relationships 00:27 Introduction to Parenting in the Screen Age 00:45 Challenges of Setting Screen Time Boundaries 01:10 Real-Life Examples of Unpopular Rules 02:31 Interview with Dr. Laura Kasner: The Four Cs 02:58 Applying the Four Cs to Real Scenarios 04:45 Staying Calm and Confident 06:23 Co-Parenting and Collaboration 08:39 Handling Teen Reactions and Family Meetings 12:18 Polarization and Parental Unity 20:03 Concluding Thoughts and Resources

How risky are the high volumes blasting through the earpods that poke into our kids’ ears? What about our adult ears?  In this episode, Dr. Delaney Ruston explores the fascinating world of hearing health and the risks associated with exposure to loud noises, especially through headphones and earphones.  Delaney is joined by Dr. Robert Jackler, MD, a researcher and neurotologist from Stanford, who discusses the mechanics of hearing loss, the dangers of excessive noise exposure, and practical steps to protect hearing.  The show provides numerous productive ways for parents and youth to engage in conversations about all the loud sounds streaming into their ears, whether from platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, or from online content and video games. It is intended for adult and youth audiences.  Featured Expert Dr. Robert Jackler, MD [https://med.stanford.edu/profiles/robert-jackler]   Additional Links Mimi Hearing Test App [https://mimi.io/mimi-hearing-test-app]   Time code 00:00 Introduction 01:49 The Impact of Loud Music on Hearing 02:19 Expert Insights: Dr. Robert Jacker on Hearing Health 03:32 Understanding Sound Levels and Hearing Loss 06:38 Protecting Your Hearing: Practical Tips 09:33 Smartphone Solutions for Hearing Safety 15:54 Encouraging Regular Hearing Tests 18:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts