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What if one of the best ways to help your teen spend less time gaming and scrolling is to give them something meaningful to do in the real world? In this episode, Melanie Hempe and Dr. Stacey explore why teens may benefit from having a part-time job—and what the research says about structured activities, screen use, executive function, confidence, responsibility, academics, and long-term outcomes. You'll learn: Why structured time may protect teens from problematic technology useWhat fewer teens working today may mean for adolescent developmentHow a job builds responsibility, confidence, independence, and real-world skillsWhat the research says about working and school performanceWhy age and hours worked matterWhy working more than about 20 hours a week during the school year can become problematicHow to help a screen-focused teen find a job they can actually get excited aboutHow a job can become part of a bigger goal: less screen time and more real lifeThe goal isn't simply to keep your teen busy or take away their screens. It's to help them build a life they don't want to escape from. Listen in—and then start the conversation with your teen about getting a job. 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 HempeProducer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In Part 1, Andrew Hempe explained what he gained from growing up without smartphones or video games. In Part 2, he answers the questions parents and teens ask him most. Andrew starts by admitting the obvious: he did miss out on some things—easy access to pornography, the anxiety and depression tied to social media, and screen addiction itself. His point: not all missing out is bad, and there's a real difference between protecting a child from permanent harm and sheltering them from healthy difficulty. He also walks through what happened when he finally got a smartphone after high school, on his own terms, as a tool rather than a "toy." No social media. No gaming console. Because the habits, hobbies, and delayed-gratification mindset were already in place, the phone never became a crutch. From there, Andrew tackles the arguments parents hear constantly: Why can't my kid just have screens and sports, music, and friends? Won't my child resent me forever? Don't confuse intelligence with maturity, and don't confuse access with preparation.He closes with a direct message to teens listening—that the friendships worth keeping don't depend on a screen—and a reminder to parents that conversations alone won't solve a screen problem; only removing access will. 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 HempeProducer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

What if growing up without a smartphone or video games didn’t mean missing out—but actually meant gaining more? In this episode of the ScreenStrong Families Podcast, 22-year-old Andrew Hempe shares what it was really like to grow up without the addictive screens that are now considered a normal part of childhood. After seeing his older brother struggle with severe gaming addiction, Andrew’s parents made the difficult decision to raise their younger children without smartphones or video games. Andrew explains why he believes he didn’t miss out at all. Instead, he gained four things that have shaped who he is today: strong family relationships, the ability to be comfortable with boredom and discomfort, real-world skills, and deep friendships. He shares personal stories about family dinners, sports, music, school, and friendships—and explains how having more time away from screens gave him the opportunity to develop communication skills, creativity, confidence, perseverance, and meaningful relationships. Andrew also addresses one of parents’ biggest fears: What if my child is the only one without a smartphone or video games? Will they be left out? Will they have friends? His experience offers a powerful perspective for parents who wonder whether protecting childhood from addictive technology means their kids will miss out. Andrew's answer is clear: there is so much more to gain when screens aren't taking up the space meant for childhood. This is Part 1 of a two-part series. In Part 2, Andrew answers the questions he hears most often about growing up this way—including what he actually missed out on, what happened when he eventually got a smartphone, and why some things are worth missing. 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 HempeProducer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

How much technology should kids really be using at school? In this episode of the ScreenStrong Families Podcast, Melanie Hempe and Dr. Stacey explore the growing use of screens, Chromebooks, tablets, educational apps, and AI in schools—and ask the question every parent should be asking: Is technology actually helping our children learn? You’ll learn why the issue isn’t simply “technology is good or bad,” but what technology is replacing. Are screens replacing books, handwriting, play, movement, teacher interaction, conversation, or creative problem-solving? Melanie and Dr. Stacey discuss: Healthy screen time and technology use at schoolWhy teacher interaction and relationships matterTechnology use and young childrenWhat kids need to learn before AI does the work for themHow parents can ask schools better questions about classroom technologyPractical ways to create a more human-centered learning environmentTechnology is a tool—not the foundation. The child is the foundation. If you're concerned about kids and screens, technology in schools, digital learning, or AI in education, this episode will give you practical insights and questions you can take to your child's school. 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 HempeProducer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Originally aired: March, 2022 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 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 HempeProducer & 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 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! 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 HempeProducer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

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! 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 HempeProducer & 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 HempeProducer & 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 HempeProducer & 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 endsHow starting a small business at 14 builds confidence adults can't teachThe difference between consuming and creating and why people respect bothWhy his most vivid memories are from creeks, ballfields, and rained-out camping trips, not screensWhether 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 HempeProducer & 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 HempeProducer & 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 HempeProducer & 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 substancesKey warning signs your child’s screen use may be a deeper issueWhy video games and social media create a false sense of connectionWhat to expect when you take screens away (including withdrawal symptoms)How long it takes for kids to begin resetting emotionally and mentallyThe different levels of support available if your child is strugglingWhy boredom, discomfort, and challenge are essential for developing joyPractical ways to replace screen time with meaningful connectionIf 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 HempeProducer & 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 solutionHow screens are crowding out creativity, boredom, and growthWhy kids are often relieved to unplug (even if they won’t say it)Practical ways to build stronger family connection and digital habitsHow to shift your mindset if you feel late or overwhelmed as a parentIf 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 HempeProducer & 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 HempeProducer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin