The Dispatch Podcast Your Children Are Too Online | Interview: Dr. Jean Twenge
Nov 24, 2025
Dr. Jean Twenge, a psychology professor and author known for her work on adolescent behavior and technology, delves into the complex world of parenting in a digital age. She discusses the detrimental effects of screen time before bed, advocating for stricter rules like keeping phones out of bedrooms. Twenge emphasizes a balanced approach to technology use and suggests tying smartphone access to maturity milestones, like getting a driver's license. Her insights also touch on the importance of community support, digital safety, and real-world responsibilities for kids.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Bedrooms Are Device-Free Zones
- Keep phones and screens out of kids' bedrooms to protect sleep and mental health.
- Remove devices even if 'off' because presence alone disrupts sleep and bedtime routines.
Pair Conversations With Guardrails
- Don't rely on conversations alone; set concrete rules and parental controls for devices.
- Use guardrails because algorithms and design push engagement beyond willpower.
Start With Kids' Phones, Not Smartphones
- Delay full smartphones; give kids simple phones without social media or browsers first.
- Use kid-focused devices like Gabb or Pinwheel as stopgaps until maturity increases.
