Psychiatry Boot Camp Identifying and Addressing Problematic Screen Use with Dr. Justin Romano
May 18, 2026
Dr. Justin Romano, a child and adolescent psychiatrist and Millennial Mental Health Channel host, breaks down the crisis of problematic screen use. He discusses how addictive app design hijacks developing brains. He covers harms like emotional dysregulation, loneliness, and classroom disruption. Practical family tactics and policy ideas to hold tech companies accountable are also highlighted.
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Screen Time Is Shifting Gen Z Social Behavior
- Increased screen use correlates with Gen Z's reduced in-person socializing, lower sexual activity, and rising loneliness.
- Romano links heavy phone time to sedentary habits and a proposed 'technology a-motivation syndrome' that erodes drive for hobbies.
Screens Erode Children's Emotional Regulation
- Romano observes worsening emotional regulation and frequent classroom meltdowns after kids lost in-person interactions to screens.
- He suggests daily screen hours displace crucial social practice children need to learn frustration tolerance.
Cyberbullying Goes 24 7 And Devastates Teens
- Romano regularly treats youth traumatized by cyberbullying, nude-photo leaks, and swatting incidents that follow them 24/7 via phones.
- He highlights messages telling victims to 'go kill yourself' and nonstop harassment that destroys mental health.