Upside-Down Parenting Why We Need a Tech Reset w/ Arlene Pellicane | Ep. 60, Pt. 1
Sep 4, 2026
Arlene Pellicane, author and Christian speaker, explores how technology is reshaping childhood and family life. She unpacks its four ABCD harms, from anxiety amplification to dopamine-driven habits. They discuss biblical perspectives on screens, why parents must model healthy tech use, and how shared boundaries can open space for creativity, relationships, faith, and real-world freedom.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Why Families Are Ready For A Tech Reset
- Families are reaching a tech-reset moment as evidence links screen-centered childhoods with academic, social, and emotional harm.
- Arlene cites depression increases of 145% for teen girls and 161% for boys since 2010.
The Four Ways Technology Harms Childhood
- Personal devices can amplify anxiety, replace childhood, encourage passivity, and create powerful dopamine-driven habits.
- Arlene’s ABCD framework means anxiety amplifier, bad babysitter, childhood killer, and dopamine dealer.
Judge Technology By What It Cultivates
- Technology should be judged by whether it helps children love God, develop character, and engage meaningfully with others.
- Arlene connects constant device use with biblical warnings about idols and reaping what children sow.
