

ScreenStrong Families
Melanie Hempe, BSN
After her oldest son, Adam, dropped out of college due to his video game addiction, Melanie Hempe, BSN, put her nursing degree and training from Emory University to good use and founded ScreenStrong. It’s her mission to create educational programs for kids and parents so no one will experience the pain of screen addiction. Her ability to simplify medical science and provide practical solutions for families has allowed her to share her passion and bold screen solutions nationally. ScreenStrong has won the hearts of many families who are preventing and reversing childhood screen conflicts and addiction.Host of the popular weekly ScreenStrong Families Podcast, Melanie has been featured in Psychology Today, Thrive-Global, The Wall Street Journal, A&E Network, CBS, CNN, NPR, the documentary Screened Out, and various news and television outlets. Her ScreenStrong Kids’ Brains and Screens Courses are available for parents and students. Her four books include, “Kids’ Brains & Screens: A ScreenStrong Student Course,” “Will Your Gamer Survive College?” “Can Your Teen Survive—and Thrive—Without a Smartphone?” and “The ScreenStrong Solution: How to Free Your Child from Addictive Screen Habits.”
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 18, 2023 • 1h 27min
48 Benefits Living 48 Months ScreenStrong with Evan & Andrew Hempe (#169)
Join us for an enlightening episode as Evan and Andrew Hempe share their incredible journey of living 48 months as ScreenStrong Teens, completely free from smartphones and video games. They take us through their unique experiences and reveal a list of 48 surprising benefits they discovered during this bold experiment.This episode is all about the unexpected rewards and transformations that come from disconnecting in a hyper-connected world. Whether you're a parent seeking insight into managing screen time or someone looking to find balance with technology, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways.Support the showDon'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 Hempe Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Oct 11, 2023 • 1h 11min
What Parents Need to Know About Roblox, Sleepovers, and Snapchat with Officer Gomez (#168)
Join us in this episode as we dive into the world of Roblox, sleepovers, and Snapchat with invaluable insights from our friend Officer Gomez, a School Resource Officer (SRO) and sworn Deputy of the Boise County Sheriff’s Department. Discover what parents need to know to keep their children safe and informed in today's digital age. From the challenges of online gaming to the issues of sleepovers and the nuances of Snapchat, Officer Gomez shares expert advice to help you navigate these crucial aspects of your child's life. Support the showDon'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 Hempe Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Oct 4, 2023 • 1h 3min
Who's Raising the Kids with Susan Linn (#167)
Today, we are honored to welcome Susan Linn, the author of "Who's Raising the Kids," to our podcast. We love the title of her book because it encapsulates the essence of being ScreenStrong!One of the most significant, albeit often invisible, risks parents confront in childhood screen overuse is the unintentional surrender of our children to a virtual caregiver. We lose our kids daily—not physically, but emotionally, as they gravitate toward virtual families.The issue with childhood screen use is multifaceted, but in ScreenStrong's view, the most pressing concern is the detachment disorder between children and parents that is becoming all too common. Kids naturally bond with the things they spend the most time with, and it's beautiful when that bond is with their family. However, it becomes a cause for concern when that bond is primarily formed with screens, games, or social media, as Susan will expertly shed light on during this conversation.LINKS:Who’s Raising the Kids?: Big Tech, Big Business, and the Lives of Children by Susan LinnSupport the showDon'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 Hempe Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Sep 27, 2023 • 57min
Walker's Story: Social Media and Teen Sextortion with Brian Montgomery (#166)
In this episode, Melanie is joined by Brian Montgomery, a husband and father of four who courageously shares his family’s heartbreaking story. Brian’s son, Walker, tragically took his life due to the devastating effects of sextortion on Instagram. Brian’s unwavering transparency about this tragic event is an invaluable gift to us all.In this emotionally charged conversation, Brian imparts invaluable advice for parents, reflecting on what he wishes he had known sooner. By opening up about Walker's story, Brian aims to ensure that no other family endures the same unbearable pain that his did. Join us as we honor Walker's memory and explore critical information that can help protect our children in the digital age.Read more about the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA).Support the showDon'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 Hempe Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Sep 20, 2023 • 32min
ScreenStrong: Breaking The Addiction and Saving Your Kids with Pete Kaliner (#165)
We have a special treat today! Melanie was recently on The Pete Kaliner Show to discuss ScreenStrong and some key points about screen use, such as why fifteen is the worst age for a smartphone, the difference between Android and iPhones, and how screens are overprotecting our kids and teens.Tune in to this episode to better understand the history, science, and solutions behind ScreenStrong's mission to support healthy screen use for our youngest generations. Learn why ScreenStrong's approach stands out as one of the best in the field and how it can positively impact the lives of children and families.Reserve your spot for the ScreenStrong event in Charlotte, NC, October 12-14, 2023*Originally aired on The Pete Kaliner Show on 9/18/23*Support the showDon'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 Hempe Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Sep 13, 2023 • 48min
From Little Gamers to College Gamers: Reversing the Long-Term Consequences of Early Gaming Dependency (#164)
In today's episode, join Melanie Hempe as she reviews an often-overlooked long-term consequence of childhood gaming dependency: failure to thrive in college. Melanie shares warning signs and offers practical tips for both parents and teenagers to address and reverse these issues effectively. In addition, she explains how this bad habit can take root well before high school and why parents need to care about early gaming habits.This episode serves as a powerful call to action, reminding parents of the crucial need to take early gaming habits seriously in order to foster healthier, well-rounded futures for their children. Don't miss out on this important conversation!ReferencesWashington Post Article: Young Men Are Gaming More. Are They Working Less? ScreenStrong Blog: Will Your Gamer Survive College? Book: Will Your Gamer Survive College? by Melanie Hempe. Or get the e-book for free in our Connect+ group!October 2023 Event in Charlotte, NCSupport the showDon'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 Hempe Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Sep 6, 2023 • 54min
A Psychiatrist Reviews Our BRAND NEW Student Course with Dr. Adriana Stacey (#163)
THE STUDENT COURSE IS HERE!!! Our team is over the moon to finally present the brand new ScreenStrong Student Course. We have been working day and night for months to bring you this amazing content. Melanie is joined by Dr. Stacey who graciously reviewed the Student Course and is here to give her opinion on why it's the BEST screen education for kids to date.Visit our website for more details about the Student Course which is NOW AVAILABLE!Support the showDon'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 Hempe Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Aug 30, 2023 • 49min
Carson's Story: Cyberbullying and Teen Suicide with Kristin Bride (#162)
Melanie is joined by Kristin Bride, a social media reform advocate whose son, Carson, died by suicide as a result of cyberbullying on Snapchat and other anonymous apps. It is her heart's desire to get her family's message out about the deadly dangers of what parents think are innocent apps. Kristin testified before the Senate Committee in Feb of 2023.Please call your US Senator and ask them to support KOSA for the Senate floor vote in September.Read about the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA).Get educated on the algorithms that feed our children harmful information.Find your state's laws on cyberbullying: stopbullying.gov.Support the showDon'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 Hempe Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Aug 23, 2023 • 58min
ENCORE: Why Screens Are Failing Students and Frustrating Teachers with Matt Miles (#61)
ScreenStrong welcomes everyone back to school with this ENCORE episode in which Melanie is joined by our friend Matt Miles, a teacher and co-author of Screen Schooled: Two Veteran Teachers Expose How Technology Overuse Is Making Our Kids Dumber. Matt is a passionate educator and advocate for his students. With his uniquely bold convictions, Matt Miles talks about the counterproductive nature of "ed tech," the social anxiety that screens perpetuate in students, and tips for parents to communicate with educators regarding screen use in the classroom. Support the showDon'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 Hempe Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Aug 16, 2023 • 59min
Five Tips After Five Years As a ScreenStrong Family with Emily Harrison (#161)
On today's episode, Melanie is joined by ScreenStrong Ambassador Emily Harrison as she reflects on the last five years as a ScreenStrong family. Emily offers up some fantastic tips that she's learned along the way, and it's lovely to hear how her family's life has been forever changed.Support the showDon'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 Hempe Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin


