ScreenStrong Families

Melanie Hempe welcomes Dr. Stacey to discuss the recent pushback against phone-free school initiatives and social media regulations. A recent Wall Street Journal article claims parents are overreacting and that social media isn’t the real culprit behind the teen mental health crisis—but is that true?In this episode, Melanie and Dr. Stacey break down the common arguments against limiting social media use, including:The myth that parents are fearmongeringWhy moderation isn’t the solution we think it isHow delaying access to social media is no different from other safety measures, like seatbelts and driving lawsThe truth about social media’s impact on teen mental healthRather than accepting social media as inevitable, we must empower parents with real solutions to protect childhood and build resilience in the real world. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation that will help you stand firm in your decision to delay social media in your home.Resources: Don’t forget to check out our free Phone-Free Schools Guide.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

Host Mandee Hamann engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Erin Loechner, former social media influencer and founder of The Opt-Out Family movement. Erin shares her journey of stepping away from a digital-centric lifestyle to embrace a low-tech approach, focusing on genuine family connections and intentional living. Drawing from her book, The Opt-Out Family: How to Give Your Kids What Technology Can't, Erin discusses practical strategies for parents aiming to reduce their family's reliance on screens and foster a tech-free culture at home. Tune in to discover how opting out of pervasive technology can lead to a more fulfilling and connected family 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

In this thought-provoking episode, host Mandee Hamann sits down with Andrew Liddell, a career federal courts litigator, technology attorney, and passionate advocate for youth digital civil rights. Together, they dive into educational technology (EdTech) and explore why it may not be as beneficial for children and learning as many believe.Andy shares his insights on the hidden dangers of EdTech, including issues related to data privacy, screen overuse in schools, and the commercialization of childhood education. Drawing from his extensive legal background and advocacy work, he discusses how Big Tech companies have prioritized profit over student well-being and why parents and educators should be concerned about the growing presence of digital learning tools in classrooms.If you're a parent, educator, or policymaker questioning the role of technology in schools, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for a critical conversation that challenges the status quo and empowers families to rethink how kids learn in the digital age.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

Melanie Hempe is joined by Laura Wurzburger to tackle some of the most pressing screen-related parenting questions from our Facebook group. From managing screen-free boredom to motivating kids without video games, we dive into real struggles faced by families just like yours.Topics include:Helping an only child (11) learn to entertain herself without screensFinding effective motivation strategies beyond screen timeTransitioning teens (14-16) to a screen-free lifestyle—success stories and challengesSetting limits on internet access without damaging trustSupporting a neurodivergent child (9, ASD/ADHD/gifted) through screen-time changesMelanie and Laura provide practical tips, expert insights, and encouragement for parents looking to set healthy digital boundaries. Whether you're just starting this journey or rethinking your approach, this episode will give you the tools and confidence to lead your family toward a balanced screen 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

Discover the eye-opening truths about social media from Gen Z leaders who are redefining digital engagement. They share personal stories about the toll of screens on mental health and relationships, emphasizing the need for genuine connections. Learn about the challenges of abstaining from social media and how it can lead to fulfilling interactions. The discussion also highlights practical strategies for families to navigate technology together, promoting a healthier, screen-free lifestyle. It's a conversation filled with insights and empowering ideas!

This episode is shared with permission from Dr. Johann D'Souza and the Virtuous Leaders Podcast.In this episode, Dr. Johann D’Souza talks with Melanie Hempe, RN, founder of ScreenStrong, about her personal journey to combat screen addiction after her son’s struggle with video games. Melanie shares practical tips for parents, including delaying access to social media and smartphones, using tools like Canopy for content filtering, and encouraging offline activities and face-to-face connections.Learn how early education and simple strategies can help protect your child’s mental health and foster a balanced, screen-free lifestyle.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

Thank you all for listening and engaging with the podcast this year. Here are just a few highlights from our 2024 episodes, and we look forward to continuing to see you in 2025!Happy New Year!Episodes Featured (in order of appearance):Dad of 6 Shares Advice for Removing Screens with Michael Rainer (#218)A Psychologist’s Perspective on Screen Addiction with Tom Heidrich (#178)Understanding Dopamine in Developing Brains with Dr. Anna Lembke (#211)Australia Raises Social Media Age to 16: A Conversation with Dany Elachi (#219)From Chaos to Strength: Navigating ScreenStrong Parenting with Christina Rahm (#180)LIVE Teen Q&A on Growing Up Without Addictive Screens (#179)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

Happy New Year! In this special encore episode, Melanie and Dr. Stacey help you start the year off right by debunking common screen myths and offering practical tips to establish healthier screen habits for your family. Discover strategies to reclaim connection, restore balance, and make this year your best ScreenStrong year yet!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

Got questions? We've got answers! In this episode, Melanie and Mandee tackle some of the most pressing holiday concerns from our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group. From managing screen time during the holidays to the benefits of a holiday screen detox and creative ways to keep only children entertained, this episode is packed with practical advice to help your family stay connected and screen-free this season!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

The holidays are here, and many parents are contemplating whether to gift their middle schoolers a smartphone. In this episode, Melanie and Amy, who together have raised eight middle schoolers, dive into why smartphones are the most regretted parenting gift. They explore the science behind middle school brain development, the risks of increased dependence and peer pressure, and the long-term effects on social skills and mental health.Learn why phones should never be given as gifts, how they can lead to stress and arguments, and practical alternatives that will spark joy without the screen-time battles. Plus, Amy and Melanie share ideas for big-ticket, non-tech gifts that will light up your child’s Christmas morning while encouraging creativity, connection, and growth.If you’ve already purchased a phone, don’t worry—there’s still time to make a better choice! Tune in for advice, encouragement, and actionable tips to navigate this challenging decision and keep your holidays ScreenStrong.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