Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers Podcast

In this episode of the Screenagers podcast, physician/filmmaker Dr. Delaney Ruston gives some parenting highlights from her movie Screenagers: Elementary School Edition.

Key topics include handling meltdowns during screen time transitions, promoting open communication around social media, and mitigating the negative impacts of violent media.

Practical parenting strategies and the importance of active mediation are emphasized, alongside insights from child psychologist Lizz Dexter-Mazza, PsyD, and media researcher and psychologist Doug Gentile, PhD.

Additional Resources:

Screenagers Website

Bring Screenagers to Your Community

Time Code

00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdote

00:49 Meet Delaney Rustin and Screenagers

00:57 Overview of Screenagers Elementary School Edition

01:49 Parenting Solutions for Screen Time Meltdowns

02:08 Understanding and Managing Meltdowns

03:37 The Importance of Consistency

04:33 Seeking Help for Persistent Issues

04:52 Safety First: Encouraging Open Communication

07:31 Active Mediation vs. Co-Viewing

10:48 Motivational Interviewing with Teens

11:43 Conclusion and Additional Resources

In this episode, host Dr. Delaney discusses problematic social media use with therapist and media addiction expert Tracy Markle. Tracy is the founder and co-director of the Digital Media Treatment and Education Center in Boulder, Colorado.

Tracy explains the critical effects social media can have on teen mental health, particularly in girls and shares the therapeutic approaches she used in working with one teen girl in overcoming problematic social media.

Markle employs a family system approach and shares insights on how she included the mom in the treatment approach.

Resources:

Tracy Markle, MA, LPC founder of Digital Media

Additional Resources:

How to bring the Screenagers movies to your community

Screenagers Website

Time Code:

00:00 Introduction to Screenagers Podcast

01:41 The Impact of Social Media on Teens

02:38 Case Study: A High Schooler's Struggle

03:53 Therapeutic Approaches and Family Systems

05:56 Challenges and Consequences of Social Media Overuse

14:34 Motivational Interviewing and Setting Boundaries

29:25 Skill Building and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Dr. Delaney Ruston explores social media addiction through the story of one young person, Lars, alongside insights from Anna Lembke, MD, chief of addiction medicine at Stanford, and longtime media researcher Douglas Gentile, PhD. Lars's story offers an intimate look at how social media can shape mental health and identity.

The episode examines the many ways compulsive social media use can take hold in a young person's life and digs into the science behind digital addiction. Dr. Ruston and her guests share practical guidance on how to tell when social media use has crossed into clinical addiction and, most importantly, how to help teens who are there, or teetering on the edge, break free.

Featured Experts

Anna Lembke, MD

Douglas Gentile, PhD

Other Resources

Screenagers Website

Bring Screenagers to Your Community

In this episode, Dr Ruston is joined by journalist and author Catherine Price, author of How To Break Up With Your Phone. They discuss her 2026 book co-authored with Jonathan Haidt, 'The Amazing Generation,' aimed at empowering kids to be tech-savvy and foster real-world connections.

The conversation includes practical tips for managing tech use in families and the concept of 'The Rebels Code' for kids to use technology wisely. In addition Price shares details about tech time limits with her 10 year old daughter.

Expert

Catherine Price

Books

The Amazing Generation by Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price

How To Break Up With Your Phone by Catherine Price

Other Resources

Screenagers Website

Bring Screenagers to Your Community

Time Code

00:00 Introduction to Parenting in the Screen Age

00:18 Meet Catherine Price: Breaking Up with Your Phone

01:11 The Genesis of The Amazing Generation

04:18 The Structure and Purpose of The Amazing Generation

06:21 Real-Life Applications and Parental Guidance

18:48 Practical Tips for Managing Screen Time

25:28 Conclusion and Resources

Struggling to get on the same page with your co-parent about screen time rules? Worried that enforcing boundaries might harm your relationship with your teen?

In this episode, Delaney talks with renowned family psychologist and author Dr. Laura Kastner about the tricky, but crucial, process of setting and upholding screen time rules. Together, they explore a practical roadmap built around The Four Cs: Calm, Confidence, Co-Parent Unity, and Collaboration.

Packed with relatable examples and expert-backed strategies, this conversation will help you navigate resistance and hold boundaries that support your child's emotional development and well-being.

Featured Expert

Laura Kastner, PhD

Books

Getting To Calm, by Laura Kastner, PhD

Wise Minded Parenting, by Laura Kastner, PhD

Additional Resources:

Screenagers Website

Bring Screenagers to Your Community

Time Code

00:00 Understanding the Core Issue: Fear and Relationships

00:27 Introduction to Parenting in the Screen Age

00:45 Challenges of Setting Screen Time Boundaries

01:10 Real-Life Examples of Unpopular Rules

02:31 Interview with Dr. Laura Kasner: The Four Cs

02:58 Applying the Four Cs to Real Scenarios

04:45 Staying Calm and Confident

06:23 Co-Parenting and Collaboration

08:39 Handling Teen Reactions and Family Meetings

12:18 Polarization and Parental Unity

20:03 Concluding Thoughts and Resources

What happens when a high school struggling with smartphone distractions takes a bold step and starts locking away all devices, midway through the school year?

Even more unusual: the phones aren't just put away; they're locked up in classrooms for the entire day, except during lunch.

Dr. Delaney interviews Principal Deanna Albert to explore how implementing 'Away for the Day' policies transformed both learning and social interactions at Hardin High School.

Deanna shares the challenges and successes of making this shift, including how it improved student engagement, reduced distractions, and curbed social media-related issues.

Featured Expert

Principal Deanna Albert

Additional Resources:

Screenagers Website

Bring Screenagers to Your Community

Additional Links

http://awayfortheday.org/

Time Code

00:00 Introduction

00:15 About Screenagers & Away For The Day

01:04 Campaign Success and Challenges

01:38 Issues with Phone Policies in Schools

02:29 Interview with Principal Deanna Albert

04:42 Implementing the New Phone Policy

08:43 Positive Outcomes and Challenges

11:23 Community and Legal Implications

15:14 Final Thoughts and Resources

This week we return to a popular episode, originally published in Jan 2025, where Dr. Delaney dives into the world of Roblox and examines how in-game purchases impact young people, featuring insights from two young Roblox players and Mark Edwards, a therapist specializing in excessive video game use among teens.

The episode explores the challenges of spending real money on virtual items in games like Roblox and Fortnite — think Robux or V-Bucks — and delves into key issues such as personal values, impulse control, financial literacy, and addiction.

Suitable for both adults and teens, this episode also provides practical advice for parents on fostering conversations about digital spending and guiding their kids toward making more thoughtful financial decisions in the gaming world

Guest:

Mark Edwards, MS, MFT

Additional Resources:

Screenagers Website

Bring Screenagers to Your Community

Time Codes:

00:00 Introduction

01:04 Interview with Teen Roblox Players

04:35 Therapist's Perspective on Virtual Spending

06:35 Understanding Loot Boxes

10:19 Parental Guidance and Financial Literacy

15:55 Practical Tips for Parents

25:11 Conclusion and Resources

How are students really using ChatGPT and other AI tools for school work? What do they see as acceptable? And where do they draw the line? What happens when AI is used for creative projects, and at what cost?

In this episode of Parenting in the Screen Age, Delaney Ruston, MD, explores the impact of AI tools like ChatGPT on student learning and academic integrity. She shares interviews with college students who talk candidly about using AI for academic purposes, what they will and won't do, and how they navigate ethical gray areas. One student recounts being accused of cheating with AI, and we learn how she got through the experience.

The episode encourages parents, educators, and students to have ongoing conversations about the responsible use of AI technologies in and beyond the classroom.

Additional Resources

Screenagers Website

Bring Screenagers to Your Community‍

‍‍‍Time Code

00:00 Introduction

00:47 The Rise of AI in Education

01:46 Student Interviews: Creative Uses of AI

06:47 Student Interviews: Academic Uses of AI

14:53 Student Interviews: Ethical Concerns and Personal Choices

17:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In many schools today, students hesitate to give class presentations. Not because of stage fright, but because they're afraid of being secretly recorded and mocked on social media.

Principals across the country are spending their time managing the aftermath of incidents sparked by viral trends like "Ship or Dip" posts. Physical altercations between students are often filmed by bystanders and shared online, amplifying the harm.

In this episode, Dr. Ruston visits a middle school in Washington State and sits down with Principal Zach to explore what happened when phones were allowed on campus and how things changed dramatically once new policies were put in place.

Zach shares the powerful transformation his school has experienced, and how restorative practices are helping students learn healthier ways to resolve conflict.

This episode is intended for both adult and teen audiences.

Featured Expert

Zach - Middle School Principal

Additional Links

http://awayfortheday.org/

Anti-Bullying Campaigns

Cyberbullying: How does your child define it?

Truths And Myths About Cyberbullying

Time Code

00:00 Introduction and Personal Story

00:27 The Impact of Smartphones in Schools

01:11 Real-Life Examples of Digital Cruelty

03:44 School Policies to Combat Phone-Related Issues

04:02 Principal Zach's Experience and Insights

07:10 The Culture Shift and Restorative Practices

13:02 Student Rights and Reporting System

16:07 Understanding Multiple Perspectives

16:52 Building Empathy and Conflict Resolution

19:15 Restorative Circles and Safe Spaces

21:10 The Role of Social Media in Conflict

23:26 Addressing Inappropriate Behavior

24:02 Conclusion and Resources

Originally published Jan 2024

In this episode of The Screenagers Podcast, Dr. Delaney Ruston explores the complex issue of weed use among teenagers in today's digital world. The discussion delves into how cannabis is portrayed and often glamorized on social media and the potential risks this poses to young people, including addiction and mental health concerns.

The episode also sheds light on the cannabis industry's lack of stringent regulation and the dangers of high THC products. Importantly, Dr. Ruston offers practical strategies for parents to engage in effective and meaningful conversations with their teens about cannabis use.

Research References:

Potency levels of regulated cannabis products in Michigan 2021–2022 (Journal of Forensic Sciences)

Recent rapid decrease in adolescents' perception that marijuana is harmful, but no concurrent increase in use (Drug and Alcohol Dependence)

Acute Mental Health Symptoms in Adolescent Marijuana Users (JAMA Pediatrics)

Featured Experts:

Sharon Levy, MD

Pam Ling, MD

Additional Links:

Recovery support in general

Marajuana anonymous

Timecode:

00:04 Introduction to the Podcast

00:38 Teenagers' Perspective on Cannabis and Social Media

01:53 The Intersection of Cannabis Use and Screen Time

02:28 Medical Misconceptions about Cannabis

03:59 Personal Stories of Cannabis Use and Mental Health

04:19 The Risks of Cannabis Use for Mental Health

05:47 The Reality of Cannabis Addiction

09:26 The Impact of High THC Concentration in Cannabis

11:28 The Role of Vaping in Cannabis Use

12:33 The Need for Regulation in the Cannabis Industry

16:11 Strategies for Talking to Teens about Cannabis

18:52 Seeking Help for Cannabis Addiction

21:19 Personal Strategies for Decreasing Cannabis Use

22:27 Conclusion and Acknowledgements

Why do some kids and teens get overly frustrated and bored when it's time to turn off their video games? How to know when game playing has become excessive? What are tips that all families should know for ensuring healthy video game play?

In today's episode of The Screenagers Podcast, Dr. Delaney Ruston explores these issues along with a new model of brain biology to help explain irritability and boredom associated with video gaming. We hear from teens along with psychiatrist Dr. Clifford Sussman who specializes in helping young people regain tech balance.

We also hear from Andrew Fulton who was in the film, Screenagers, when he was getting treatment at an internet rehab center, and is now working at the same center helping others recover from video game overuse.

Additional Links

Andrew in this episode works at the internet recovery center called reStart

To learn more about Dr. Clifford Sussman, go to his website.

Dr. Sussman et al., Internet and Video Game Addictions: Diagnosis, Epidemiology and Neurobiology.

Here are links to some Tech Talk Tuesday articles about video games:

• Digital Binging, Is it a Problem?
• Why 3 Hours is Too Much
• Fake Identities and Real Concerns
• Watch What Happens When Kids Have No Screen Time Rules

‍

Additional Resources

Screenagers Website

Bring Screenagers to Your Community

In today's episode, Dr. Ruston interviews tech journalist Manoush Zomorodi about her book Body Electric and a movement to normalize periodic movement breaks from screens.

Zomorodi talks about research that shows five minutes of gentle movement every 30 minutes can significantly improve glucose, blood pressure, focus, mood, and energy, and explains a large self-reported project with 20,000 participants testing breaks every 30 minutes, hour, or two hours.

They discuss why standing desks aren't enough, how movement supports circulation and cognition, practical habit strategies, and parenting approaches to help motivate kids to move, such as framing movement as something kids "get to" do.

Expert:

Manoush Zomorodi

Book:

Body Electric: The Hidden Health Costs of the Digital Age and New Science to Reclaim Your Well-Being,by Manoush Zomorodi

Research References:

Breaking Up Prolonged Sitting to Improve Cardiometabolic Risk: Dose-Response Analysis of a Randomized Crossover Trial, Keith Diaz, PhD et al.

Resources:

Screenagers Website

Bring Screenagers to Your Community

Time Code:

00:00 Show Updates

00:28 Meet Manoush

02:40 Why Screens Exhaust Us

04:13 Five Minute Fix

06:49 Testing Movement Breaks

08:24 Citizen Science Approach

11:56 Lab Results Surprise

15:28 Standing Desk Myth

18:04 Making Breaks Stick

20:46 Listening to Your Body

21:30 Movement Mindset Shift

22:22 Screenagers Films Break

23:13 Parenting Without Shame

24:42 The Pandemic Questionnaire

26:35 Did You Get to Move

27:24 Airport Workouts Legacy

28:08 Tracking Steps Without Pressure

30:21 Be the Weirdo at Work

32:17 Movement Experiments With Kids

33:04 Part Two Tease and Resources

33:50 Where to Find Manoush

34:44 Podcast Wrap and Credits

Kids and teens are experiencing less independence than in the past — whether due to screen time, parents' fears of letting them roam freely, or other factors. It's a problem. But why? And what can be done?

In this episode, host Dr. Delaney Ruston discusses this important topic with journalist Lenore Skenazy, who was labeled "America's Worst Mom" after letting her 9-year-old take the New York City subway home alone. Skenazy has spent years sounding the alarm on the harms of decreased youth autonomy, including co-founding Let Grow with psychologists Jonathan Haidt and Peter Gray.

This episode explores the factors contributing to decreased independence and offers tools for parents and schools to combat this trend. It also examines the role of technology and tracking devices in this context, addressing both their benefits and potential pitfalls. This episode is intended for adult and teen audiences.

Featured Expert

Lenore Skenazy

Books

Free Range Kids by Lenore Skenazy

Research References

Mott Poll Report: Promoting children's Independence: What parents say vs do

Media violence, physical aggression, and relational aggression in school age children: a short-term longitudinal study. (Aggressive Behavior)

Additional Resources

Lenore Skenazy's blog

http://letgrow.org/

Time Code

00:00 Introduction

00:20 The Decline of Children's Autonomy

01:02 Challenges in Encouraging Independence

01:22 Parental Concerns and Media Influence

02:00 Exploring Solutions with Lenore Skenazy

02:39 Lenore's Controversial Parenting Decision

08:21 The Birth of Free Range Kids Movement

10:07 Statistics and Parental Fears

18:05 Let Grow Initiative and School Programs

22:34 Technology's Role in Children's Independence

32:44 Conclusion and Resources

Host Delaney Ruston, MD, delves into this complex topic with Lisa Wade, PhD, researcher and author of American Hookup. Lisa shares insights from her 15 years of research, offering a deep understanding of sexual dynamics on college campuses, as explored in her book.

We examine the nuances of the term "hookup," the implications of hookup culture, the role of alcohol, and the varied experiences of students. This episode is essential for both parents and students, addressing misconceptions and providing practical advice for navigating relationships and sexual encounters in the complex college landscape.

Featured Expert

Lisa Wade, PhD

Books

American Hookup: The New Culture of Sex on Campus, By Lisa Wade, PhD

Additional Resources

Screenagers Website

Bring Screenagers to Your Community

Time Code

00:00 Introduction

03:21 Interview with Lisa Wade

05:58 Understanding What is meant by 'Hookup Culture'

07:21 The Role of Alcohol

09:34 Student Perspectives

20:52 Parental Guidance and Advice

27:07 Conclusion and Resources

When your child breaks a rule or misbehaves, do you feel unsure what consequences to impose? Do you avoid discipline altogether, or worry your responses are too harsh? Dr. Ruston talks about this with Tammy Fisher Huson, PhD, a beloved school counselor, trainer of counselors, and the author of two books: Fearless Parenting and There's Always Something Going Right.

Tammy provides a roadmap for addressing broken rules and digs into consequences for real scenarios. For example, when a teen spends excessive time with an AI companion through video gaming, another who secretly subscribed to Snapchat Plus on a parent's credit card, and a child who lies about homework. Huson also offers advice to parents when their kid gets into trouble at school.

Expert:

Tammy Fisher Huson, PhD

Books:

Fearless Parenting, Stepping Into Life's Greatest Role Using The Nurtured Heart Approach by Tammy Fisher Huson

There's Always Something Going Right: Workbook for Creating Truly Great Schools by Tammy Fisher Huson and Louisa Triandis

Additional Resources:

Data From 50 States: Teachers See Student Behavior as a Significant Problem, in Education Week, March 13, 2026

Screenagers Website

Bring Screenagers to Your Community

Time Code:

00:00 Welcome and Topic Setup

01:53 Consequences as Privileges

03:34 Partnering With Schools

06:22 Snap Plus Credit Card Lesson

07:49 Let Teens Choose Consequences

12:52 Sponsor Break Screenagers Films

13:42 Homework Lies and Curiosity

15:41 Menu of Choices and Earning Back

19:13 AI Companions and Tough Limits

23:25 Village Support and Wrap Up

25:27 Final Thanks and Subscribe

With AI continuing to be an ever-growing presence in our lives and our kids' lives, we're revisiting this episode where host, Dr. Delaney Ruston, MD, interviews Natalie Foos, director of VoiceBox and lead author of the eye-opening report, "Coded Companions: Young People's Relationships with AI Chat Bots."

The discussion centers on the risks posed by AI chatbots in young people's lives, using examples like Snapchat's My AI and the AI companion app Replika. The report provides concrete examples of deeply troubling things the AIs said to users during testing, conducted with young adults aged 18 to 24.

They discuss concerning features, such as how My AI uses location tracking to target young users with ads and emphasize the importance of educating both youth and adults about the potential dangers of AI companions, particularly regarding data privacy, emotional impact, and ethical implications.

Resources

Coded Companions: Young People's Relationships With AI Chat Bots

Natalie Foos, Director of VoiceBox

VoiceBox

VoiceBox's Ambassador Program

Can A.I. Be Blamed for a Teen's Suicide?, New York Times, Oct 24, 2024

Additional Resources

Screenagers Website

Bring Screenagers to Your Community

Time Codes:

00:00 Introduction to Screenagers Podcast

00:11 Exploring Companion Chatbots

00:28 Interview with Natalie Foos: VoiceBox and Youth Voices

00:57 Coded Companions Report: AI Chatbots and Youth

01:26 Snapchat's MyAI: Features and Concerns

05:43 Replika: Customizable AI Companions

12:40 Ethical Concerns and Data Privacy

16:42 Emotional Impact of AI Relationships

25:38 Potential Harms and Risks

28:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Confused about ADHD or looking for effective ways to support a child or teen? Dr. Ruston is joined by Erin Schoenfelder Gonzalez, PhD, a clinical psychologist at Seattle Children's Hospital, who explains how ADHD is diagnosed and how symptoms evolve from childhood through adolescence. They explore both the strengths and challenges associated with the condition.

The episode focuses on research-based strategies that parents and other adults can use to support youth, including "point-of-performance" actions, preventing "dopamine cliffs," and other approaches for managing screen time, physical activity, and sleep. Dr. Schoenfelder Gonzalez also shares her work developing FAST (First Approach Skills Training), a free, evidence-based program designed to give parents practical tools to support youth with ADHD and other conditions.

Featured Expert‍

Erin Schoenfelder Gonzalez, PhD

‍

Research References

Sibley, M. et al. Non-pharmacological interventions for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents. Lancet Child & Adolescent Health. 2023

Sharma, A. et al. Stimulant medications affect arousal and reward, not attention networks. Cell, 2025.

Resources‍

Fast Approach Skills Training Program

‍Additional Resources

Screenagers Website

Bring Screenagers to Your Community‍

‍‍‍‍

Time Code

00:00 Welcome and Topic Setup

01:34 Meet Dr Erin Felder Gonzalez

02:37 Why ADHD Not ADD

03:33 ADHD Across Ages

08:14 Motivation and Reward Brain

09:53 Explaining ADHD Positively

11:59 ADHD and Mood Struggles

12:59 Screenagers Films Break

13:49 Parent Training Big Picture

17:10 Positive Reinforcement Skills

18:50 Family Media Plan Basics

21:59 Handling Screen Limit Pushback

24:50 Transitions and Consequences

27:10 Choosing Better Content

29:06 Physical Activity in Teens

31:26 Sleep Challenges and Tips

34:51 ADHD Brain Differences

36:54 FAST Program Resources

37:52 Community Support and Wrap

39:19 Final Thanks and Subscribe

What are the risks of regularly handing an upset child a screen to soothe them? How can we help younger kids handle their big emotions related to screen time rules? How can you get evidence-based answers to any screen time question, straight from the AAP?

Dr. Ruston speaks with pediatricians and researchers Dr. Megan Moreno and Dr. Jenny Radesky, who helped launch and now oversee the American Academy of Pediatrics' Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health.

Dr. Moreno is a professor of pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and co-medical director of the center. Dr. Radesky is an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Michigan Medical School and director of the Division of Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics.

Together, they share their research and insights on children, screens, and how families can get trusted guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Featured Experts

Megan Moreno, MD

Jenny Radesky, MD

Resources

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health

The AAP's Family Media Plan Tool

‍Additional Resources

Screenagers Website

Bring Screenagers to Your Community

Time Code

00:00 Meet the Experts

00:28 Megan's Early Social Media Cases

01:36 Jenny's Relational Health Lens

02:33 Screens as Regulation Research

04:50 Calm Without the iPad

08:14 AAP Family Media Plan

10:48 Problem Solving With Fast Tech

13:24 Key Rules for Teens

16:19 Content Choices for Little Kids

Dr. Delaney sits down with acclaimed developmental psychologist David Yeager, Ph.D., to discuss his groundbreaking book, 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People.

Together, they delve into the transformative power of adopting a mentor mindset to simplify parenting — especially when tackling tech time challenges. Learn why combining high standards with high support is a game-changer, and uncover the key elements of "wise feedback" that make it so impactful, as shown across various studies.

This episode offers science-backed communication techniques on topics like respectful versus disrespectful language, validation, cooperative problem-solving, and more. Parents will walk away with practical strategies to approach screen time struggles with confidence and clarity.

Featured Expert

David Yeager, PhD

Books

The Science of Motivating Young People, by David Yeager

Belonging: The Science of Creating Connection and Bridging Divides, by Geoffrey L. Cohen

Research References

•

Yeager, D. et al. Breaking the cycle of mistrust: Wise interventions to provide critical feedback across the racial divide. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 143(2), 804–824, 2014.

•

Dobson, K. et al. A Transparency Statement Improves Community-Police Interactions. Research Square (Research Square), 2022.

•

Yeager, D. et al. A Transparency Statement Transforms Community-Police Interactions. Research Square (Research Square), 2022.

•

Telzer, E. et al. Ventral striatum activation to prosocial rewards predicts longitudinal declines in adolescent risk taking. Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, 3, 45–52, 2013.

Time Code

00:00 Introduction to the Screenagers Podcast

00:23 Meet David Yeager: Growth Mindset and Mentor Mindset

02:34 The Mentor's Dilemma: Balancing Criticism and Support

04:23 Wise Feedback: The Key to Motivating Youth

10:17 Transparency and Benevolent Intentions

12:45 Understanding Adolescent Motivation: Status and Respect

17:42 The Role of Testosterone in Adolescent Development

20:47 Respectful Communication: The Vegemite Experiment

24:15 Testosterone and Behavior

25:50 Parenting Challenges and Mentor Mindset

27:04 The Science of Nagging

29:25 Effective Communication with Teens

32:45 Collaborative Troubleshooting

34:41 Balancing Screen Time and Life Goals

36:53 The Enforcer vs. Mentor Mindset

41:30 Concluding Thoughts and Resources

Could we imagine a world in which nicotine products did not exist? Could such a world be shaped by teens working together to make it happen, and what might that mean for public health?

25-year-old Raven Twilling, Program Coordinator for Bay Area Community Resources in Marin County, discusses how she has helped organize teens to make nicotine products illegal to sell in two California towns. She shares her journey from noticing vaping trends in high school to studying public health and working in her current role.

Raven highlights recent successful initiatives, including complete bans on the sale of commercial tobacco and nicotine products in Ross and Tiburon, California.

Most importantly, she explains how young people played a central role in these efforts and how listening to this episode with young people may spark interest in civic action and advocacy.

Resources

Bay Area Community Resources

Marin County Tobacco Prevention Program

Public Health Law Center

Truth Initiative (educational content)

Marin Youth Advocacy Committee

KickIt California (free quit support for anyone in CA 13+)

Tiburon News Article

Ross News Article

Board of Supervisors (Marin Unincorporated) News Article

Time Code

00:00 Introduction to Raven and BACR

00:16 Raven's Journey into Nicotine Prevention

01:38 Current Work and Responsibilities at BACR

02:46 Policy Advocacy and Recent Wins

03:51 Arguments for Nicotine Product Bans

06:13 Youth Involvement and Community Impact

07:51 Process of Implementing Local Laws

11:44 Marin County's Recent Policy Changes

25:58 Challenges and Enforcement Issues

27:11 Encouraging Youth Involvement

28:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts