We often hear about social media’s impact on body image, but what can we learn from someone who’s lived it firsthand, developing a serious exercise and eating disorder?

Dr. Delaney Ruston sits down with Isabelle, a teen who bravely shares her journey from body dysmorphia to a severe eating disorder, struggles made worse by the constant stream of triggering content on platforms like TikTok.

Isabelle opens up about how social media shaped her self-perception and how therapy, hospitalization, and strong family support helped her begin to heal.

With candid insights from Isabelle and her parents, this episode explores the real risks of social media use and sets the stage for a follow-up conversation with a leading eating disorder expert.

This episode is intended for adult and teen audiences but please note it includes discussion of eating disorders, body image, and related experiences, so please listen with care.

If you or someone you love is affected by any of the issues we talk about today, you’ll find a list of support resources below.

Resources:

National Alliance for Eating Disorders (“The Alliance”)

• Website: allianceforeatingdisorders.com

• Free helpline: 866‑662‑1235 (Mon–Fri, 9am–7pm ET)

• Offers: Personalized support and referrals. Also operates https://www.findEDhelp.com, a free directory of eating disorder treatment centers and providers.

National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)

• Website: nationaleatingdisorders.org

• Offers: Free screening tools, treatment locators, support group listings, and educational materials.

Crisis Text Line

• Website: crisistextline.org

• Text “HOME” to 741‑741 to chat with a trained crisis counselor, or use the live chat at the website

• Offers: 24/7 mental health support, resources, and crisis intervention.

The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth)

• Website: thetrevorproject.org

• Text “START” to 678‑678 to connect with a crisis counselor

• Offers: 24/7 crisis support, online chat, and mental health resources tailored to LGBTQ+ youth.

Time Codes:

00:00 Introduction to Parenting in the Screen Age

00:19 The Impact of Media on Teen Body Image

00:46 Influencers and the Promotion of Eating Disorders

02:21 Isabel's Journey with an Eating Disorder

03:26 The Role of Social Media in Isabel's Struggle

05:11 Family Perspectives on Isabel's Experience

11:48 The Turning Point: Seeking Treatment

12:55 Life After Treatment: Recovery and Reflections

17:08 Advice for Parents and Teens

20:40 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

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

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

How risky are the high volumes blasting through the earpods that poke into our kids’ ears? What about our adult ears?

In this episode, Dr. Delaney Ruston explores the fascinating world of hearing health and the risks associated with exposure to loud noises, especially through headphones and earphones.

Delaney is joined by Dr. Robert Jackler, MD, a researcher and neurotologist from Stanford, who discusses the mechanics of hearing loss, the dangers of excessive noise exposure, and practical steps to protect hearing.

The show provides numerous productive ways for parents and youth to engage in conversations about all the loud sounds streaming into their ears, whether from platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, or from online content and video games. It is intended for adult and youth audiences.

Featured Expert

Dr. Robert Jackler, MD

Additional Links

Mimi Hearing Test App

Time code

00:00 Introduction

01:49 The Impact of Loud Music on Hearing

02:19 Expert Insights: Dr. Robert Jacker on Hearing Health

03:32 Understanding Sound Levels and Hearing Loss

06:38 Protecting Your Hearing: Practical Tips

09:33 Smartphone Solutions for Hearing Safety

15:54 Encouraging Regular Hearing Tests

18:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Why is it so hard for teens and young adults to cut back on social media — even when they truly want to? What emotional triggers keep pulling them back onto apps, and what actually happens once they're there?

In this episode of Parenting in the Screen Age, host Dr. Delaney Ruston explores these questions with Dr. Katie Davis, a leading expert on youth and technology. Dr. Davis is a professor at the University of Washington’s Information School, with an adjunct appointment in the College of Education. She co-directs the UW Digital Youth Lab and is the author of three books on how technology shapes young people’s learning, development, and well-being.

They dive into a recent study by Dr. Davis that explores the emotional and situational drivers behind teens’ social media use—from the triggers that lead them to open an app to what happens emotionally while they’re on it. The research offers powerful insights that can help young people and adults make more mindful choices around screen time.

This episode is ideal for both adults and tweens who want to better understand the “why” behind social media habits. Plus, hear a college student’s candid reaction to the interview and how it’s influencing her own efforts to cut back on social media use

Featured Expert

Katie Davis, PhD

Research References

You Go Through So Many Emotions Scrolling Through Instagram”: How Teens Use Instagram To Regulate Their Emotions (Katie Davis, PhD, et al.)

Supporting Teens’ Intentional Social Media Use Through Interaction Design: An exploratory proof-of-concept study (Katie Davis PhD, et al.)

Digital Health Practices, Social Media Use, and Mental Well-Being Among Teens and Young Adults in the U.S. Hopelab & Well Being Trust

Time Code

00:00 Introduction and Personal Struggles with Social Media

00:22 Welcome to Parenting in the Screen Age

00:47 Challenges Teens Face with Social Media

01:17 Introducing Boosting Bravery Program

01:59 Exploring Research on Social Media Use

03:37 Interview with Dr. Katie Davis

04:16 Understanding Teens' Social Media Behavior

05:57 Emotional Triggers and Social Media

07:44 Mindless Diversions vs. Deliberate Acts

20:23 Designing Better Social Media Experiences

26:23 College Student's Reflection

28:23 Conclusion and Resources

In this episode of 'Parenting in the Screen Age,' host Delaney Ruston discusses the critical role of counseling and therapy for teen mental health.

Joined by Laura Kastner, PhD, author of acclaimed parenting books and a teen and family therapist for over 30 years, they debunk common myths about therapy and explore effective ways parents can support their teens struggling with depression, anxiety, and tech overuse.

The conversation offers insights into how to identify when professional help is needed, and emphasizes the necessity of family involvement in therapy.

Featured Expert

Laura Kastner, PhD

Books

Getting To Calm, by Laura Kastner, PhD

Wise Minded Parenting, by Laura Kastner, PhD

Additional Links

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Screenagers Website

Time Code

00:00 Introduction

00:42 Mental Health Awareness Month

00:55 Introducing Today's Topic and Guest

01:43 Personal Story: Tessa's Journey

02:44 Clip from Screenagers: Family Therapy Session

03:36 Interview with Laura Kastner: When to Seek Therapy

04:56 Role of School Counselors

06:01 Case Study: Addressing Teen Languishing

09:23 Family Dynamics in Therapy

12:57 Evolving Approaches to Adolescent Therapy

23:54 Effective Therapy Techniques

26:14 Conclusion and Resources

Are screens just a habit for young people, or something far more harmful? In this episode, psychologist and researcher Dr. Jean Twenge, author of iGen and Generations, breaks down how screen time — especially social media and gaming — is hijacking teen mental health.

From rising rates of depression and anxiety to her powerful “A-N-D” framework (Attachment, Negative experiences, Displacement), Jean explains why so many teens are struggling — and what we can do to help.

Hear what the latest research really says, what most headlines miss, and how we can help young people reclaim their wellbeing in a digital world.

Featured Expert
Jean Twenge, PhD

Books
iGen, by Jean Twenge
Generations, by Jean Twenge

Research References
Social Media and Mental Health: A Collaborative Review. An ongoing open-source literature review posted and curated by Jean Twenge, Jonathan Haidt and Zach Rausch.

Richardson, L. P., et al. Evaluation of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 Item for Detecting Major Depression Among Adolescents. PEDIATRICS, 126(6), 1117–1123, 2010.

SAMHSA. 2023 NSDUH Annual National Report | CBHSQ Data. 2023.

Time Code
00:00 Introduction
01:16 Interview with Jean Twenge: Exploring Generational Differences
02:13 The Impact of Social Media on Teen Mental Health
03:58 Attachment, Negative Experiences, and Displacement: The AND Framework
05:03 Hearing teens’ voices
09:02 Broader Implications of Screen Time
17:16 Understanding Depression Statistics and Misleading Headlines
20:48 The Importance of Sleep for Mental Health
24:18 Parental Strategies and Societal Changes
28:19 Conclusion and Resources

How can we help girls develop a sharp, critical perspective on gender inequality without dampening their ambitions? How do we guide boys to recognize how rigid gender roles harm them too?

With the popular Netflix series Adolescence sparking intense discussions about gender attitudes and aggression, these questions are more pressing than ever. And how can we educate kids about the harmful effects of the "tradwife" trend spreading on social media?

In this episode of Parenting in the Screen Age, host Dr. Delaney Ruston explores the psychological impacts of both online and offline sexism with Jo-Ann Finkelstein, PhD, clinical psychologist and author of Sexism and Sensibility. Their conversation uncovers the damaging gender messages young people receive through social media — and offers practical solutions.

This episode is ideal for both adults and tweens.

Featured Expert

Jo-Ann Finklestein, PhD

Books

Sexism & Sensibility: Raising Empowered And Resilient Girls In The Modern World by Jo-Ann Finkelstein, PhD

Research References

Social Media Use and Adolescent Mental Health: Findings From the UK Millennium Cohort Study (e Clinical Medicine)

Adolescents’ Modern Media Use and Beliefs About Masculine Gender Roles and Norms (Journalism and Mass Communication Quarterly)

Additional Links

Blog: The Feminist Parenty, Jo-Ann Finkelstein, PhD

Time Code

00:00 Introduction

00:34 Meet Dr. Jo-Ann Finkelstein

02:00 The Tradwife Phenomenon

04:39 Understanding Sexism and Its Impact

05:58 Raising Empowered Girls

09:14 Involving Boys in the Conversation

25:45 Navigating Social Media Influences

30:50 Conclusion and Resources

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

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