Are We Training Distraction? How Social Media Is Weakening Cognitive Skills in Teens with Dr. Adriana Stacey (#247)

Are We Training Distraction? How Social Media Is Weakening Cognitive Skills in Teens with Dr. Adriana Stacey (#247)

Author: Melanie Hempe, BSN October 24, 2025 Duration: 39:12
This week, Melanie sits down with psychiatrist Dr. Adriana Stacey to discuss new research showing how social media use in adolescence may be changing the way our kids think. Most parents know that excessive screen time can impact mood and sleep, but Dr. Stacey explains how it goes much deeper — affecting attention, memory, and even language development. Together, they explore what’s happening inside the adolescent brain, why even “moderate” social media use can interfere with learning, and wh...

Melanie Hempe is a nurse who saw a problem up close when her own son left college, struggling with a video game addiction. That personal experience became the catalyst for ScreenStrong Families, a podcast where she translates complex medical science into everyday language for parents. Instead of fearmongering, Melanie offers a steady, evidence-based conversation about screens, gaming, and healthy child development. Each episode feels like a practical discussion with a knowledgeable friend who has been in the trenches. You’ll hear from Melanie directly, drawing on her background and the work of ScreenStrong, as she breaks down why digital habits form and how families can build a healthier home culture. The focus is on real-world solutions-actionable steps that move beyond simply limiting screen time to fostering stronger connections and more engaging alternatives. This isn't about shame or blame; it's about empowerment and understanding the neuroscience behind addiction to make informed choices. Tune in for a compassionate, clear-headed resource that addresses the modern challenges of raising kids in a digital world. The ScreenStrong Families podcast is a guide for anyone looking to reclaim childhood from screens and strengthen family relationships in the process.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

ScreenStrong Families
Podcast Episodes
ENCORE: The Endless Non-Tech Gift Ideas with Evan Hempe (#130) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:09
For this special holiday encore episode, Melanie is joined by her son Evan to discuss practical holiday gift ideas—and encourage people to skip smartphones and video games as gifts this season. Evan gives his perspective…
"Protect Youth in the Digital Age" Expert Panel Discussion (#249) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:04
In this special episode, we share audio from a virtual panel discussion hosted by Thrive Forward Therapy, “Protecting Youth in the Digital Age.” How can parents keep their kids safe online? It’s one of the most urgent qu…
The Basement Generation with Amy Eytchison (#246) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:59
In this powerful and eye-opening episode, host Melanie Hempe sits down with Amy Eytchison, a mother of four grown children, to have an honest conversation about one of the most overlooked issues in parenting today: video…