Are We Misunderstanding Youth Mental Health with Dr. Will Dobud

Are We Misunderstanding Youth Mental Health with Dr. Will Dobud

Author: Lianne Castelino November 22, 2025 Duration: 35:50
Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids Today
KidsKids & FamilyEducationFamilyHow ToParenting

In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Dr. Will Dobud, an award-winning researcher and social worker. Dr. Dobud sheds light on the alarming rise in youth anxiety and depression, suggesting that perhaps the real issue lies not within the kids themselves, but in the systems surrounding them.

The discussion explores the importance of communication and independence in fostering resilience, while also addressing the delicate balance between discipline and allowing kids to experience struggle. With the prevalence of bullying and the pressures of social media, Dr. Dobud emphasizes the need for parents to understand consent in relationships and to support their children’s mental health without inadvertently labelling them.

The conversation unpacks these pressing issues and sheds light on how we can better navigate the challenges of parenting in today’s digital age, ensuring our kids grow into healthy, confident adults.

Takeaways:

  • Understanding youth mental health requires recognizing that labeling does not equate to improvement in outcomes.
  • Amidst rising anxiety and depression, social connection is the crucial element we must address.
  • Parents should treat their children like crew members on a ship, fostering independence and responsibility.
  • A child's emotional health can thrive when adults provide a secure base without constant interference.
  • The impact of social media on youth mental health is complex and warrants more nuanced understanding.
  • We must focus on engagement rather than pathologizing youth in order to improve their mental health outcomes.

Links referenced in this episode:


Companies mentioned in this episode:

  • Kids these Days
  • Gabor Mate
  • Dr. Gordon Neufeld
  • Martin Seligman
  • Ellen Beat Hansen Sand Cedar
  • DSMV
  • FDA
  • Orange County
  • Disney World

This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience.

You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.

Links referenced in this episode:



Raising children in this era comes with a unique set of questions, and Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids Today is here to offer clarity, not just opinions. Hosted by award-winning journalist and mother Lianne Castelino, this weekly conversation moves beyond anecdotal advice to explore the science and research behind modern parenting. Each episode feels like a thoughtful discussion with a knowledgeable friend, one who brings in leading experts and thinkers to tackle the real issues families face. You’ll hear practical strategies for navigating everything from the emotional turbulence of adolescence to building a foundation of healthy communication from a young age. The focus is on holistic development-addressing the emotional, mental, and physical well-being of both kids and their parents. Lianne’s skill as an interviewer helps distill complex topics into actionable insights, making this podcast a reliable resource for anyone looking to ground their parenting choices in evidence and shared experience. It’s a space where the noise of conflicting advice fades, replaced by informed conversations that empower you to find your own path through the joys and challenges of family life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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