The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast

1KHO 509: Dry Eye, Blinking Problems, and Digital Overuse: What You Need to Know (And Do) | Clare Morell, The Tech Exit


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What if your child’s screen time is causing permanent damage—and you don’t even know it yet? In this compelling episode, Ginny Yurich sits down with Clare Morell, public policy expert and author of The Tech Exit: A Practical Guide to Freeing Kids and Teens from Smartphones. Together, they unpack one of the most startling screen-related health issues facing kids today: chronic dry eye. Once seen only in the elderly, dry eye is now affecting children as young as eight—often irreversibly—due to reduced blinking during screen use.

But it’s not just the eyes. Clare shares how digital overuse is quietly reshaping children’s brains, behavior, and even their ability to think original thoughts. From real-life stories of families who ditched devices to groundbreaking school policies and church youth group solutions, this conversation will leave you informed—and empowered. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or community leader, you’ll come away with practical tools, conviction, and the clarity to lead differently in a screen-saturated world.

🔗 Get the Book: The Tech Exit

📥 Free Download – Discussion Guide for Parents: TheTechExit.com/discussion-guide
📥 Free Download – Practical Tips Sheet: TheTechExit.com/practical-tips

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    The 1000 Hours Outside PodcastBy That Sounds Fun Network

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