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In this episode, Candida Fink MD and Jo-Ann Berry take a friendly but critical look at Jonathan Haidt’s bestseller, The Anxious Generation. The hosts break down Haidt’s four key recommendations for raising healthier kids and challenge some common buzzwords (like “brain rewiring”) with up-to-date research. They mix in plenty of real-world wisdom from the front lines of education and psychiatry, tackling what families and schools are actually up against when it comes to technology, screen time, and the mental health of young people.
Episode Chapters & TimestampsLooking for more practical suggestions, resources, or future topics? Find us at mentalhealthgoestoschool.com, and don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a quick review!
Episode Summary
In this episode, Dr. Candida Fink and special educator Jo-Ann Berry dive into the nuances of supporting students with ADHD in the classroom. Moving beyond repetitive "pay attention" reminders, they explore the "curious approach" to prompting—asking students if they are stuck or simply thinking. The conversation covers practical classroom strategies for high schoolers, the importance of student autonomy, and how simple adjustments like doodling or movement breaks can transform a student's ability to engage with challenging or tedious tasks.
Key Points & Highlights
Takeaways & Practical Tips
Resources Mentioned
Timeline
[00:00] Intro: Welcome to Episode 32.
[02:15] The frustration of repetitive ADHD prompts in the classroom.
[05:40] Strategies for high school: Doodling, fidgets, and movement breaks.
[09:20] The "Are you stuck or are you thinking?" technique.
[12:10] The importance of student autonomy and choice.
[16:45] Reimagining IEP goals: Moving away from "Student needs to..."
[20:30] Functional writing skills for upperclassmen.
[24:50] "One Good Thing": Recapping our trip to Iceland and the beauty of the glaciers.
In this episode, Dr. Candida Fink and special educator Jo-Ann Berry discuss the transition from high school to college for students with mental health and learning needs. They explore the growth of college accommodations and provide practical advice for students and families on how to access the supports they deserve.
Website: mentalhealthgoestoschool.com
YouTube: Mental Health Goes to School
Social Media: Find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Self-Advocacy Practice: Start letting the student lead IEP meetings in senior year of high school.
Organize the Paperwork: Create a digital folder with the most recent neuro-psych testing, 504/IEP history, and a letter from a treating psychiatrist or therapist.
Interview the College: Don’t just look at the campus; visit the Disability Services office during tours to see how responsive and welcoming they are.
[00:00] Intro: The Shift from K-12 to College
Jo-Ann and Candida set the stage: Why the legal landscape changes the moment a student turns 18.
[08:15] IDEA vs. ADA: Who is Responsible?
Understanding why the burden of proof shifts from the school district to the student.
[15:40] ⭐ HIGHLIGHT: The Essential Documentation Checklist
The "Gold Standard": Why a recent neuropsychological evaluation (within 3 years) is often required.
The Paper Trail: How to bridge your high school IEP or 504 plan into a college-level request.
Clinical Support: The role of letters from treating psychiatrists or therapists in securing "Reasonable Accommodations."
[24:30] Navigating the Office of Disability Services
How to "interview" the office before you even enroll and what to expect during the intake meeting.
[32:10] FERPA & Privacy: The Parent’s New Role
Navigating the delicate balance of supporting your child when you no longer have "automatic" access to their records.
[39:45] Closing Tips & Future Outlook
Final advice for rising seniors and their families.
In Episode 31, Dr. Candida Fink and Jo-Ann Berry tackle the complex and evolving role of technology in the classroom. They discuss the growing movement toward "phone-free" schools, examining the tension between the potential benefits of reduced distractions and the practical challenges of enforcement. The conversation also shifts to the transformative power of Generative AI, with Jo sharing firsthand accounts of how tools like Gemini are becoming essential "thought partners" for students with learning differences. Together, they explore how educators can move away from a culture of restriction toward one of intentional, supportive technology use.
Gemini (Google AI): Discussed as a tool for students to use as a brainstorming partner.
Yondr Pouches: Mentioned as a common physical solution for locking away phones during the school day.
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt: Referenced (implicitly) in the context of the national movement toward phone-free schools and the impact of technology on youth mental health.
We would love to hear how your school is handling the phone and AI revolution!
Website: MentalHealthGoesToSchool.com
Social Media: Follow us for updates on "good things" from our travels and classroom insights.
In this episode of Mental Health Goes to School, hosts Candida Fink and Jo-Ann Berry dive into the complex and often misunderstood relationship between children's screen time and their mental health. They explore a recent longitudinal study and discuss why the focus is shifting from total hours spent online to the nature of "addictive use." The conversation covers the developmental vulnerabilities of the adolescent brain, the impact of sleep disruption on learning, and the importance of teaching digital literacy.
Summary
The episode centers on a New York Times article discussing a study of children aged 10 to 14, which suggests that "addictive use"—the inability to stop using a device—is a more significant risk factor for mental health issues than total screen time alone. Candida and Jo-Ann break down the biological and social reasons why teenagers are particularly susceptible to the "hooks" of social media and gaming algorithms. They also explore the ripple effects of screen-related sleep deprivation on classroom performance and emotional regulation.
Key Takeaways & Practical Tips
Addiction Over Duration: It’s not just about how many hours kids spend on screens; it’s about their ability to disengage. Look for signs of "addictive use," such as irritability when forced to put the phone away or choosing screens over essential activities like sleep.
The Developing Brain: Adolescents have a highly active "go" system (impulse/reward) but an under-developed "stop" system (frontal lobe). This makes them biologically more vulnerable to addictive algorithms.
Prioritize Sleep: Screen use often leads to sleep deprivation, which significantly impairs a student's ability to learn new content and regulate anxiety. A tired brain has a much harder time accessing newly learned emotional coping skills.
Digital Literacy: Help children understand that their "attention is the commodity." Teaching them how algorithms work can help them become more conscious users rather than passive products of the platform.
Wait Until 8th: The hosts discuss the benefits of delaying social media access until at least age 13 or 14 to allow for more brain maturation and the development of in-person social skills.
Resources Mentioned
New York Times Article: "Real Risk to Youth Mental Health Is Addictive Use, Not Screen Time Alone, Study Finds.” by Ellen Barry
Wait Until 8th: A movement encouraging parents to delay giving children smartphones until 8th grade.
AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) Screentime Guidance and references
Connect With Us
We want to hear your thoughts! Have you noticed a difference between "screen time" and "addictive use" in your home or classroom?
Website: Mental Health Goes to School
Social Media: Follow us and join the conversation on YouTube and Instagram.
Feedback: If you love the show, please leave us a review or an emoji on your favorite podcast platform! If you have concerns, email us directly through our website so we can chat.
Episode Timeline
00:00 – Saturday morning greetings and the "non-gardening" garden (grapevines and concrete).
04:30 – Diving into the New York Times article: Screen time vs. addictive use.
06:15 – Understanding the ABCD study: Tracking kids from age 10 to 14.
08:45 – The biological "hook": Why the adolescent brain struggles to resist addictive content.
12:20 – Social feedback loops and the "Confirmation Bias" of Instagram and TikTok.
15:00 – The Sleep Connection: How screen-induced exhaustion affects the classroom and anxiety.
18:30 – Content matters: Gaming vs. Social Media vs. Video.
22:00 – Policy and Regulation: Cell phone bans in schools and the Australian age-limit model.
25:40 – The Myth of Multitasking: Why a phone on the desk is a distraction even when it's off.
28:15 – AI in the Office: The pitfalls of AI medical scribes and "hallucinated" diagnoses.
33:50 – Final thoughts and how to support the podcast.
In this episode, Jo-Ann Berry (Special Educator) and Dr. Candida Fink (Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist) explore the science and clinical use of two prominent mental health treatments: SSRIs and Ketamine. They break down how these medications work, their common side effects, and the importance of professional medical supervision—especially for adolescents in a school setting.
Website: mentalhealthgoestoschool.com
Upcoming Topic: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) as another intervention for treatment-resistant depression.
AACAP (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry) Medication Guides
Study regarding ketamine treatment for depression in youth ages 18-25
Like, Follow, and Review: Please interact with us on your favorite podcast platform or our website to suggest topics or ask questions.
[00:00] – Introduction and the New York heatwave.
[01:40] – Defining SSRIs and how they function in the brain's synapses.
[04:15] – Why SSRIs take time to work and the importance of patient patience.
[06:20] – Common and temporary side effects of starting SSRIs.
[07:45] – More serious risks: Paradoxical reactions and suicidal ideation in young people.
[12:35] – Addressing the stigma and misconceptions about mental health medication.
[15:15] – Introduction to Ketamine: From anesthesia to treatment-resistant depression.
[18:40] – The rapid effect of Ketamine vs. SSRIs.
[21:10] – Side effects of Ketamine, including dissociation.
[23:30] – The importance of school communication regarding student medication.
[26:50] – Closing thoughts and teaser for a future episode on TMS.
Co-Hosts: Jo-Ann Berry (Special Educator and Dr. Candida Fink (Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist)
In this episode, Jo-Ann and Candida distill years of experience in the classroom and the clinic into their "Top 3" recommendations for supporting the mental health of teens and young adults.
They explore the critical intersection of education and psychiatry, offering actionable advice for parents and educators navigating the teen mental health crisis.
Jo-Ann’s Top 3 (The Educator’s Perspective)
● Prioritize Sleep: Sleep isn't just about rest; it’s the foundation for cognitive function and mood regulation.
● Limit Screen Time: Setting a "shutoff time" before bed is essential for both sleep hygiene and making room for "real life" interactions.
● Move & Go Outside: Encouraging students to "touch grass" and incorporate physical movement helps break the cycle of digital burnout.
Dr. Fink’s Top 3 (The Clinician’s Perspective)
● Active Listening: Create space for kids to talk without immediately jumping in to fix or "tell." Be present rather than just preparing your next response.
● Emotional Validation: Respect their feelings, even if the trigger seems trivial to an adult. Validation is the necessary starting point for any productive movement forward.
● Collaboration Over Control: As kids grow, the goal should shift from managing their behavior to solving problems with them to build independence.
● [00:00] – Introduction: The mission of Mental Health Goes to School.
● [01:48] – Bridging the gap: Lack of resources for the 12–22 age group.
● [03:16] – Backstory: From college theater friends to professional collaborators.
● [07:47] – Jo-Ann’s recommendations: Sleep, screens, and movement.
● [09:25] – Dr. Fink’s recommendations: Listening, validation, and collaboration.
● [12:56] – How to support the show and engage with the community.
● [14:17] – "One Good Thing": Celebrating new grandbabies and the joys of grandparenting. Connect & Resources
● Website: mentalhealthgoestoschool.com
● YouTube: Mental Health Goes to School Channel
● Support the Show: Please Like, Rate, and Review on your favorite podcast platform—even a single emoji helps us grow! *Show notes generated by Gemini AI and edited by humans
In this episode, we dig into an April 13, 2025, article in the New York Times Magazine by journalist Paul Tough. Bringing together perspectives as a clinician and a special educator, we consider the article’s point of view regarding ADHD. Jo-Ann and Candida explore the evolving understanding of ADHD, exploring its definitions, the implications of overdiagnosis and underdiagnosis, and the role of medication as a treatment tool. From our vantage points in the classroom and through consulting with families and schools, we discuss the importance of environmental adjustments in educational settings and the need for flexibility in teaching strategies to support students with ADHD, while acknowledging the challenges of implementing these approaches. Our conversation also highlights real-life applications and strategies for managing ADHD in high schoolers and adults, showcasing the multifaceted nature of the disorder and the various approaches to support individuals affected by it.
References
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/13/magazine/adhd-medication-treatment-research.html?searchResultPosition=2
WHO Information Sheet on ADHD
https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/364129/WHOEMMNH214E-eng.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
Keywords
ADHD
ADHD Medication
Mental health
Child Development
Child Psychiatry
Student Success
Learning Strategies
Addiction specialist Dr. Lipi Roy discusses what substance use disorders are and teaches us about the most updated models of care for these painful conditions. There are effective medical treatments available now that are integrated into comprehensive treatment plans that include non-medication interventions as well.
Unfortunately, because of outdated understandings of and stigma about substance use disorders, many people are unaware of how effective medical treatments can be. Old models that blame criminal behavior or moral failures prevent people from getting care that works. Medical treatment models are now considered the most effective way to treat substance use disorders, approaching them as chronic medical conditions that deserve care and not blame or punishment.
We discuss evidence-based treatment, public health interventions related to harmful substances, and focus on harm reduction. The key to success is remembering that “the opposite of addiction is connection.” Educators, providers, parents, and others can help by providing a safe space without judgment and being a curious and active listener. If you are worried about an adolescent or they come to you with concerns, these safe conversations, rather than shock or anger, will help start the process of recovery.
Tags
addiction
Substance use disorder
evidence-based treatment
Addiction treatment
harm reduction
Medically assisted treatment
Resources:
Boston Children’s Hospital Addiction Medicine
National Center for College Students with Disabilities
NAMI College Guide
The Steve Fund
The Jed Foundation
Mental Health America
Peer mentor Jax Agee joins Candida and Jo-Ann to tell about their work as a peer mentor for people living with mental health challenges. Jax’s lived experience helps them connect with individuals living in the community with tasks and goals related to their treatment plans. This can include tasks of daily living, budgeting and banking, learning to use transportation, reinforcing therapeutic goals, and more. We learned what to expect as a client and what it’s like to be a mentor.
Resources suggested by Jax and NAMI
National Center for College Students with Disabilities
NAMI College Guide
The Steve Fund
The Jed Foundation
Mental Health America
Tags:
Peer mentor
Community
Community Mental Health
Mental Health
From the publisher's feed
A teacher and a psychiatrist talk to experts and with each other to bridge the gap between schools and mental health. We want to learn more about how professionals and families can work…