Why is educational technology at school different, and potentially more dangerous than screen time at home? Emily Cherkin explains why edtech is not the solution it promised to be. Kids are getting on YouTube, Discord, and unrestricted internet access at school—and parents are being left in the dark.

In this bonus episode of The Screen Less Play More Podcast, host Cynthia Dvorak sits down with Emily Cherkin, nationally known as The Screen Time Consultant, to unpack what's really happening inside tech-heavy classrooms—and why parents should be paying close attention.

Emily recently testified before the U.S. Senate on the harms of EdTech, and in this conversation, she explains how school-issued iPads and classroom technology are exposing kids to online predators, violent content, self-harm videos, spam, and misinformation—often during the school day. What many parents assume is "safe, educational screen time" may actually be putting children at serious cognitive, emotional, and developmental risk.

Parents are often told that classroom technology, 1:1 devices, Chromebooks, and school-issued iPads are "safe" and "educational." But the research shows that edtech is making kids more distracted, making them dumber, stealing personal information, and exposing them to online danger.

Emily also explains her class action lawsuit against PowerSchool. PowerSchool products including Schoology and Naviance are used by the vast majority of U.S. public schools. The lawsuit raises serious concerns about student data privacy, children's data collection, parental consent, and whether student information is being monetized by EdTech companies.

In this episode, we discuss:

• iPads in the classroom and elementary school screen time

• Why EdTech in schools is replacing human instruction instead of supporting it

• How excessive screen time at school affects focus, behavior, emotional regulation, and social skills

• Why kids and young adults are struggling with eye contact, communication, empathy, and real-world human interaction

• Why most media literacy programs fail—and how real critical thinking can be taught without screens

• How misinformation, deepfakes, and AI tools like ChatGPT make truth harder for kids to recognize

• How media literacy has been co-opted by tech companies and why true critical thinking does not require a screen

• What parents need to understand about misinformation, deepfakes, AI tools like ChatGPT, and truth in the digital age

This conversation is essential listening for parents worried about:

• Screen time and child development

• Technology in elementary school

• EdTech data privacy and student surveillance

• Online safety for kids at school

• Digital addiction, attention issues, and emotional dysregulation

• Public school iPads and 1:1 device programs and Chromebooks

This episode is not anti-technology. It is pro-child, pro-parent, and pro-informed consent.

🎧 If you've ever searched: "Are iPads bad for kids?" "Too much screen time at school" "EdTech dangers" "YouTube access in schools" "Student data privacy apps" "Should kids use iPads in elementary school?"

This episode answers those questions!!

Emily Cherkin is the author of The Screen Time Solution and writes on Substack at First Fish Chronicles. 🌱 Learn more about reducing screen time and increasing play at screenlessplaymore.com.

Subscribe, follow, and share to help other parents find trusted information about screen time, EdTech, and raising healthy kids in a digital world.

More about Screen Less Play More, the best parenting podcast about kids and screens:

https://screenlessplaymore.com/

Substack

Youtube

Welcome to the Screen Less Play More podcast — the best parenting podcast for raising balanced, confident kids in the digital age by reducing screen time, managing gaming and social media, and restoring play-based childhoods.

Hosted by Cynthia Dvorak of ScreenLessPlayMore.com, we share expert advice and research-backed strategies to help parents create healthy screen habits, set realistic tech boundaries, and build stronger family connection without constant monitoring or power struggles. Each episode gives you practical tools for reducing screen time battles, ensuring online safety for kids, and age-appropriate digital limits. We discuss if there is such thing as healthy screen time, and what are some good guidelines for screen time by age. It's the podcast for moms and the podcast for dads who care about keeping kids balanced and brilliant!

What's the best parenting podcast about play and screens? Check out the top 6 episodes from 2025 of Screen Less Play More : https://screenlessplaymore.com/top-rated-parenting-podcast-episodes-of-the-year-our-most-listened-most-loved-conversations/

Thanks for listening! If you click "follow" you'll make sure to never miss an episode! Screenless playmore

Are your kids safe online? From social media oversharing to gaming chats and school apps, today's children are building a digital footprint from the day they're born. In this episode of Screen Less Play More, Cynthia Dvorak sits down with cybersecurity expert Chad Rychlewski of Cybersecurity Parents to uncover the biggest mistakes parents make—and how to fix them.

Learn practical tips for:

• Protecting your child's digital footprint from birth onward

• Avoiding common cybersecurity pitfalls in social media, apps, and online games

• Freezing your child's credit to prevent identity theft

• Teaching kids safe habits around browsers, passwords, and online privacy

• Spotting signs of cyberbullying, doxxing, and online scams

Chad shares his experience guiding families through real-world cybersecurity challenges, plus step-by-step advice from his book Cybersecurity Parents: Super Cyber Smart Parenting for the Digital Age. Whether your child is in preschool or heading off to college, this episode is packed with actionable strategies every parent needs.

Episode takeaways:

• Parents often overshare personal details about their children online.
• Freezing a child's credit can prevent identity theft.
• Active footprints are created by what we post online.
• Passive footprints include metadata and tracking data.
• Regular conversations about online safety are essential.
• Educational technology can track children's data without their knowledge.
• Doxxing involves maliciously sharing someone's private information.
• Cyberbullying can occur in group chats and online games.
• Using safe browsing modes can protect personal information. Don't use Google!
• Parents should regularly check privacy settings on apps.

More about Screen Less Play More, the best parenting podcast about play and tech at:

https://screenlessplaymore.com/

https://substack.com/@screenlessplaymore?utm_source=user-menu

Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@ScreenLessPlayMore

📚 Find the book and more resources at cybersecurityparents.com 🌐 Learn more about the best parenting podcast, Screen Less Play More at screenlessplaymore.com

Protect your kids online—listen, learn, and start building safer digital habits today!

Welcome to the Screen Less Play More podcast — the best parenting podcast for raising balanced, confident kids in the digital age by reducing screen time, managing gaming and social media, and restoring play-based childhoods.

Hosted by Cynthia Dvorak of ScreenLessPlayMore.com, we share expert advice and research-backed strategies to help parents create healthy screen habits, set realistic tech boundaries, and build stronger family connection without constant monitoring or power struggles. Each episode gives you practical tools for reducing screen time battles, ensuring online safety for kids, and age-appropriate digital limits. We discuss if there is such thing as healthy screen time, and what are some good guidelines for screen time by age. It's the podcast for moms and the podcast for dads who care about keeping kids balanced and brilliant!

But it's not all about screens! Screen Less Play More is also about the benefits of free play, outdoor play, and imaginative play so your children can thrive both online and offline. Look no further for executive tech strategies, research-backed tools, ideas for screen free entertainment, and screen free activites for kids from tiny to teenager. We are big on play, especially risky play, outdoor play, and the friluftsliv outdoor lifestyle.

Through interviews with experts, educators, and authors, we aim to make you more intentional parents, mindful parents, and happy parents! Whether you're into calm parenting, gentle parenting, or FAFO parenting- we have advice that will guide your decisions around digital technology and play based learning (and play just for the sake of play!)

What's the best parenting podcast about play and screens? Check out the top 6 episodes from 2025 of Screen Less Play More : https://screenlessplaymore.com/top-rated-parenting-podcast-episodes-of-the-year-our-most-listened-most-loved-conversations/

Thanks for listening! If you click "follow" you'll make sure to never miss an episode!

What happens if kids don't get smartphones or social media growing up—will they binge later? In this episode of Screen Less Play More, Cynthia continues her conversation with Clare Morell, author of The Tech Exit, to debunk one of the biggest parenting myths about kids and technology.

Clare explains why delaying smartphones actually helps kids develop self-regulation, healthier habits, and awareness around screen use—often making them less likely to overuse technology as young adults. Drawing on interviews with families and college students, she shows how childhood habits shape lifelong relationships with screens.

This episode also dives into practical alternatives to smartphones for kids, including child-safe phones like Pinwheel, Gabb, Bark, and Wisephone, plus realistic boundaries parents still need even with "safer" devices. Cynthia and Clare discuss modeling healthy phone use, teaching real-world life skills, and replacing screen privileges with meaningful independence and responsibility.

Finally, Clare breaks down new legislation and policy efforts to protect kids online, including age-verification laws, pornography restrictions, and proposals to raise the legal age for social media. You'll learn what states are already doing, why moderation alone isn't enough, and how collective solutions can make parenting easier. The LA wallet in Louisiana is an amazing prototype of how other states can keep kids safe from porn, and let adults keep their annonymity.

If you're navigating parenting without smartphones, worried about screen addiction, or looking for safer ways to help kids grow up offline in a digital world, this episode offers clarity, research-backed insight, and hope. This is helpful wether you have toddlers, elementary kids, tweens, or teens. And Clare reminds us that it is never too late!

More about Screen Less Play More, the best parenting podcast about play and tech at:

https://screenlessplaymore.com/

https://substack.com/@screenlessplaymore?utm_source=user-menu

Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@ScreenLessPlayMore

More about Clare's book "The Tech Exit: A Practical Guide to Freeing Kids and Teens from Smartphones" at https://sites.prh.com/thetechexitbook

Welcome to the Screen Less Play More podcast — the best parenting podcast for raising balanced, confident kids in the digital age by reducing screen time, managing gaming and social media, and restoring play-based childhoods.

Hosted by Cynthia Dvorak of ScreenLessPlayMore.com, we share expert advice and research-backed strategies to help parents create healthy screen habits, set realistic tech boundaries, and build stronger family connection without constant monitoring or power struggles. Each episode gives you practical tools for reducing screen time battles, ensuring online safety for kids, and age-appropriate digital limits. We discuss if there is such thing as healthy screen time, and what are some good guidelines for screen time by age.

But it's not all about screens! Screen Less Play More is also about the benefits of free play, outdoor play, and imaginative play so your children can thrive both online and offline. Look no further for executive tech strategies, research-backed tools, ideas for screen free entertainment, and screen free activites for kids from tiny to teenager. We are big on play, especially risky play, outdoor play, and the friluftsliv outdoor lifestyle.

Through interviews with experts, educators, and authors, we aim to make you more intentional parents, mindful parents, and happy parents! Whether you're into calm parenting, gentle parenting, or FAFO parenting- we have advice that will guide your decisions around digital technology and play based learning (and play just for the sake of play!)

What's the best parenting podcast about play and screens? Check out the top 6 episodes from 2025 of Screen Less Play More : https://screenlessplaymore.com/top-rated-parenting-podcast-episodes-of-the-year-our-most-listened-most-loved-conversations/

Thanks for listening! If you click "follow" you'll make sure to never miss an episode!

Chapters:

00:00 Debunking Myths About Technology Use 03:51 Modeling Responsible Technology Use 05:50 Exploring Alternatives to Smartphones 08:58 Legislative Efforts for Online Safety 13:37 Empowering Kids with Real-World Responsibilities 20:03 Advocating for National Legislation on Social Media 24:48 Introduction to Screen Less Play More 24:49 The Importance of Screen Time Management

Is a smartphone-free childhood the key to raising healthier, happier kids?

Author Clare Morell explains that we have a metaphor problem when it comes to digital technology. A lot of people think that time limits can mitigate the harms of screens and social media in the same way that moderation can mitigate the harms of guilty pleasures like alcohol or sugar. If you just do less of it you'll be ok, right?

But Morell writes, "Let's get the metaphor right. Digital technologies are not like sugar. For the developing brains of children and teens, they are more like fentanyl."

Yikes.

In this episode of Screen Less Play More, Cynthia chats with Clare Morell, author of The Tech Exit, to explore why screen time moderation doesn't work—and why parents may need to rethink technology entirely. We break down how smartphones and interactive screens are intentionally designed to be addictive, especially for children, and what that means for brain development, behavior, and mental health.

Clare explains why passive media like TV affects kids differently than interactive screens, how a 30-day digital detox can reset children's brains, and why it's never too late for parents to change course. You'll also hear practical strategies for creating a tech-free family culture, building parent communities for accountability, and choosing safer alternatives to smartphones for kids.

This conversation goes beyond individual parenting choices to discuss how education and open dialogue help kids understand technology, and what parents can do right now to reduce screen dependence at home.

If you're worried about screen addiction, kids and smartphones, online safety, or digital detox for children, this episode will challenge what you've been told—and offer a hopeful, realistic path forward.

🎧 Topics covered: • Smartphone-free childhood and healthy development • Why screen time moderation fails. Screens are a drug dispensing machine. • Interactive screens vs TV for kids • 30-day digital detox for children • Safer phone alternatives for kids • Parenting without smartphones • Building community support around tech boundaries

Perfect for parents of toddlers, tweens, and teens who want to raise kids without smartphones—and without fear.

For discussion guides and resources for "The Tech Exit: A Practical Guide To Freeing Kids and Teens from Smartphones" check out Thetechexit.com

More about Screen Less Play More, the best parenting podcast about play and tech at:

https://screenlessplaymore.com/

https://substack.com/@screenlessplaymore?utm_source=user-menu

Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@ScreenLessPlayMore

📚 Find the book and more resources at cybersecurityparents.com 🌐 Learn more about the best parenting podcast, Screen Less Play More at screenlessplaymore.com

Protect your kids online—listen, learn, and start building safer digital habits today!

Welcome to the Screen Less Play More podcast — the best parenting podcast for raising balanced, confident kids in the digital age by reducing screen time, managing gaming and social media, and restoring play-based childhoods.

Hosted by Cynthia Dvorak of ScreenLessPlayMore.com, we share expert advice and research-backed strategies to help parents create healthy screen habits, set realistic tech boundaries, and build stronger family connection without constant monitoring or power struggles. Each episode gives you practical tools for reducing screen time battles, ensuring online safety for kids, and age-appropriate digital limits. We discuss if there is such thing as healthy screen time, and what are some good guidelines for screen time by age. It's the podcast for moms and the podcast for dads who care about keeping kids balanced and brilliant!

But it's not all about screens! Screen Less Play More is also about the benefits of free play, outdoor play, and imaginative play so your children can thrive both online and offline. Look no further for executive tech strategies, research-backed tools, ideas for screen free entertainment, and screen free activites for kids from tiny to teenager. We are big on play, especially risky play, outdoor play, and the friluftsliv outdoor lifestyle.

Through interviews with experts, educators, and authors, we aim to make you more intentional parents, mindful parents, and happy parents! Whether you're into calm parenting, gentle parenting, or FAFO parenting- we have advice that will guide your decisions around digital technology and play based learning (and play just for the sake of play!)

What's the best parenting podcast about play and screens? Check out the top 6 episodes from 2025 of Screen Less Play More : https://screenlessplaymore.com/top-rated-parenting-podcast-episodes-of-the-year-our-most-listened-most-loved-conversations/

Thanks for listening! If you click "follow" you'll make sure to never miss an episode!

00:00Introduction to The Tech Exit 01:01The Necessity of a Smartphone-Free Childhood 04:03Understanding the Addictive Nature of Technology 07:55The Impact of Screens on Neurodivergent Children 11:53The 30-Day Digital Detox 15:57Creating a Screen-Free Environment 20:00Building Community Support for Tech Exit 28:07Creating In-Person Connections 31:01Debunking Myths About Technology Use 34:07Modeling Responsible Technology Use 36:08Exploring Alternatives to Smartphones

screenless playmore

How do you keep tweens and teens safe online without tracking their every move or destroying trust? Parenting coach Megan Saxelby joins us to talk about online safety, managing gaming and social media, and why kids need real connection, independence, free play, and the freedom to get dirty to grow into resilient teens.

Megan is so funny and relatable, and gives us parents actionable ideas to manage gaming at home, how to implement screen time boundaries, and keep kids safe on social media - without massive fights! She really emphasizes honesty and connection when implementing online safety for tweens and teens. (And she has some hilarious stories from her childhood. Her parents sound like the best!) We discuss how much kids need free play and independence, and that tracking kids is not the answer. Kids need time on their own to build resilence and grit!

You can learn more about Megan Saxelby and her company Wild Feelings at wildfeelings.co and her Substack https://wildfeelings.substack.com/

Megan, who taught middle school for 17 years, believes middle schoolers are the greatest humans alive. She shares why the cultural narrative around tweens and teens is so often wrong—and what parents can do instead to build stronger, more joyful, more resilient connections.

Together, host Cynthia Dvorak and Megan dive into: ✨ the power of play in parenting teens ✨ why adolescent behavior is developmentally appropriate, not defiance ✨ how to respond when kids make mistakes in a way that preserves mental health ✨ the real impact of technology on the teen brain ✨ Parenting strategies of how parents can stay connected—even when teens push them away ✨ why YOU are the subject-matter expert on your son or daughter or non-binary LGBTQ+ child.

More about Screen Less Play More, the best parenting podcast about play and tech at:

https://screenlessplaymore.com/

https://substack.com/@screenlessplaymore?utm_source=user-menu

Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@ScreenLessPlayMore

Welcome to the Screen Less Play More podcast — your go-to parenting show for raising balanced, confident kids in the digital age by reducing screen time, managing gaming and social media, and restoring play-based childhoods. Hosted by Cynthia Dvorak of ScreenLessPlayMore.com, we share expert advice and research-backed strategies to help parents create healthy screen habits, set realistic tech boundaries, and build stronger family connection without constant monitoring or power struggles. Each episode gives you practical tools for screen time battles, online safety for kids, age-appropriate digital limits, and the benefits of free play, outdoor play, and imaginative play so your children can thrive both online and offline.

If you want a great gift for your tween to teach them about healthy tech habits, checkout the new book by Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price called "The Amazing Generation!" https://screenlessplaymore.com/the-amazing-generation-is-the-anxious-generation-for-kids/

Thanks for listening! If you click "follow" you'll make sure to never miss an episode!

Are you struggling to connect with your tween or teen—especially in a world dominated by screens, attitudes, and shifting moods? In this episode of Screen Less Play More, Cynthia Dvorak sits down with Megan Saxelby, adolescent expert and longtime middle school teacher, to completely reframe the way parents understand adolescence.

Megan, who taught middle school for 17 years, believes middle schoolers are the greatest humans alive. She shares why the cultural narrative around tweens and teens is so often wrong—and what parents can do instead to build stronger, more joyful, more resilient connections.

Together, Cynthia and Megan dive into: ✨ the power of play in parenting teens ✨ why adolescent behavior is developmentally appropriate, not defiance ✨ how to respond when kids make mistakes in a way that preserves mental health ✨ the real impact of technology on the teen brain ✨ Parenting strategies of how parents can stay connected—even when teens push them away ✨ why YOU are the subject-matter expert on your son or daughter or non-binary LGBTQ+ child.

This conversation offers practical tools and a refreshing, hopeful perspective for parents of adolescents who want fewer power struggles… and more connection, confidence, and calm.

You can connect with Megan Saxelby through her company Wild Feelings at https://www.wildfeelings.co/ or check out her VERY helpful Substack at https://wildfeelings.substack.com/

More about Screen Less Play More, the best parenting podcast about play and tech at:

screenlessplaymore.com

https://substack.com/@screenlessplaymore?utm_source=user-menu

Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@ScreenLessPlayMore

Key Takeaways for Parents

• Middle schoolers are misunderstood—Megan calls them "the greatest humans alive."

• The negative narrative around adolescence needs a major rewrite. Being a teenager is hard, but being their parent doesn't have to be.

• Play—even small, simple play—builds connection with tweens and teens.

• Teens' "big feelings" and "big behaviors" are developmentally normal, not character flaws. Adults just need help understanding the adolescent brain.

• When teens mess up, it's a sign of unmet needs—not moral failure.

• Parents should lead with warmth, curiosity, and playfulness. Building connection with teens is important for your long-term relationship.

• Technology is complex; parents need nuance, not fear.

• You know your child best—trust your instincts.

• How to talk to teens: Connection is more effective than control during adolescence.

• Parenting teens is a long-game of relationship building. It's hard to understand adolescent development, but once you do, you can improve parent-teen connection, help emotional regulation in teens, and improve your bond.

• Play-based parenting isn't just for the diaper years. Middle school parenting should include tons of playfulness, memes, jokes, pranks, and love!
• Raising teenagers can be difficult in the digital world, and Megan has advice for digital parenting, screen time help for adolescents, and why it's not one size fits all with tech. Often LGBTQ youth need to see others like them online to help protect against suicide.

Checkout the new book "Dopamine Kids" https://screenlessplaymore.com/all-i-want-for-christmas-is-the-new-book-dopamine-kids/

What is the best parenting podcast about screen time and kids? https://screenlessplaymore.com/screen-less-play-more-podcast/

Learn about Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price's new book "The Amazing Generation" at https://screenlessplaymore.com/the-amazing-generation-is-the-anxious-generation-for-kids/

What are the best parenting books about screen time?

https://screenlessplaymore.com/what-are-the-best-parenting-books-about-screen-time/

Check out my Substack!

https://screenlessplaymorepodcast.substack.com/p/you-could-learn-a-lot-from-an-oompa

https://screenlessplaymorepodcast.substack.com/p/screen-free-sunday-is-the-best-thing

https://screenlessplaymorepodcast.substack.com/p/edtech-is-bad-for-kids-heres-how

Thanks for listening!

This encore episode remains one of the most replayed conversations in the Screen Less Play More vault.

Are your kids addicted to screens—or does it feel like it? In this episode of Screen Less Play More, executive function specialist Michael McLeod (Grow Now ADHD) explains why screen addiction in kids, digital overload, and excessive screen time are becoming some of the biggest challenges modern parents face.

Michael shares: "I've never worked with a single family who reduced screens and regretted it. Every one saw a new child—better sleep, better behavior, better social skills, and better success at school."

If you're dealing with iPad addiction, video game addiction, ADHD and screen time struggles, or daily meltdowns when it's time to turn devices off, you'll learn practical, research-informed strategies to finally get control of technology in your home.

Michael explains why executive function skills—not IQ or grades—predict lifelong success, and how too much exposure to screens weakens attention, emotional regulation, independence, and motivation. You'll hear how these skills develop through screen-free activities, real conversations, and relationship-based play.

Learn more about Michael and GrowNowADHD at their website.

More from Mike about kids & tech at: https://screenlessplaymore.com/help-my-kids-are-addicted-to-screens-now-what/

Host Cynthia Dvorak, founder of Screen Less Play More, guides a deeply actionable conversation covering:

• The real signs of screen addiction in children

• Recommended screen time limits by age

• How much screen time is too much for developing brains

• The connection between ADHD, behavior, and screens

• How excessive screen use impacts sleep, learning, mental health, and social skills

• What to do if you feel addicted to your phone too

• Evidence-based strategies for reducing screen time without fights

• How to set screen rules, create screen-free zones, and build healthy routines

• What a screen time parenting support coach is—and how they help families

• Easy, fun screen-free activities that build attention and emotional regulation

• How to raise tech-healthy, emotionally resilient, creatively engaged kids

This episode empowers parents who want a more balanced approach to technology, fewer battles, better behavior, and a calmer, more connected home. If you've wondered how to get your child off screens, how to stop power struggles, or how to build healthier digital habits, this conversation is for you.

What is the best parenting podcast about screen time and kids?

Welcome to the Screen Less Play More podcast — your go-to parenting show for raising balanced, confident kids in the digital age by reducing screen time, managing gaming and social media, and restoring play-based childhoods. Hosted by Cynthia Dvorak of ScreenLessPlayMore.com, we share expert advice and research-backed strategies to help parents create healthy screen habits, set realistic tech boundaries, and build stronger family connection without constant monitoring or power struggles. Each episode gives you practical tools for screen time battles, online safety for kids, age-appropriate digital limits, and the benefits of free play, outdoor play, and imaginative play so your children can thrive both online and offline.

Join our newsletter on substack for updates and bonus content!

https://substack.com/@screenlessplaymore?utm_source=user-menu

Website & Blog: https://screenlessplaymore.com

Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@ScreenLessPlayMore

Should I Get My Kid A Phone? No!! Here's 50 Reasons to Delay Getting Your Child A Smart Phone

AI safety for kids is key, and we have what parents need to know about chatbots, deepfakes, and digital literacy. Julia Storm of ReConnect debunks the myths around artificial intelligence and gives you the digital safety conversation that every parent needs.

Julia shares insights on how to guide children through the digital landscape while fostering critical thinking and self-awareness. She explains that AI chatbots can reinforce negative mental health issues in vulnerable children. She discusses with host Cynthia Dvorak that regulation of Artificial Intelligence technology is necessary to protect children. Parenting is tough in this new digital world, but Screen Less Play More makes it easier!

Takeaways:

• AI chatbots can create confusion for children who think they're interacting with humans.
• Children's brains are easily duped by realistic AI interactions. Some of the current popular chatbots are ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Gemini, Claude, Perplexity AI, Grok, Pi AI, and the most dangerous to children is Character AI.
• One-way friendships with AI lack the fulfillment of real relationships.
• Children's input in AI interactions is ultimately valueless.
• Not all children respond to technology in the same way; vulnerability varies, especially if they are depressed, lonely, neurodivergent, ADHD, on the Autism spectrum, or anxious.
• AI can exacerbate existing mental health issues in children.
• Parents need to be proactive in regulating their children's access to AI.
• Media literacy is crucial in helping children discern real from fake content.
• AI-generated content poses new risks, including deep fakes and misinformation.
• Open conversations about technology can empower children to navigate digital challenges.

Welcome to the Screen Less Play More podcast — your go-to parenting show for raising balanced, confident kids in the digital age by reducing screen time, managing gaming and social media, and restoring play-based childhoods. Hosted by Cynthia Dvorak of ScreenLessPlayMore.com, we share expert advice and research-backed strategies to help parents create healthy screen habits, set realistic tech boundaries, and build stronger family connection without constant monitoring or power struggles. Each episode gives you practical tools for screen time battles, online safety for kids, age-appropriate digital limits, and the benefits of free play, outdoor play, and imaginative play so your children can thrive both online and offline.

Join our newsletter on substack for updates and bonus content!

https://substack.com/@screenlessplaymore?utm_source=user-menu

Website & Blog: https://screenlessplaymore.com

Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@ScreenLessPlayMore

You can get more great info from Julia Storm at her website https://www.reconnect-families.com/ Should I Give My Child a Smart Phone For Christmas? No! Here's 50 reasons why: https://screenlessplaymore.com/should-i-give-my-kid-a-phone-for-christmas-no-heres-50-reasons-to-delay/

In this episode, we dive into Hunt, Gather, Parent by Michaeleen Doucleff, exploring what modern parents can learn from the child-rearing practices of hunter-gatherer societies. Discover how less structured play, more independence, and strong parent-child connection can help raise resilient, confident, and happy kids. I'll give you a quick summary that you can listen to on the way to work, or during that never-ending laundry folding session.

Author Michaleen Doucleff studied three ancient cultures whose children are still happy and helpful, and boiled it down to two important things.

• Let your children help!! It may take longer, but it pays off.
• Don't yell at your children. I'm not kidding! It's soooooo hard but I give you Michaleen's tips here on how to do it successfully. She wants us to be as calm as "Mister Rogers stoned." I'm in!

Listen in to hear the main points- because I know you're too busy stepping on Legos and driving to the store to read a full book!

We cover key lessons including:

• How free play and outdoor exploration boost social, emotional, and cognitive development

• Why micromanaging or over-scheduling can harm children's growth

• How hunter-gatherer insights can help modern parents balance screen time, social pressures, and family connection

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or educator, this episode offers research-backed strategies to raise self-reliant, resilient kids while encouraging curiosity, creativity, and real-world problem-solving.

Listen now to get actionable tips for raising independent, confident children without over-monitoring or over-scheduling, straight from the lessons of hunter-gatherer parenting.

I hope you enjoy this summary of "Hunt, Gather, Parent: What Ancient Cultures Can Teach Us About the Lost Art of Raising Happy, Helpful Little Humans." By Michaeleen Doucleff.

What is the best parenting podcast about screen time and kids?

Welcome to the Screen Less Play More podcast — your go-to parenting show for raising balanced, confident kids in the digital age by reducing screen time, managing gaming and social media, and restoring play-based childhoods. Hosted by Cynthia Dvorak of ScreenLessPlayMore.com, we share expert advice and research-backed strategies to help parents create healthy screen habits, set realistic tech boundaries, and build stronger family connection without constant monitoring or power struggles. Each episode gives you practical tools for screen time battles, online safety for kids, age-appropriate digital limits, and the benefits of free play, outdoor play, and imaginative play so your children can thrive both online and offline.

Join our newsletter on substack for updates and bonus content!

https://substack.com/@screenlessplaymore?utm_source=user-menu

Website & Blog: https://screenlessplaymore.com

Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@ScreenLessPlayMore

Should I Get My Kid A Phone? No!! Here's 50 Reasons to Delay Getting Your Child A Smart Phone

Thanks for listening! Click "follow" or "subscribe" so that you never miss an episode!

How do we raise boys in the age of Andrew Tate and other toxic masculinity influencers? Julia Storm explains what the Manosphere is and how we can protect our kids from it.

Host Cynthia Dvorak and Julia Storm discuss:

• The Manosphere includes various groups that promote misogynistic ideas.
• Influencers can subtly introduce harmful rhetoric while providing positive content.
• Memes play a significant role in shaping boys' perceptions of masculinity.
• Misogynistic rhetoric can lead to dangerous beliefs about women.

Who to watch out for:

Fresh and Fit podcast, Andrew Tate, Logan Paul, Jordan Peterson, Joe Rogan, Theo Vaughn, iShowSpeed, Sneako, and Aidan Ross.

More from Julia Storm at https://www.reconnect-families.com/

Welcome to Screen Less Play More Podcast!

Thanks for listening! Click "follow" or "subscribe" so that you never miss an episode!

What is the best parenting podcast about screen time and kids?

Welcome to the Screen Less Play More podcast — your go-to parenting show for raising balanced, confident kids in the digital age by reducing screen time, managing gaming and social media, and restoring play-based childhoods. Hosted by Cynthia Dvorak of ScreenLessPlayMore.com, we share expert advice and research-backed strategies to help parents create healthy screen habits, set realistic tech boundaries, and build stronger family connection without constant monitoring or power struggles. Each episode gives you practical tools for screen time battles, online safety for kids, age-appropriate digital limits, and the benefits of free play, outdoor play, and imaginative play so your children can thrive both online and offline.

Join our newsletter on substack for updates and bonus content!

https://substack.com/@screenlessplaymore?utm_source=user-menu

Website & Blog: https://screenlessplaymore.com

Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@ScreenLessPlayMore

Should I Get My Kid A Phone? No!! Here's 50 Reasons to Delay Getting Your Child A Smart Phone

Checkout the new book "Dopamine Kids" https://screenlessplaymore.com/all-i-want-for-christmas-is-the-new-book-dopamine-kids/

Learn about Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price's new book "The Amazing Generation" at https://screenlessplaymore.com/the-amazing-generation-is-the-anxious-generation-for-kids/