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Screen Less Play More
Screen Less Play More episodes
- Why Kids Are in a Digital Crisis — How to Protect Them from Screen Addiction | Kat Zilka of DisConnect
In this first episode of Screen Less Play More, host Cynthia Dvorak interviews Kat Zilka of Dis/Connect to tackle a growing concern: the digital crisis children face today.
We break down:
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The impacts of excessive screen time on kids' mental health, attention, and social development.
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Why smartphones, social media and gaming can be addictive — and what "screen addiction" really looks like.
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Practical, research-backed strategies for parents to reduce screen time and help kids reconnect with real life.
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How to set healthy digital boundaries, encourage play, and support emotional well-being.
Who this episode is for: Parents of babies, toddlers, elementary-age kids, tweens, or teens; educators; caregivers; anyone concerned about healthy media use.
Kat Zilka was a high school teacher who realized that her students were in a real mental health crisis. She asked her students to write an essay about their relationship to their phones, and was shocked to read their confessions. "Honestly, if you were to read the essays and insert another substance, like alcohol or drugs into, in place of the phone or in place of social media, it would have been addicts crying for help."
Kat formed Dis/Connect to help teens cultivate a more healthy relationship with tech and social media. Our Screen Less Play More podcast interview has some fascinating insights.
Learn more about Disconnect at https://www.disconnectme.org/
Welcome to the Screen Less Play More Podcast with Cynthia Dvorak! Discover the benefits of less screen time for children and practical strategies to reduce screen use as a family. Learn about screen time guidelines by age, how Big Tech targets our kids, and how to stay screenstrong. Learn how to manage kids & screens, how to find a screentime solution, and tips on raising good humans! Whether you have babies, toddlers, elementary kids, or teens, this show give you advice on managing tech and life!
You will feel good inside once you learn about the benefits of play, and why play is vital to childhood! It isn't always just about discipline, it's about information, research, and facts.
Modern parents are constantly asking:
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What are the recommended screen time limits for children by age?
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How can I reduce my child's screen time? How do I get my child off screens?
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How do I get my son off video games?
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What are the negative effects of too much screen time on kids?
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What are the signs of screen addiction?
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What should I do if my child is addicted to screens?
- What do I do about kids and technology?
- How do I get my child off screens without a fight?
- How do you stop screen addiction?
- Does my child have a video game addiction?
- What are the benefits of play?
- How do I get my kids to play more?
- What are the benefits of reading to kids?
- What's the best podcast about screens and kids?
- What is the power of play?
- What is the Anxious Generation about?
- How does screen time affect sleep, physical health and mental-well being?
- Is my child's screen time interfering with their sleep?
- How to create healthy screen habits?
Youtube link to this episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBXOGzjQ9JE
Website & Blog: https://screenlessplaymore.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559041665093
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/
Help! My kids are addicted to screens, now what? https://screenlessplaymore.com/help-my-kids-are-addicted-to-screens-now-what/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6tYVFH0D-4&t=2580s
Is social media safe for kids?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PybOb60ak0E&t=618s
https://screenlessplaymore.com/is-social-media-safe-for-kids/
What are the best parenting books about screen time?
https://screenlessplaymore.com/what-are-the-best-parenting-books-about-screen-time/
Why are kids addicted to screens?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBXOGzjQ9JE&t=742s
https://screenlessplaymore.com/why-are-kids-so-addicted-to-screens-hint-its-by-design/
Is my child ready for a phone?
https://screenlessplaymore.com/your-summer-survival-guide/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5N80zMPRFs&t=37s
1 hr 14 min -
About Screen Less Play More
From the publisher's feed
Parenting doesn't have to feel overwhelming — especially when it comes to screens. Screen Less Play More is the podcast that helps modern parents raise healthy, balanced, and confident kids in a world dominated by technology.
Hosted by Cynthia Dvorak, each episode blends practical strategies, expert interviews, and the latest child-development research on screen time, play, mental health, digital habits, and healthy tech boundaries. You'll learn how to reduce screen use without power struggles, encourage independent and imaginative play, and support your child's development from the baby years through the teen years. We will give you screen free activities to try, as well as book recommendations on the best parenting books about screen time.
If you've ever wondered how to manage phones, gaming, social media, or kids' tech requests — or how to bring back more free play, outdoor time, creativity, and childhood joy — this show gives you clear, realistic answers. Discover why unstructured play and risky play boosts emotional resilience, how nature supports healthy brain development, and what parents can do to prevent screen overuse, digital addiction, and burnout. This is the place for busy moms and dads to learn about digital health, healthy screen habits, and how to manage kids and technology. We give you ideas for screen-free activities, screen-free Sunday, and family dinner. We cover topics from friluftsliv outdoor lifestyle, to critical thinking for kids, to screen free entertainment.
We also cover EdTech and it's influence on modern schools, why you might want to opt-out, and how to manage Chromebooks and laptops in the classroom. Ed Tech is not technology education, and we explain the difference to you and how kids can learn valuable media literacy. We also stress the importance of bell to bell cell phone bans in schools, as well as why more play and recess can be the solution to slumping test scores.
Cynthia uses her experience as a mom of two neurodivergent boys to help you manage screen time in regards to ADHD, autism, Asperger syndrome, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and other learning differences. She knows what works for her family, and will help yours too!
You'll hear episodes on:
Age-appropriate screen time guidelines
The negative effects of too much screen time.
Helping kids who are struggling with gaming or social media, including addiction.
Building healthier tech habits as a family.
What are the recommended screen time limits for children by age?
Play-based learning, Montessori/Waldorf/Reggio Emilia and homeschool approaches.
Encouraging outdoor play in all weather.
Is social media safe? Can I make social media safe? What are the best parental controls for smartphones?
How to make room for boredom, creativity, and independence
How to reduce screen time without fights.
Raising resilient, curious, emotionally healthy kids.
Simple, screen-free activities toddlers, preschoolers, and older kids love, plus the screen-free toys you can use to get some rest as a parent.
Whether you're parenting babies, toddlers, elementary kids, tweens, or teens, Screen Less Play More gives you inspiring ideas and relatable conversations to help your family thrive. If you're a busy parent wanting more connection, more play, and fewer tech battles — you're in the right place.
Take a listen, screen a little less, and play a little more — your kids' childhood depends on it.
Website: screenlessplaymore.com
Instagram & Facebook: @screenlessplaymore
screenless playmore
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ScreenLessPlayMore
Substack: https://screenlessplaymorepodcast.substack.com/
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