In this episode of Pixel Parenting, I talk with Julianna Lorenzen, co-founder of Healthy Screen Habits, about how screens shape kids’ brains, and what we can do about it.

Julianna has a background in sports medicine and is also a mom of four. She shares how her medical expertise and parenting journey led her to co-found a nonprofit that helps families navigate tech use with science, compassion, and practical tools. We cover the brain science behind screen habits, what makes apps so addictive, and five habits every family can use to build a healthier relationship with technology.

Whether you’re just starting to think about screen time or already deep in the trenches, this episode will give you tools, and hope.  

In this episode, we talk about: 

Why understanding brain development changes how we parent with tech

How persuasive design and attention economy are hijacking our kids’ attention

The difference between our screen habits and theirs—and why both matter

How to talk to your kids (and grandparents!) about screens

Why it’s never too late to make a change, even if the phone is already in the bedroom

✅ Healthy Screen Habits Website

So many great resources to learn, reflect, and take action:

https://www.healthyscreenhabits.org

Free Tools You Can Download

Family Technology Plan (English & Spanish)

Five Core Healthy Screen Habits

“What to Do When You’re Feeling Meh” – great for helping kids with emotional regulation

Book: Healthy Screen Habits for Tweens & Teens:. It’s colorful, easy to read, and packed with science and conversation starters—perfect for reading with your kids. Find it on Amazon

Healthy Screen Habits Podcast

There’s an entire episode library organized by topic—so helpful.

Podcast Library

YouTube Channel

Short, parent-friendly videos on brain science, social media, and more

▶️ Watch on YouTube

Stay Connected:

Guest: Julianna Lorenzen

Instagram: @healthyscreenhabits

Website: healthyscreenhabits.org

Me: Patricia Cangas

Follow along at @pixelparentingtips on Instagram for more episodes and science-backed tips on raising kids in a digital world.