Are you considering a smartphone-free childhood for your teens? In a world where teens seem inseparable from their phones, it's refreshing to hear from those who have taken a different path.

Andrew Hempe and Lydia Hamann share insights on making friends without social media, engaging activities that replace endless scrolling, thriving while being different from the crowd, and why they don’t harbor resentment toward their parents for opting out of smartphones. This Show is perfect for your tweens and teens! It offers an invaluable opportunity for them to hear from 2 teens who have successfully navigated adolescence without smartphones.

LISTEN TO PART ONE

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Production Team:

• Host: Melanie Hempe
• Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this episode, host Melanie Hempe is joined by her son, Andrew, who shares his personal insights on screen habits and addiction. Together, they dispel the myth that setting boundaries around screen time leads to rebellion. Instead, Andrew explains how boundaries are an act of love that helps kids thrive.

They focus on three main ideas:

• Boundaries = Love: Kids do better with limits, especially when it comes to addictive activities like video gaming and social media.
• Habit Science: The habits kids form now, whether good or bad, will stick with them into adulthood.
• Skill Building: Childhood is the time to build important skills. Limiting screen time helps kids focus on developing lifelong talents and interests.

Andrew encourages parents to take action, replace screens with meaningful activities, and teach their kids about the science of screen use. It's never too late to create healthier habits. Tune in for practical tips and advice to protect your child’s future.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

• Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
• Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
• Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
• Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

• Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

• Host: Melanie Hempe
• Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this episode, host Melanie Hempe sits down with psychiatrist and author, Dr. Anna Lembke, to dive deep into the science behind screen addiction and its impact on teen brains. Using Melanie’s personal experience with her son Adam as a starting point, they explore dopamine's role in shaping behavior, particularly in a teen's developing brain.

Dr. Lembke breaks down what every parent needs to know about dopamine—the brain’s reward chemical—and how screen activities can hijack this system in ways that mirror addiction. They discuss how tolerance builds up, why moderation of high-dopamine activities like gaming can be more harmful than parents realize, and what permanent brain changes can occur.

Dr. Lembke also shares her DOPAMINE framework as a roadmap for parents struggling to help their children detox from screens. The episode walks through practical steps, from collecting data on screen usage to setting boundaries and managing the emotional fallout of screen detox.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

• Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
• Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
• Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
• Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

• Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

• Host: Melanie Hempe
• Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this episode of the ScreenStrong Families podcast, host Melanie Hempe sits down with Jennifer, a mother who chose a unique approach to parenting in the digital age. Jennifer shares her story of raising several children thriving socially and academically without the constant presence of smartphones and social media. Contrary to the belief that children without devices will struggle socially, Jennifer's kids are confident, active, and leaders in their extracurriculars, with her oldest daughter even being voted Homecoming Queen.

Jennifer offers practical advice for parents looking to limit screen time while fostering communication and independence. She highlights the importance of creating a welcoming home environment, providing family access to social media through a shared account, and modeling balanced tech use. Tune in to hear Jennifer’s insights and tips for helping your kids navigate a low-tech lifestyle in today’s high-tech world.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

• Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
• Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
• Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
• Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

• Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

• Host: Melanie Hempe
• Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this episode, Melanie speaks with Dr. Kim Le, a child and adolescent psychiatrist based in Adelaide, Australia. He completed his psychiatry training in New South Wales and in 2015, Dr. Le received a federal grant to collaborate with an Internet Gaming Addiction Clinic for teenagers in Singapore. He has a special interest in “Gaming Disorder," which was recognized by the World Health Organization in 2018 as a mental health disorder. 

Dr. Le shares his professional journey that led to his interest and passion in treating families struggling with gaming addiction, and he is committed to increasing community awareness of the negative effects of online games on a child’s development. 

Melanie and Dr. Le discuss how the game designers capitalize on the business aspect of video games that leads to the scientific development of the immersive design that hooks the player. Dr. Le introduces the idea of "The Hero's Journey" archetype that appears to meet the psychological needs of children but disconnects them from reality. They discuss why moderation is not encouraged, but rather to change the focus on family values in changing your family's routines. Identification and prevention of screen addiction are also discussed as Dr. Le shares stories of families he has worked with struggling to address issues of gaming addiction with their children. This is a must-listen episode for all parents, and we encourage you to share this with friends!

Dr. Kim Le's TedTalk

Learn more about Dr. Le's practice

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

• Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
• Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
• Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
• Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

• Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

• Host: Melanie Hempe
• Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In today's episode, Melanie tackles common misconceptions about screen use for children and teens. She emphasizes the importance of setting healthy boundaries to protect our children and shares practical strategies for limiting screen time. Melanie breaks down the warning signs of screen addiction and reveals the hidden dangers of persuasive design, showing how tech is intentionally designed to capture young minds. Melanie also discusses how fostering offline activities can help create a healthier, more balanced lifestyle for children and teens.

This interview is shared with permission from Joel Pelland and the Raising Kingdom Warriors Podcast.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

• Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
• Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
• Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
• Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

• Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

• Host: Melanie Hempe
• Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In today’s episode, we dive into a hot topic on the minds of many parents: “Why have a phone-free school?” We’re joined by the brilliant Dr. Adriana Stacey to unpack six key mental health reasons behind the need for phone-free schools.

We explore the alarming stats on how smartphones impact teenagers' mental health, academic performance, and social development. From skyrocketing rates of anxiety and depression to increased loneliness and bullying, the evidence is clear—phones do not belong in schools. But it’s not just about the risks; Dr. Stacey and Melanie Hempe also discuss the powerful benefits of creating a phone-free environment in schools, from improved social skills to better academic focus.

We also tackle the common concerns parents have—like how to stay in touch with your child during the day and what to do in emergencies. Tune in for practical solutions, encouragement, and insights on how to start this important conversation at your child's school.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

• Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
• Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
• Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
• Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

• Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

• Host: Melanie Hempe
• Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

Tune in for a powerful live presentation with Melanie and her son Andrew, as they delve into the science of screen overuse and offer actionable solutions for reclaiming your children from the grip of digital addiction.

In this insightful session, Melanie shares the vital knowledge she wishes she had before her eldest child struggled with screen addiction. Together, they’ll explore the science behind childhood screen addiction, including critical facts about healthy brain development, the dopamine reward pathway, and the impacts of video games and social media on the teenage brain.

You'll learn to recognize the warning signs of screen overuse and addiction and discover ScreenStrong’s proven strategies for shifting your children’s entertainment and social lives from the virtual world back to real-life interactions. This episode is packed with the education and tools families need to make a meaningful change.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

• Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
• Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
• Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
• Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

• Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

• Host: Melanie Hempe
• Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this enlightening episode, host Mandee Hamann sits down with learning specialist Jamie Seibert (Enrichment Therapy and Learning Center) to explore the essential strategies for teaching and developing executive function skills in children and teens. Jamie, with years of experience working with young learners, shares her top tips for fostering skills like organization, time management, and self-regulation—crucial for academic success and personal growth. 

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or anyone invested in helping the next generation thrive, this episode offers practical advice and actionable insights to empower children and teens with the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from an expert in the field and help the young people in your life develop the executive function skills they need to succeed.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

• Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
• Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
• Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
• Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

• Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

• Host: Melanie Hempe
• Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin

In this episode, Melanie sits down with Teralea Moore—a seasoned college math professor with over 20 years of teaching experience across high school, community college, and private college settings. Teralea brings her wealth of knowledge to the conversation, sharing her top 10 tips for thriving in the classroom. 

Whether you're navigating elementary school, high school, or college, these insights will help students, parents, and educators alike achieve success at every educational level.

Support the show

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you more of the content you love. Stay Strong!

• Get your copy of the BRAND NEW Adventures of Super Brain book!
• Start your ScreenStrong Journey today!
• Check out our Kids' Brains & Screens products.
• Want to help spread the ScreenStrong message to your community? Consider becoming a ScreenStrong Ambassador!

ScreenStrong Tech Recommendations

• Canopy—Device Filter (use code STRONG for discount)

Production Team:

• Host: Melanie Hempe
• Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin