337: Dr. Delaney Ruston and Parenting in the Screen Age

Dr. Delaney Ruston joins Dr. Sandie Morgan to discuss parenting strategies in the digital age, focusing on mental health, communication, and her book Parenting in the Screen Age. Delaney Ruston, MD Dr. Delaney Ruston is a physician and award-winning filmmaker renowned for her impactful documentaries, including the Screenagers series, which explores the intersection of technology and youth well-being. She has appeared on numerous media outlets discussing screen time, mental health, and parenting in the digital age. Dr. Ruston also hosts the Screenagers podcast and blog, offering practical advice to families navigating digital challenges. Her work is driven by a passion for fostering open conversations about mental health and technology's role in our lives. Key Points Dr. Ruston’s book, Parenting in the Screen Age, provides science-based strategies for calm and productive conversations about technology between parents and children. She emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries around screen time, citing its impact on mental health and sleep. Validation is a key parenting skill discussed in the book, helping children feel understood without necessarily condoning their behavior. The concept of a "Vulnerable Village" encourages collective action among parents and communities to delay smartphone and social media use for children. Dr. Ruston recommends "Tech Talk Tuesdays," a family tradition of having short weekly conversations about technology to build understanding and establish boundaries. She highlights the importance of balancing screen time with other enriching activities like creative projects, in-person interactions, and outdoor play. The book provides guidance on creating collaborative family media plans that incorporate sleep time, family time, and study time rules. Dr. Ruston shares her experience with her daughter’s mental health struggles, offering insights into how open conversations and community support can make a difference. The Screenagers films and associated blogs provide additional resources for parents and communities to address digital challenges collectively. Dr. Ruston advocates for using science-based parenting techniques and communication strategies to navigate the complexities of raising children in the digital age. Resources Screenagers Movie Website Parenting in the Screen Age: A Guide for Calm Conversations Screenagers Podcast Transcript [00:00:00] Sandie: Welcome to the Ending Human Trafficking Podcast here at Vanguard University's Global Center for Women and Justice in Orange County, California. This is episode number 337, Dr. Delaney Rustin and Parenting in the Screen Age. My name is Dr. Sandy Morgan, and this is the show where we empower you to study the issues, be a voice, and make a difference in ending human trafficking. [00:00:33] Sandie: Dr. Delaney Rustin is a physician and award winning filmmaker renowned for her impactful documentaries, including the ScreenAgers series, now comprising four films that explore the intersection of technology and youth well being. [00:00:53] Sandie: She has appeared on numerous media outlets discussing screen time, mental health, and parenting in the digital age. She is the voice behind the Screenagers podcast. and blog and offers practical advice to families navigating digital challenges. Her work is driven by a passion for fostering open conversations about mental health and technology's role in our lives. [00:01:26] Sandie: Today, we're going to talk about her book, Parenting in the Screen Age, a guide for calm conversations. [00:01:35] Sandie: I am so happy to have Dr. Delaney Rustin with us for this episode of Ending Human Trafficking. Welcome. [00:01:45] Delaney: Oh, it's wonderful, Sandy, to be here. Thank you. [00:01:48] Sandie: We are, let me just tell everybody that in our next Insure Justice, March 7th and 8th, we're going to be screening the movie Screenagers.

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