ScreenStrong Families artwork

ScreenStrong Families

103 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 1 rating

With recommendations based on scientific research and personal experience, Melanie Hempe, RN by trade and mom of four, helps families remove toxic screens—video games, social media & smartphones—from their kids’ lives. Through interviews with experts, medical professionals, and other ScreenStrong families, this podcast will help you prevent screen addiction and rescue your kids from their virtual world. Join our ScreenStrong Families Group and visit ScreenStrong.com to learn more. It’s not too late to win back your kids and ScreenStrong is here to help.

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Episodes

A Fresh Practice for Positive Screen Habits with Tiffany Shlain

February 16, 2021 11:00 - 45 minutes - 31.5 MB

In today’s episode, Melanie has a conversation with filmmaker, author, and mother, Tiffany Shlain, who created a transformative weekly practice that she calls “Tech Shabbat'' for her family. She shares how taking one day completely off screens every week can inspire creativity, connectedness, and introspection. Tiffany and Melanie have a candid discussion about raising kids more offline than online and why we should pay attention to who is shaping your child. They talk about the benefits of ...

One Teen Shares Her Experience with Porn Addiction

February 12, 2021 11:00 - 45 minutes - 31.3 MB

In this episode, Ashlee Ayre, an insightful and courageous young woman, shares her story of her 6-year addiction to pornography that started at age 11 when her parents gave her a smart phone. Melanie and Ashlee talk about the insidious nature of social media and the hidden dangers in Apps like Pinterest, Instagram, Snapchat, and other social media sites. They discuss how explicit content is easily accessible to children by a click or a swipe. Ashlee talks about her relationship with her mom ...

The Science of Media Use and the Teenage Brain with Dr. Douglas Gentile

February 09, 2021 11:00 - 56 minutes - 38.8 MB

Dr. Douglas Gentile is an award-winning research scientist, educator, author, and is professor of developmental psychology at Iowa State University. In this episode, he and Melanie discuss the science that supports the addictive quality of video games and the resistance of parents to believe the evidence supporting the conclusion to the question, "Are video games addictive?"  He hints as to what is coming in the near future in regards to the diagnosis of issues related to screen use and the ...

The Collapse of Parenting with Dr. Leonard Sax (Part 1)

February 05, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 41.6 MB

Dr. Leonard Sax is an American Psychologist and Family Physician with over 30 years experience. He is the internationally acclaimed author of our featured book, The Collapse of Parenting, which identifies a cultural shift in the parenting role in relation to the way parents are raising their children. In this conversation, Melanie and Dr. Sax focus on Chapters 1 thru 5, identifying multiple factors that have lead to a loss of parental authority. He pinpoints the toxic cultural shift over th...

LIVE "Breaking the Trance" Discussion (January BOTM)

January 30, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 41.6 MB

George Lynn and Cynthia Johnson, co-authors of our January Book of the Month (BOTM) pick "Breaking the Trance," join the entire ScreenStrong Team and members from our community to answer YOUR screen questions. Take the ScreenStrong Challenge and join the ScreenStrong Families group on FB for extra support. Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: [email protected] Subscribe, rate, and review the ScreenStrong Families Podcast and help spread the word on this movement Stay Stro...

8 Screen Tips for Distance Learning Success

January 29, 2021 11:00 - 58 minutes - 40.4 MB

In an online seminar, Melanie discusses how to reduce problematic screen use when learning from home. Take the ScreenStrong Challenge and join the ScreenStrong Families group on FB for extra support. Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: [email protected] Subscribe, rate, and review the ScreenStrong Families Podcast and help spread the word on this movement Stay Strong! 

Screen Impact on Early Childhood Education

January 26, 2021 11:00 - 56 minutes - 39.1 MB

Patricia Gefert is a recently retired Early Childhood Educator of 35 years, a mother and grandmother, and a ScreenStrong Ambassador. In this podcast, Patricia shares her experiences with children from Kindergarten to Early Elementary. She notes the drastic changes she has witnessed in children's learning over the past 10-15 years, particularly how screens have affected their academic and social development. Patricia provides specific ideas and strategies for helping children grow in healthie...

ScreenStrong Stories with Special Guest: Jessica Ludlow

January 19, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 41.8 MB

Jessica Ludlow joins Melanie Hempe to share the most recent events in her journey to becoming a ScreenStrong Family. Take the ScreenStrong Challenge and join the ScreenStrong Families Group. Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at [email protected]! Subscribe, rate, and review the ScreenStrong Families Podcast and help spread the word on this movement. Stay Strong!

Three Personalities of the Screen Dependent Child with George Lynn

January 15, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 45.9 MB

Melanie interviews George Lynn, co-author of "Breaking the Trance," our January pick for the ScreenStrong Book Club. Get your physical or eBook copies of Breaking the Trance and read along with us! Would you do us a favor? Subscribe, rate, and review the ScreenStrong Families Podcast and help spread the word on this movement. Stay Strong!

Three Personalities of the Screen Dependent Child

January 15, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 45.8 MB

Melanie interviews George Lynn, co-author of "Breaking the Trance," our January pick for the ScreenStrong Book Club. Get your physical or eBook copies of Breaking the Trance and read along with us! Would you do us a favor? Subscribe, rate, and review the ScreenStrong Families Podcast and help spread the word on this movement. Stay Strong!

ScreenStrong Teens: Lydia

January 12, 2021 11:00 - 39 minutes - 26.9 MB

Melanie is joined by Lydia, a teen with an incredibly emotional ScreenStrong Challenge testimony.  Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at [email protected]! Subscribe, rate, and review the ScreenStrong Families Podcast and help spread the word on this movement. Stay Strong!

How to Reduce Screen Time in One Week

January 08, 2021 11:00 - 53 minutes - 36.9 MB

Melanie and Mandee give a detailed overview of The ScreenStrong Challenge, what's required, what to expect, and tips for getting through the detox period. Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at [email protected]! Subscribe, rate, and review the ScreenStrong Families Podcast and help spread the word on this movement. Stay Strong!

Parenting a Screen Dependent Child with Cynthia Johnson

January 05, 2021 11:00 - 52 minutes - 36.4 MB

Melanie interviews Cynthia Johnson, co-author of "Breaking the Trance," our January pick for the ScreenStrong Book Club. Get your physical or eBook copies of Breaking the Trance and read along with us! Would you do us a favor? Subscribe, rate, and review the ScreenStrong Families Podcast and help spread the word on this movement. Stay Strong!

Parenting a Screen Dependent Child

January 05, 2021 11:00 - 52 minutes - 36.4 MB

Melanie interviews Cynthia Johnson, co-author of "Breaking the Trance," our January pick for the ScreenStrong Book Club. Get your physical or eBook copies of Breaking the Trance and read along with us! Would you do us a favor? Subscribe, rate, and review the ScreenStrong Families Podcast and help spread the word on this movement. Stay Strong!

Screen Use During the Holidays—ScreenStrong Families Q&A

December 18, 2020 14:00 - 45 minutes - 31 MB

You sent us your questions, now we give you answers! Melanie and Mandee address questions from our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group regarding screen time during the holidays, the benefit of a holiday detox, and tips for entertaining only children. Would you do us a favor? Subscribe, rate, and review the ScreenStrong Families Podcast and help spread the word on this movement. Stay Strong!

Screen Use During the Holidays (Q&A)

December 18, 2020 14:00 - 45 minutes - 31 MB

You sent us your questions, now we give you answers! Melanie and Mandee address questions from our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group regarding screen time during the holidays, the benefit of a holiday detox, and tips for entertaining only children. Would you do us a favor? Subscribe, rate, and review the ScreenStrong Families Podcast and help spread the word on this movement. Stay Strong!

ScreenStrong Stories with Special Guest: Dian Gibson

December 15, 2020 14:00 - 55 minutes - 37.8 MB

Dian Gibson, ScreenStrong Ambassador and mother of three, joins Melanie Hempe to share the most recent events in her journey to becoming a ScreenStrong Family. Take the ScreenStrong Challenge and join the ScreenStrong Families Group. Would you do us a favor? Subscribe, rate, and review the ScreenStrong Families Podcast and help spread the word on this movement. Stay Strong!

Non-Tech Gifts for the Holidays

December 11, 2020 14:00 - 53 minutes - 36.5 MB

Are video games and smartphones the only things on your child's Christmas list? If so, listen in as Melanie and Mandee discuss non-tech alternatives! Visit ScreenStrong.com to get your FREE copy of our Non-Tech Gift Guide! Would you do us a favor? Subscribe, rate, and review the ScreenStrong Families Podcast and help spread the word on this movement.

Are You Losing Your Teens to Social Media?

December 08, 2020 15:00 - 1 hour - 45.5 MB

Melanie Hempe and Dr. Leonard Sax, author of The Collapse of Parenting,  discuss the detrimental effects of social media and address common screen myths and the importance of family attachment. Article referenced: "Why WAP Matters" by Dr. Leonard Sax. Would you do us a favor? Subscribe, rate, and review the ScreenStrong Families Podcast and help spread the word on this movement.

Are You Losing Your Teens to Social Media? with Dr. Leonard Sax

December 08, 2020 15:00 - 1 hour - 45.5 MB

Melanie Hempe and Dr. Leonard Sax, author of The Collapse of Parenting,  discuss the detrimental effects of social media and address common screen myths and the importance of family attachment. Article referenced: "Why WAP Matters" by Dr. Leonard Sax. Would you do us a favor? Subscribe, rate, and review the ScreenStrong Families Podcast and help spread the word on this movement.

Non-Tech Screen Activities with Sue DeCaro

December 04, 2020 14:00 - 54 minutes - 37.5 MB

Melanie Hempe and worldwide Coach and Educator, Sue DeCaro, discuss a variety of non-tech activities for all ages to implement both this holiday season and year round. With the holidays coming up, this is the perfect time of year to take the ScreenStrong Challenge and make sure to join our ScreenStrong Families Group for more non-tech gift ideas! Visit ScreenStrong.com to get your FREE copy of our Non-Tech Gift Guide! Would you do us a favor? Subscribe, rate, and review the ScreenStrong...

Non-Tech Screen Activities

December 04, 2020 14:00 - 54 minutes - 37.5 MB

Melanie Hempe and worldwide Coach and Educator, Sue DeCaro, discuss a variety of non-tech activities for all ages to implement both this holiday season and year round. With the holidays coming up, this is the perfect time of year to take the ScreenStrong Challenge and make sure to join our ScreenStrong Families Group for more non-tech gift ideas! Visit ScreenStrong.com to get your FREE copy of our Non-Tech Gift Guide! Would you do us a favor? Subscribe, rate, and review the ScreenStrong...

5 Benefits of Low-Tech Learning

December 01, 2020 14:00 - 48 minutes - 33.3 MB

Melanie sits down with Anneka Daniell, a mom of four, who has discovered the secret to scree-free homeschooling. Whether you are distance learning or truly homeschooling, Anneka lists 5 benefits to a low-tech, learning-at-home experience for your kids with tips and resources to get you started. Take the ScreenStrong Challenge and join the ScreenStrong Families Group. Would you do us another favor? Subscribe, rate, and review the ScreenStrong Families Podcast and help spread the word on th...

ScreenStrong Stories with Special Guest: Julie Christian

November 24, 2020 14:00 - 38 minutes - 26.7 MB

ScreenStrong Ambassador, Julie Christian, shares her journey in becoming a ScreenStrong Family—highlighting the highs, lows, and everything in between.  Take the ScreenStrong Challenge and join the ScreenStrong Families Group. Would you do us another favor? Subscribe, rate, and review the ScreenStrong Families Podcast and help spread the word on this movement. Stay Strong!

Do Video Games Really Make Kids Aggressive? with Lt. Col. Dave Grossman

November 20, 2020 14:00 - 41 minutes - 28.4 MB

Melanie Hempe & Lt. Col. David Grossman discuss the impact of violent media and video game aggression in kids. Take the ScreenStrong Challenge and join the ScreenStrong Families Group. Would you do us another favor? Subscribe, rate, and review the ScreenStrong Families Podcast and help spread the word on this movement. Stay Strong!

Do Video Games Really Make Kids Aggressive?

November 20, 2020 14:00 - 41 minutes - 28.4 MB

Melanie Hempe & Lt. Col. David Grossman discuss the impact of violent media and video game aggression in kids. Take the ScreenStrong Challenge and join the ScreenStrong Families Group. Would you do us another favor? Subscribe, rate, and review the ScreenStrong Families Podcast and help spread the word on this movement. Stay Strong!

Go Game Free and Never Have Bored Kids Again!

November 17, 2020 14:00 - 38 minutes - 26.7 MB

Melanie Hempe and Mary Thorne (@maryellen0708) discuss the huge benefits of raising boys without video games—a choice that is so much easier than you may think! Happy parents and happy kids! Take the ScreenStrong Challenge and join the ScreenStrong Families Group. Would you do us another favor? Subscribe, rate, and review the ScreenStrong Families Podcast and help spread the word on this movement. Stay Strong! Episode Pre-Recorded: 9/17/20

What Are the Benefits to a Screen Detox?

November 13, 2020 14:00 - 40 minutes - 27.5 MB

Melanie Hempe and Dr. Victoria Dunckley, author of Reset Your Child's Brain, discuss the effects of Electronic Screen Syndrome, the medical benefits of a screen detox, and proven solutions for a successful detox. Take the ScreenStrong Challenge and join the ScreenStrong Families Group. Would you do us another favor? Subscribe, rate, and review the ScreenStrong Families Podcast and help spread the word on this movement. Stay Strong!

What Are the Benefits to a Screen Detox? with Dr. Victoria Dunckley

November 13, 2020 14:00 - 40 minutes - 27.5 MB

Melanie Hempe and Dr. Victoria Dunckley, author of Reset Your Child's Brain, discuss the effects of Electronic Screen Syndrome, the medical benefits of a screen detox, and proven solutions for a successful detox. Take the ScreenStrong Challenge and join the ScreenStrong Families Group. Would you do us another favor? Subscribe, rate, and review the ScreenStrong Families Podcast and help spread the word on this movement. Stay Strong!

Why Social Media Is NOT Smart For Middle School Kids

November 10, 2020 14:00 - 42 minutes - 29.2 MB

Crazy things seem to happen to a tween’s brain the first day he walks into middle school... With seven middle school kids between them, Melanie and Mandee discuss middle school maturity, the detrimental effects of social media, and the "Middle School Girl Phone Speech." Take the ScreenStrong Challenge and join the ScreenStrong Families Group. Would you do us another favor? Subscribe, rate, and review the ScreenStrong Families Podcast and help spread the word on this movement. Stay Strong!

How to Become a ScreenStrong Family

November 06, 2020 14:00 - 35 minutes - 24.1 MB

Melanie Hempe and Mandee Hamann share their stories about how they became ScreenStrong Families and give practical tips on how to begin reducing screen time in your home. Take the ScreenStrong Challenge and join the ScreenStrong Families Group!

The Myth of the Technology-Enhanced Superkid

September 15, 2020 17:00 - 47 minutes - 32.7 MB

Join Melanie Hempe and Matt Miles—educator and co-author with Joe Clement of "Screen Schooled"—discuss "The Myth of the Technology-Enhanced Superkid." "Young people's engagements with digital technologies are varied and often unspectacular—in stark contrast to popular portrayals of the digital native." —Neil Selwyn Visit ScreenStrong.com for more information about The ScreenStrong Challenge! And join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group for more exclusive content.

The Myth of the Technology-Enhanced Superkid with Matt Miles

September 15, 2020 17:00 - 47 minutes - 32.8 MB

Join Melanie Hempe and Matt Miles—educator and co-author with Joe Clement of "Screen Schooled"—discuss "The Myth of the Technology-Enhanced Superkid." "Young people's engagements with digital technologies are varied and often unspectacular—in stark contrast to popular portrayals of the digital native." —Neil Selwyn Visit ScreenStrong.com for more information about The ScreenStrong Challenge! And join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group for more exclusive content.

Distance Learning & Tips for Teachers

August 28, 2020 17:00 - 44 minutes - 30.5 MB

Distance Learning & Tips for Teachers with Melanie Hempe and special guest Dawn Poulterer Woods, family coach and ScreenStrong Ambassador. Visit ScreenStrong.com for more information about The ScreenStrong Challenge! And join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group for more exclusive content.

ScreenStrong Q&A (8/7/20)

August 07, 2020 18:25 - 35 minutes - 21.6 MB

Missed our LIVE stream on Facebook? Listen to Melanie Hempe, Mandee Hamann, Michelle Barrett, and Olivia Kernekin discuss screen time during social distancing & quarantine, video game aggression, teen screen anxiety, and distance learning. Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group for more exclusive content like this: https://www.facebook.com/groups/211226636631813/?source_id=682746185097267

ScreenStrong Q&A

August 07, 2020 18:25 - 35 minutes - 21.6 MB

Missed our LIVE stream on Facebook? Listen to Melanie Hempe, Mandee Hamann, Michelle Barrett, and Olivia Kernekin discuss screen time during social distancing & quarantine, video game aggression, teen screen anxiety, and distance learning. Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group for more exclusive content like this: https://www.facebook.com/groups/211226636631813/?source_id=682746185097267

ScreenStrong Quarantine Q&A

August 07, 2020 18:25 - 35 minutes - 21.6 MB

Melanie Hempe, Mandee Hamann, Michelle Barrett, and Olivia Kernekin discuss screen time during social distancing & quarantine, video game aggression, teen screen anxiety, and distance learning. Visit ScreenStrong.com for more information about The ScreenStrong Challenge! And join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group for more exclusive content.

Screen Dependency Warning Signs

July 29, 2020 19:04 - 58 minutes - 40.4 MB

ScreenStrong founder Melanie Hempe and family counselor Michelle Barrett as they discuss the 6 Warning Signs for screen dependency and prevention solutions. Visit ScreenStrong.com to learn more about becoming a ScreenStrong Family and to take our ScreenStrong Challenge. Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group. Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: [email protected]. Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay Strong! 

Screen Immersion Levels

July 29, 2020 18:30 - 26 minutes - 18.3 MB

ScreenStrong founder Melanie Hempe and family counselor Michelle Barrett as they discuss the levels of screen immersion and how to prevent childhood screen dependency. Visit ScreenStrong.com to learn more about becoming a ScreenStrong Family and to take our ScreenStrong Challenge. Need extra support? Join our ScreenStrong Families Facebook Group. Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at: [email protected]. Subscribe, rate, and review this podcast to help spread the word. Stay ...

Pine Lake Preparatory (Morning Session)

February 04, 2020 21:37 - 2 hours - 209 MB

When should my child have a smartphone & social media? How do I win the Fortnite war? What is the real way to prevent screen addictions in kids and teens? Melanie Hempe shares tried and tested tips for Pine Lake Preparatory parents and educators on reducing addictive screens, reclaiming kids and reconnecting families. Brief Q&A included.

Kids' Brains & Screens - Union Academy

August 28, 2019 15:55 - 1 hour - 153 MB

Melanie speaks to parents and teachers at Union Academy in Monroe, NC on subject of kids' brains and screens. She also offers tips and solutions for preventing and reversing childhood screen addiction. * The videos heard in this audio are available on our website: https://screenstrong.com/educational-video-resources/ *

12. Bonus - Live Audience Q&A

July 26, 2019 18:25 - 18 minutes - 26.4 MB

When should my child have a smartphone & social media? How do I win the Fortnite war? What is the real way to prevent screen addictions in kids and teens? Real solutions for real families! Melanie Hempe shares the current brain science behind screen use, signs and symptoms of overuse, and solutions and steps for reclaiming your kids and reconnecting your family in a digital world.

7. Problem - Screens in School

July 23, 2019 00:00 - 4 minutes - 6.72 MB

When should my child have a smartphone & social media? How do I win the Fortnite war? What is the real way to prevent screen addictions in kids and teens? Real solutions for real families! Melanie Hempe shares the current brain science behind screen use, signs and symptoms of overuse, and solutions and steps for reclaiming your kids and reconnecting your family in a digital world.

8. Solutions - Part One

July 23, 2019 00:00 - 4 minutes - 7.15 MB

When should my child have a smartphone & social media? How do I win the Fortnite war? What is the real way to prevent screen addictions in kids and teens? Real solutions for real families! Melanie Hempe shares the current brain science behind screen use, signs and symptoms of overuse, and solutions and steps for reclaiming your kids and reconnecting your family in a digital world.

4. Problem - Video Games

July 23, 2019 00:00 - 13 minutes - 20.1 MB

When should my child have a smartphone & social media? How do I win the Fortnite war? What is the real way to prevent screen addictions in kids and teens? Real solutions for real families! Melanie Hempe shares the current brain science behind screen use, signs and symptoms of overuse, and solutions and steps for reclaiming your kids and reconnecting your family in a digital world.

11. Solutions - Common Questions & Misconceptions

July 23, 2019 00:00 - 11 minutes - 16.3 MB

When should my child have a smartphone & social media? How do I win the Fortnite war? What is the real way to prevent screen addictions in kids and teens? Real solutions for real families! Melanie Hempe shares the current brain science behind screen use, signs and symptoms of overuse, and solutions and steps for reclaiming your kids and reconnecting your family in a digital world.

10. Solutions - Part Three

July 23, 2019 00:00 - 6 minutes - 9.82 MB

When should my child have a smartphone & social media? How do I win the Fortnite war? What is the real way to prevent screen addictions in kids and teens? Real solutions for real families! Melanie Hempe shares the current brain science behind screen use, signs and symptoms of overuse, and solutions and steps for reclaiming your kids and reconnecting your family in a digital world.

9. Solutions - Part Two

July 23, 2019 00:00 - 3 minutes - 5.08 MB

When should my child have a smartphone & social media? How do I win the Fortnite war? What is the real way to prevent screen addictions in kids and teens? Real solutions for real families! Melanie Hempe shares the current brain science behind screen use, signs and symptoms of overuse, and solutions and steps for reclaiming your kids and reconnecting your family in a digital world.

1. Intro & Adam's Story

July 23, 2019 00:00 - 8 minutes - 12.7 MB

When should my child have a smartphone & social media? How do I win the Fortnite war? What is the real way to prevent screen addictions in kids and teens? Real solutions for real families! Melanie Hempe shares the current brain science behind screen use, signs and symptoms of overuse, and solutions and steps for reclaiming your kids and reconnecting your family in a digital world.

5. Problem - Pornagraphy

July 23, 2019 00:00 - 8 minutes - 12.6 MB

When should my child have a smartphone & social media? How do I win the Fortnite war? What is the real way to prevent screen addictions in kids and teens? Real solutions for real families! Melanie Hempe shares the current brain science behind screen use, signs and symptoms of overuse, and solutions and steps for reclaiming your kids and reconnecting your family in a digital world.