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YOUR TEEN'S BRAIN ISN'T BROKEN (BUT THEIR SCREEN HABITS MIGHT BE): WHAT EVERY PARENT NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT TEENS, TECH, AND BRAIN DEVELOPMENT

 Modern Mommy Doc


PUBLICATION DATE:

May 15, 2025

YOUR TEEN'S BRAIN ISN'T BROKEN (BUT THEIR SCREEN HABITS MIGHT BE): WHAT EVERY PARENT NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT TEENS, TECH, AND BRAIN DEVELOPMENT

 Modern Mommy Doc

CATEGORY: asterbenc

About the Episode:


Feel like you’re constantly battling your teen over screen time? Wondering if their love of Roblox, TikTok, or skincare influencers is harmless—or harmful? Overwhelmed by all the fear-based headlines about what tech is doing to your kid’s brain?


Same. That’s why this week’s episode is a must-listen.


Dr. Whitney sits down with Erin Walsh—social scientist, parenting expert, and author of It’s Their World: Teens, Screens, and the Science of Adolescence—to dig into what’s really going on with our kids and their screens. Spoiler: It’s not as simple as “just take the phone away.” But it’s also not a free-for-all.


Erin breaks down the science of the developing adolescent brain, the real risks of screen time (especially around body image), and what we actually need to be focusing on as parents. This conversation will leave you feeling smarter, calmer, and better equipped to make the best decisions for your unique kid—without shame or overwhelm.


Key Takeaways:


💥 The Truth About the Teen Brain

Adolescents aren’t mini adults or defiant disasters. Their brains are wired for risk-taking, emotional intensity, and identity formation—and that’s not a flaw, it’s biology. Understanding that can completely shift how we show up when they’re melting down... or ignoring our 8th reminder to get off YouTube.


🎯 Why One-Size-Fits-All Screen Rules Backfire

Rigid screen-time limits and total bans often create more power struggles than peace. Erin explains how to parent with the science, not against it—and why our kids’ individual personalities, interests, and vulnerabilities should shape how we set tech boundaries.


📱 Screens Aren’t All Bad—But Some Content Is

Not all screen time is created equal. Your 11-year-old using Pinterest for drawing ideas is a different story than your 8-year-old rage-texting strangers on Roblox. The key is asking why kids are using screens and what the content is doing for (or to) them.


📉 The Hidden Harm of Body-Based Content

From fitspo to skincare influencers to muscle-building TikToks, appearance-focused content is sneakier—and more damaging—than many parents realize. Erin shares what the research actually says about the connection between social media, body image, and mental health (especially for boys and non-binary kids).


👀 Parental Monitoring Doesn’t Work Without Relationship

Filters and tracking apps can help—but they’re not enough. What really protects teens online? An ongoing, curious, connected relationship with you. Erin gives simple strategies to build that trust—even if your teen is in full “leave me alone” mode.


🧃 The Hot Chocolate Method: Why Side-by-Side Time Matters

Sometimes the best convos happen in the car or while grabbing a snack. Erin and Whitney share real-life ways to create low-pressure connection moments that teens actually respond to (yes, even yours).


📵 Your Screen Habits Matter, Too

Kids notice when we’re glued to our phones. Erin explains why adult screen use impacts teen mental health—and how narrating our own phone boundaries (without shame) can shift the whole family dynamic.


🚨 The Algorithm Isn’t Your Friend

Click once on a biohacking or diet post, and the algorithm will happily shove more extreme content your kid’s way. Erin explains why it’s crucial to look at your kid’s feed, not just their screen time total.


About Our Guest:


Erin Walsh is a parent, speaker, and expert on adolescent development, screen time, and mental health. She’s the co-founder of the Spark & Stitch Institute, where she helps families and educators navigate the messy, meaningful work of raising kids in the digital age—using real science and zero shame.


Erin is also the author of the book It’s Their World: Teens, Screens, and the Science of Adolescence, which dives into how teens’ brains are wired, what screens are actually doing to them, and how parents can respond with confidence and connection (not panic).


She’s known for making complicated research accessible, practical, and even a little funny—and her work has been featured in schools, community organizations, and media outlets across the country.


You can find Erin’s ongoing work, free resources, and workshops at

🌐 sparkandstitchinstitute.com


And follow her for science-backed tips and parenting truth bombs at

📲 Instagram: @sparkandstitch

📩
Subscribe to The Modern Mommy Doc Podcast for more episodes on parenting with confidence and clarity. Leave a review using the hashtag #ModernMommyDoc.


Raising Body-Confident Kids Starts at the Doctor's Office!

START NOW
By Dr. Whitney December 17, 2025
About the Episode: In this episode, Dr. Whitney sits down with Dr. Jay Gargus and Dave Justus from NeuroQure to discuss the power of early clarity when it comes to autism detection and why earlier intervention can fundamentally change outcomes for childre n and families. Dr. Gargus explains the science behind early behavioral therapies and why their impact goes far beyond short-term skill-building. Research shows that early, evidence-based interventions can lead to measurable, lifelong improvements in IQ, so cial skills, independence, and educational placement, often determining whether a child can thrive in mainstream education or requires ongoing specialized support. The conversation also tackles a critical and often overlooked issue: access. Dave Justus shares the personal motivation behind NeuroQure’s work and explains why the test is being launched at cost, with installment plans and employer subsidies, while the team works toward insurance coverage. The goal is to prevent families from losing precious years waiting for answers. Together, they emphasize a hopeful message for parents: families don’t need to wait for a future “silver bullet.” We already have therapies that work and getting kids connected to them earlier can change the course of a lifetime. In this episode, we discuss: Why early autism detection leads to lifelong changes—not just short-term gains What a 17-point IQ difference actually means for education, independence, and quality of life How early intervention can shift developmental trajectories as early as 6 months The science and validation behind current autism therapies Why NeuroQure is pricing testing at cost while pursuing insurance coverage How early clarity can reduce long-term strain on families, schools, and healthcare systems This episode is a powerful reminder that timing matters and that early access to answers can make an extraordinary difference for children and the families who love them. About Our Guest: Dr. Jay Gargus, MD, PhD is a physician-scientist and nationally recognized expert in neurodevelopmental disorders, with decades of experience researching the biological underpinnings of autism. His work has focused on translating well-established science into meaningful, real-world interventions that can improve lifelong outcomes for children. Dr. Gargus emphasizes that early, evidence-based therapies are already available—and that connecting families to them sooner can fundamentally change developmental trajectories. Dave Justus is a parent and the founder of NeuroQure, whose work is driven by personal experience navigating delayed autism diagnosis and intervention. Motivated by the belief that early clarity can spare families years of uncertainty, Dave is focused on expanding access to early testing through cost-based pricing and ongoing efforts to secure insurance coverage. His mission is simple but powerful: ensure families don’t have to wait for answers that could change everything. Want to Start Raising Body-Confident Kids Today? 📘 Order the Book Order your copy of My One-of-a-Kind Body 👉 www.raisingbodyconfidentkids.com/books 🎁 Claim Your Free Bonus When you order on our site, you’ll also get access to a FREE video mini-course with five bite-sized lessons for parents. In just 25 minutes, you’ll walk away with: Simple, script-style ways to respond when your kid says, “I hate my thighs” How to talk about health without weight talk What to do when your own inner critic shows up How to interrupt diet culture at home The first step to raising a body-confident kid, even if you didn’t grow up as one 📩 Subscribe to The Modern Mommy Doc Podcast for more episodes on parenting with confidence and clarity. Leave a review using the hashtag #ModernMommyDoc.
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ON THE PODCAST


By Dr. Whitney December 17, 2025
About the Episode: In this episode, Dr. Whitney sits down with Dr. Jay Gargus and Dave Justus from NeuroQure to discuss the power of early clarity when it comes to autism detection and why earlier intervention can fundamentally change outcomes for childre n and families. Dr. Gargus explains the science behind early behavioral therapies and why their impact goes far beyond short-term skill-building. Research shows that early, evidence-based interventions can lead to measurable, lifelong improvements in IQ, so cial skills, independence, and educational placement, often determining whether a child can thrive in mainstream education or requires ongoing specialized support. The conversation also tackles a critical and often overlooked issue: access. Dave Justus shares the personal motivation behind NeuroQure’s work and explains why the test is being launched at cost, with installment plans and employer subsidies, while the team works toward insurance coverage. The goal is to prevent families from losing precious years waiting for answers. Together, they emphasize a hopeful message for parents: families don’t need to wait for a future “silver bullet.” We already have therapies that work and getting kids connected to them earlier can change the course of a lifetime. In this episode, we discuss: Why early autism detection leads to lifelong changes—not just short-term gains What a 17-point IQ difference actually means for education, independence, and quality of life How early intervention can shift developmental trajectories as early as 6 months The science and validation behind current autism therapies Why NeuroQure is pricing testing at cost while pursuing insurance coverage How early clarity can reduce long-term strain on families, schools, and healthcare systems This episode is a powerful reminder that timing matters and that early access to answers can make an extraordinary difference for children and the families who love them. About Our Guest: Dr. Jay Gargus, MD, PhD is a physician-scientist and nationally recognized expert in neurodevelopmental disorders, with decades of experience researching the biological underpinnings of autism. His work has focused on translating well-established science into meaningful, real-world interventions that can improve lifelong outcomes for children. Dr. Gargus emphasizes that early, evidence-based therapies are already available—and that connecting families to them sooner can fundamentally change developmental trajectories. Dave Justus is a parent and the founder of NeuroQure, whose work is driven by personal experience navigating delayed autism diagnosis and intervention. Motivated by the belief that early clarity can spare families years of uncertainty, Dave is focused on expanding access to early testing through cost-based pricing and ongoing efforts to secure insurance coverage. His mission is simple but powerful: ensure families don’t have to wait for answers that could change everything. Want to Start Raising Body-Confident Kids Today? 📘 Order the Book Order your copy of My One-of-a-Kind Body 👉 www.raisingbodyconfidentkids.com/books 🎁 Claim Your Free Bonus When you order on our site, you’ll also get access to a FREE video mini-course with five bite-sized lessons for parents. In just 25 minutes, you’ll walk away with: Simple, script-style ways to respond when your kid says, “I hate my thighs” How to talk about health without weight talk What to do when your own inner critic shows up How to interrupt diet culture at home The first step to raising a body-confident kid, even if you didn’t grow up as one 📩 Subscribe to The Modern Mommy Doc Podcast for more episodes on parenting with confidence and clarity. Leave a review using the hashtag #ModernMommyDoc.
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