ScreenStrong Families

Melanie Hempe, BSN

After her oldest son, Adam, dropped out of college due to his video game addiction, Melanie Hempe, BSN, put her nursing degree and training from Emory University to good use and founded ScreenStrong. It’s her mission to create educational programs for kids and parents so no one will experience the pain of screen addiction. Her ability to simplify medical science and provide practical solutions for families has allowed her to share her passion and bold screen solutions nationally. ScreenStrong has won the hearts of many families who are preventing and reversing childhood screen conflicts and addiction.

Host of the popular weekly ScreenStrong Families Podcast, Melanie has been featured in Psychology Today, Thrive-Global, The Wall Street Journal, A&E Network, CBS, CNN, NPR, the documentary Screened Out, and various news and television outlets. Her ScreenStrong Kids’ Brains and Screens Courses are available for parents and students. Her four books include, “Kids’ Brains & Screens: A ScreenStrong Student Course,” “Will Your Gamer Survive College?” “Can Your Teen Survive—and Thrive—Without a Smartphone?” and “The ScreenStrong Solution: How to Free Your Child from Addictive Screen Habits.”

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Wednesday · 44 min
Psychiatrist Answers: Should Schools Be Using Less Technology? with Dr. Adriana Stacey (#266)
How much technology should kids really be using at school? In this episode of the ScreenStrong Families Podcast, Melanie Hempe and Dr. Stacey explore the growing use of screens, Chromebooks, tablets, educational apps, and AI in schools—and ask the question every parent should be asking: Is technology actually helping our children learn? You’ll learn why the issue isn’t simply “technology is good or bad,” but what technology is replacing. Are screens replacing books, handwriting, play, movement, teacher interaction, conversation, or creative problem-solving? Melanie and Dr. Stacey discuss: Healthy screen time and technology use at school Why teacher interaction and relationships matter Technology use and young children What kids need to learn before AI does the work for them How parents can ask schools better questions about classroom technology Practical ways to create a more human-centered learning environment Technology is a tool—not the foundation. The child is the foundation. If you're concerned about kids and screens, technology in schools, digital learning, or AI in education, this episode will give you practical insights and questions you can take to 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
August 21 · 57 min
ENCORE: How School Screens Impact Social Emotional Learning with Dr. Richard Freed (#92)
Originally aired: March, 2022 Melanie welcomes back Dr. Richard Freed, author of Wired Child and a practicing Clinical Psychologist and supervisor studying the effects of technology on children. He is on the advisory board of ScreenStrong and is a contributor to many well-respected publications. A link to Dr. Freed’s article, The Tech Industry’s War on Kids, is included in the show notes. Melanie asks Richard to provide our listeners his perspective on frequently asked questions from parents related to screens in the classroom, how to modify and/or request help with reducing screen use for homework, how to request a support letter for an in-school accommodation for your child, and one of the most difficult questions to answer, what to say to your child that is struggling with addictive behaviors. Their discussion addresses how technology has changed the school experience and learning opportunities for our children, which have significantly impacted children's development of Social Emotional Learning (SEL), which encompasses the growth of personal identity, communication, empathy, and healthy connections with parents, teachers, and coaches within the overall community setting. Lastly, Melanie and Richard provide an overview of tips pulled from their conversation today with an emphasis on strong parenting, reducing screens in schools, and re-establishing the strong guidance and love our kids need from us from elementary through high school and beyond. REFERENCES: The Tech Industry’s War on Kids by Dr. Richard Freed 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
August 12 · 45 min
ENCORE: How Teachers and Parents Can Support Phone-Free Schools with Dr. Adriana Stacey (#214)
In this episode, Melanie and Dr. Stacey explore how teachers and parents can collaborate to create a phone-free school environment. Teachers can support the policy by using research-backed education, setting an example with their own phone use, and staying alert to signs of phone overuse, like distracted behavior and declining grades. Parents play a crucial role by supporting the school’s efforts, limiting contact with kids during school hours, and encouraging phone-free days. For parents wanting to go further, we’ll also discuss becoming a Phone-Free Champion in your school, organizing fun, tech-free activities that encourage socializing and new hobbies. Tune in to learn how phone-free schools can help students stay focused, build friendships, and feel more connected. Download our Phone-Free School Resource Guide. 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
July 31 · 1 hr 7 min
ENCORE: A Smartphone-Free Adolescence: Melissa’s Story (#172)
Originally aired November 8, 2023. In this episode, Melanie has a very special guest—her daughter, Melissa! In this episode, we will hear how Melissa feels about growing up without social media or a smartphone. They discuss an overview of teen brain science, what makes social media irresistible for teens, the risks for teen girls, and end with some practical tips for parents. You will enjoy the candid nature of this conversation and will be inspired to make some changes in your home! 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
July 8 · 1 hr 19 min
ENCORE: A Psychiatrist's Tips on Managing Screen Time with Dr. Adriana Stacey (#106)
Today we welcome back Dr. Adriana Stacey, a Board Certified Psychiatrist, for part two of her discussion with Melanie. In this episode they cover why going cold-turkey with screen removal may be the best option for your family and offer tips and tricks for handling addictive behavior. Dr. Stacey's areas of specialty include female mental health treatment, including treatment of depression, anxiety, adult ADHD, insomnia, and sports psychiatry. 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
July 1 · 57 min
ENCORE: Summer Strategies: Keeping Middle Schoolers ScreenStrong This Summer (#190)
Do you want to prevent your middle Schooler from becoming dependent on screen time this summer? Join Melanie as she offers practical strategies to Emily, a ScreenStrong Ambassador and concerned middle school mom, to keep tweens engaged and social without resorting to video games or social media. Get inspired and discover how to make this summer a ScreenStrong success for your family! 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
June 24 · 53 min
10 Things Your 14-Year-Old Boy Can Do This Summer with Evan Hempe (#265)
Fourteen-year-old boys face a tricky gap every June—too old for camp, too young for a job, and just bored enough to default to hours of gaming. Evan Hempe knows the feeling firsthand: he grew up without video games or a smartphone, and in this episode he shares the real list of what filled his summers instead. Funny, candid, and packed with stories from his own backyard, Evan makes the case that a great summer isn't about avoiding screens, it's about going toward something better. In this episode, Evan covers: Why a skill you can never "finish" (music, woodworking, cooking) beats a game that never ends How starting a small business at 14 builds confidence adults can't teach The difference between consuming and creating and why people respect both Why his most vivid memories are from creeks, ballfields, and rained-out camping trips, not screens Whether you're a parent looking for ideas or a teen wondering what to do with three open months, this episode is the blueprint for a summer worth remembering. 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
June 15 · 43 min
Why Screens Are Changing the Classroom: What Parents Need to Know About Kids, Schools & Attention (Part 2) (#264)
In Part 2 of Melanie Hempe’s conversation with educator and Screen Schooled co-author Joe Clement, they continue unpacking the hidden impact of screens on today’s children and classrooms. Building on their previous discussion, Joe shares more insights from his 30+ years as an educator, explaining how constant screen exposure is changing the way kids think, learn, socialize, and engage with the world around them. Together, Melanie and Joe explore why many students struggle with focus, emotional resilience, and meaningful connection—and what parents and educators can do to help. They also discuss the growing momentum behind phone-free schools, the unintended consequences of educational technology, and why understanding the neuroscience of screens is one of the most powerful tools parents can give their children. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why screen-related challenges continue long after the school day ends • How digital distractions impact memory, focus, and academic performance • The connection between excessive screen use and emotional well-being • Why face-to-face interaction is essential for healthy child development • What teachers are seeing firsthand in today’s classrooms • How phone-free environments are helping students reconnect and thrive • Why educating kids about their brains can lead to healthier screen habits • Practical ways parents can lead their families toward lasting change If you’re looking for practical insight, encouragement, and a deeper understanding of how screens are shaping childhood, Part 2 offers valuable perspective—and hope—for families navigating the digital age. 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
May 28 · 31 min
Why Screens Are Changing the Classroom: What Parents Need to Know About Kids, Schools & Attention (Part 1) (#263)
In today’s episode, Melanie Hempe sits down with educator and co-author of Screen Schooled, Joe Clement, to unpack what’s really happening to kids in today’s screen-saturated classrooms—and why so many parents and teachers feel like something has fundamentally changed. Drawing from more than 30 years in the classroom, Joe shares what he began noticing as smartphones and one-to-one devices became common in schools: declining attention spans, weaker social skills, emotional disconnection, and classrooms that grew strangely quiet. Together, Melanie and Joe explore how screens are reshaping childhood, replacing real-world interaction, and interfering with the deep learning and social development kids desperately need. They also dive into the growing movement of phone-free schools, why educational technology has failed to deliver on its promises, and how constant screen exposure is impacting kids academically, emotionally, and socially. Most importantly, this conversation reminds parents that they are not powerless—and that awareness is the first step toward change. In this episode, you’ll learn: • What teachers first noticed when smartphones entered the classroom • Why constant screen access destroys attention and deep learning • How screens are replacing real-life social development and connection • Why kids today are struggling more with anxiety, depression, and emotional resilience • The truth about multitasking and what it does to the brain • Why many educators now support phone-free schools • How ed-tech and one-to-one devices have negatively impacted learning outcomes • Why kids often don’t realize how screens are affecting their brains • How teaching kids the neuroscience behind screens can empower them • Why parents have more influence and leadership than they realize If you’ve ever felt like your child is distracted, disconnected, or struggling in ways you can’t quite explain, this episode will help you better understand what’s happening beneath the surface—and why there is still so much hope for 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
April 29 · 47 min
What Happens When You Take Your Teen’s Phone Away: Understanding Screen Addiction & Withdrawal (#262)
In today’s episode, Mandee sits down with Kellyn Smythe from Pacific Quest to unpack a topic many families are quietly struggling with: screen addiction—and why it’s far more serious than we often assume. Drawing from his experience working in residential treatment with teens, Kellyn explains how screen use isn’t just a habit—it can become a powerful “process addiction” that impacts the brain in ways similar to substance dependency. Together, they explore how technology is reshaping childhood, replacing real-world connection, and making it harder for kids to develop resilience, identity, and meaningful relationships. From understanding the difference between normal screen use and true addiction, to what actually happens when you take devices away, this conversation gives parents both clarity and hope. You’ll also hear what withdrawal really looks like, how long it takes for kids to reset, and why boredom might be one of the best things for your child. You’ll learn: What “process addiction” is—and how screens affect the brain like substances Key warning signs your child’s screen use may be a deeper issue Why video games and social media create a false sense of connection What to expect when you take screens away (including withdrawal symptoms) How long it takes for kids to begin resetting emotionally and mentally The different levels of support available if your child is struggling Why boredom, discomfort, and challenge are essential for developing joy Practical ways to replace screen time with meaningful connection If you’ve ever wondered whether your child’s screen use is becoming a problem—or how to actually help them break free—this episode will equip you with both insight and practical next steps. 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
April 16 · 32 min
Why Kids Are Craving Disconnection: Helping Families Thrive Offline in a Screen-Filled World (#261)
In today’s episode, Mandee sits down with Gayle Cheatham, founder of Thrive Offline, to explore a growing reality many families are feeling—but don’t always know how to address: our kids are more connected than ever, yet feeling increasingly disconnected. Gayle shares her personal journey from the corporate world to leading a movement focused on helping families rediscover real-life connection. Together, they unpack how screens are quietly reshaping relationships in the home, crowding out critical life skills like resilience, creativity, and communication. From the powerful moment her child asked her to “get off your phone,” to eye-opening stories of teens willingly giving up their devices, this conversation will challenge the way you think about screen time—and what your kids actually need most. You’ll learn: Why presence—not just restrictions—is the real solution How screens are crowding out creativity, boredom, and growth Why kids are often relieved to unplug (even if they won’t say it) Practical ways to build stronger family connection and digital habits How to shift your mindset if you feel late or overwhelmed as a parent If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to make a change—or how to raise kids who thrive in a digital world—this episode will leave you encouraged and equipped. 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
April 7 · 27 min
The Courts Are Catching Up: What the Google & YouTube Verdicts Mean for Your Kids (#260)
What if your child’s struggle with screens isn’t a lack of discipline—but the result of how these platforms are built? In this episode, we unpack two major jury verdicts against Google, including YouTube, and what they reveal about the addictive design of digital platforms. You’ll learn why kids can’t “just use it in moderation,” what’s happening in the developing brain, and how you can step in with the guardrails your child needs to thrive. 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
March 27 · 46 min
Raising Creators, Not Consumers: A Philosophy for Life & Parenting with Bradley Morris (#259)
We’re either creating or consuming—and that choice shapes who our kids become. In this powerful episode of The ScreenStrong Families Podcast, host Mandee Hamann sits down with Bradley T. Morris—father, storyteller, and Founder & CEO of Majik Kids—to explore what’s quietly being lost in today’s screen-saturated childhood… and how we can take it back. In a world designed to keep kids scrolling, watching, and comparing, many children are spending more time consuming than creating. But what does that mean for their brains, their confidence, and their future? Together, Mandee and Bradley unpack the hidden cost of passive screen use and make the case for something better: raising creators. You’ll hear: Why today’s tech environment naturally pulls kids into consumption What happens to the brain when imagination is replaced with constant input How creativity builds confidence, curiosity, and emotional resilience Why “movies for the ears” and audio storytelling can reignite imagination Simple, practical ways to shift your home from entertainment-first to creation-first This conversation is both eye-opening and deeply hopeful. Because this isn’t about perfection, it’s about intention. And small shifts can make a lasting difference. ScreenStrong isn’t about taking something away from your kids. It’s about giving them their childhood back. As you listen, consider this simple question: Where is your child mostly creating—and where are they mostly consuming? 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
March 11 · 48 min
It’s Not Strict, It’s Protective: The Truth About Phone-Free Schools with Kathleen Barlow (#258)
Host Mandee Hamann welcomes ScreenStrong Ambassador Kathleen Barlow for a heartfelt and eye-opening conversation about preserving childhood in today’s hyper-digital culture. Kathleen is a mother of six, grandmother of three, former French teacher, and a passionate advocate for phone-free schools. After leaving full-time education in 2024, she committed herself to raising awareness about the impact of digital overuse, especially inside our schools. She now serves on the leadership team of Smartphone Free Childhood US, is a member of the Screen Time Action Network and the Tech-Safe Learning Coalition, and is part of ScreenStrong’s Speaking Ambassador team. In this candid conversation, Kathleen shares what she’s witnessing firsthand while substitute teaching in the largest school district in Utah, including why “phone policies” that still allow access during the day simply don’t work. She explains why bell-to-bell phone-free policies are essential, how constant access undermines learning, and what happens when devices remain just tempting enough to derail focus. This episode is both a wake-up call and a call to action. If you care about protecting childhood, restoring attention in classrooms, and changing the cultural norm around smartphones, this conversation will equip and inspire you. Because preserving childhood isn’t old-fashioned. It’s courageous. Kathleen's Resources: Swimming UpScreen Blog GenFree: Unplugging 2 Connect Podcast Smartphone Free Childhood US G-Rated School Instagram Account: Allie Terry and Liz Jenkins 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
March 5 · 50 min
Are Classroom Screens Helping Kids Learn, or Quietly Working Against Their Brains? with Neuroscientist Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath (#257)
Are classroom screens really helping children learn—or quietly working against how their brains develop? In this episode, neuroscientist Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath joins us to discuss his new book The Digital Delusion and what the science actually says about technology in the classroom. For years, schools have been told that more technology means better learning. But many of the ideas that built the EdTech movement—like “multimedia enhances learning,” “kids learn best on their own,” and “AI tutors can replace teachers”—were never strongly supported by evidence. Dr. Horvath explains what the data actually shows about classroom technology, including the surprising cognitive tradeoffs of 1:1 devices, why handwriting and reading on paper still outperform screens for deep learning, and why the brain struggles with multitasking and constant digital interruptions. We also explore the three biological drivers of learning—attention, empathy, and transfer—and why screens often disrupt all three. Perhaps most importantly, we discuss developmental timing. Children’s brains are highly sensitive to environmental input, and heavy exposure to screen-based stimulation can shape reward pathways, condition dopamine systems, and increase vulnerability to compulsive screen use later in life. Is it really possible to “moderate” highly stimulating screen activities? And what should parents do in a world where technology seems unavoidable? If you’ve ever wondered whether all this classroom technology is truly helping your child—or quietly making learning harder—this conversation will give you the science, the context, and the reassurance parents need. Because the goal of education isn’t just to use technology. It’s to help children learn deeply and prepare for life beyond the screen. 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
February 18 · 37 min
The Case for Screen-Free Schools: Protecting Kids’ Minds & Character with Dr. Kathleen O'Toole (#256)
What happens when schools trade screens for books, discussion, and teacher-led classrooms? In this powerful episode of The ScreenStrong Families Podcast, host Mandee Hamann welcomes Dr. Kathleen O’Toole, Associate Vice President for K–12 Education at Hillsdale College, to explore why screen-free learning is essential for children’s mental health, intellectual growth, and civic formation. Dr. O’Toole leads Hillsdale’s nationwide K–12 Education Office, supporting a growing network of classical schools committed to teacher-led classrooms, rich curriculum, and the cultivation of moral character and civic virtue. In a culture increasingly driven by devices, personalized learning algorithms, and now AI in the classroom, Hillsdale’s approach offers a strikingly different model—one rooted in wonder, truth, beauty, and human connection. Together, Mandee and Dr. O’Toole discuss: Why teacher-led classrooms can never be replaced by “student-centered” digital learning How screen-free education strengthens focus, retention, and deep thinking Common misconceptions about technology in schools Real examples of students engaging in thoughtful disagreement and civil discourse Insights from Dr. O’Toole’s article Citizenship Starts in the Classroom If you’ve ever wondered whether all that classroom technology is truly helping children—or quietly harming their ability to think, reason, and flourish—this conversation will challenge and encourage you. You’ll walk away with clarity, practical next steps, and renewed confidence that a better path forward is possible. 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
February 11 · 1 hr 10 min
ENCORE: What Parents Need to Know About Roblox, Sleepovers, and Snapchat with Officer Gomez (#168)
Join us in this episode as we dive into the world of Roblox, sleepovers, and Snapchat with invaluable insights from our friend Officer Gomez, a School Resource Officer (SRO) and sworn Deputy of the Boise County Sheriff’s Department. Discover what parents need to know to keep their children safe and informed in today's digital age. From the challenges of online gaming to the issues of sleepovers and the nuances of Snapchat, Officer Gomez shares expert advice to help you navigate these crucial aspects of your child's life. 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
January 22 · 37 min
Is Your Child’s Brain Overstimulated? What Addiction Medicine Tells Us with Dr. Steven Klein (#255)
In today’s episode, host Mandee Hamann sits down with Dr. Steven Klein (Caron Treatment Center), a physician-scientist specializing in addiction medicine and brain health, for a vital conversation every parent needs to hear. In a world of constant digital stimulation, many kids’ brains are under relentless pressure—often without parents realizing what’s really happening beneath the surface. Dr. Klein explains how chronic overstimulation affects the developing brain, why behavioral addictions like screens and gaming mirror substance addiction neurologically, and why “moderation” is often far more difficult than it sounds. Together, Mandee and Dr. Klein explore: What true brain health looks like from a medical perspective How dopamine and reward pathways are impacted by constant stimulation Why children and teens are especially vulnerable to addiction The warning signs families shouldn’t ignore—sleep disruption, emotional dysregulation, rising anxiety, and loss of interest in real life Why this is not a failure of willpower or parenting—but a brain-based issue Most importantly, this episode offers hope. Dr. Klein shares how the brain can heal, what actually restores healthy regulation, and simple, practical steps families can take right now to reduce stimulation and support resilience, connection, and emotional well-being. If you’re concerned about your child’s screen use—or simply want to protect their brain in a hyper-stimulating culture—this conversation will equip you with clarity, confidence, and encouragement. Protecting the brain may be one of the greatest gifts a parent can give. 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
January 14 · 30 min
Yearly Wrap-Up: 2025 Highlights (#254)
Thank you all for listening and engaging with the podcast this past year. Here are just a few highlights from our 2025 episodes. Happy New Year! Episodes Featured (in order of appearance): Building Executive Function: Why Play Matters More Than Tech with Mariana Carazo (#239) Protecting Kids in the Digital Classroom: An Honest Look Into "Ed-Tech" with Andrew Liddell (#225) From 16,000 Videos to Real Life: Colin’s Screen Detox Story (#231) Get There Before The Trafficker: A Wake-Up Call for Parents with Aleda Renter (#230) The Opt-Out Movement: Simplifying Family Life in the Digital Age with Erin Loechner (#226) Offline and Intentional: A Conversation with Tin Can Founder Chet Kittleson (#235) 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
Dec 17, 2025 · 35 min
5 Simple Shifts for a More Peaceful Holiday (#253)
In today’s episode, Melanie shares five simple but powerful strategies to help your family enjoy a peaceful, connected, ScreenStrong Christmas. If you’ve ever watched the holidays get hijacked by devices, meltdowns, or gaming marathons at grandma’s house, this episode will give you the confidence and clarity you need to lead your family well this season. You’ll learn: Why giving presence (not screens) creates a more meaningful Christmas morning How to plan tech-free traditions that help your kids settle in, connect, and regulate The importance of protecting sleep and slowing the holiday pace What to tell extended family about your low-tech celebration How to choose connection over perfection—and why it matters more than anything Melanie also shares real stories from families who’ve removed toxic tech and discovered unexpected peace in their homes. Make this the Christmas your kids will actually remember—not because of gadgets, but because you were fully present… and so were they. Resources Mentioned in This Episode ScreenStrong Gift Guide (updated for 2025) Evan’s Soft Christmas Piano Album (perfect for calming evenings) 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

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