Scrolling 2 Death

What happens when a parent discovers that video games aren’t just a harmless pastime—but a trap that can derail a child’s future? In this powerful conversation, ScreenStrong founder Melanie Hempe shares her personal journey of watching her oldest son spiral into video game addiction, and how that painful experience reshaped her parenting choices for her three younger children.Melanie explains why screen addiction isn’t just “too much screen time” but a chemical dependency that rewires a child’s brain. She unpacks the hidden dangers of smartphones, excessive gaming, and constant digital entertainment—and why parents must understand the science behind it.But this episode isn’t about fear—it’s about freedom. Melanie offers practical steps for breaking free from the screen trap, building resilience, and fostering healthy development through real-life experiences, critical thinking, and independence. She also highlights the importance of community, reminding parents they’re not alone in the fight to raise kids who thrive without screens.If you’ve ever worried about your child’s relationship with technology—or questioned whether “everyone has a phone” is a good enough reason to give in—this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.You can get access to all of the resources by ScreenStrong at: https://screenstrong.org

In this Q&A episode, Nicki brought in Titania Jordan — Chief Parenting Officer at Bark Technologies — to tackle your biggest tech parenting challenges. From first phones to firewalls, social media to screen time, Titania shares honest, practical advice every parent needs right now.This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies, the best option for kid-safe devices. ‍Learn about the Bark Phone.‍Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids.  *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFF‍Learn about the Bark Watch.

Today on Scrolling 2 Death, Meta whistleblower and dad Arturo Bejar joins me to expose the truth about Instagram’s so-called “Teen Accounts.” From his years inside Facebook and Instagram leading safety efforts, to his 2021 warning to leadership that went ignored, Arturo reveals what Meta doesn’t want parents to know. We’re also joined by Sarah Gardner of The Heat Initiative, who brings new insights from teens themselves.Teen Accounts: Broken Promises (the full report published September 25, 2025)Heat Teen Safety ReportTIME Magazine: Instagram Promised to Become Safer for Teens, Researchers Say It's Not WorkingArturo Bejar's Written Senate Testimony (November 7, 2023)BBC Report: Instagram Eating Disorder Content "Out of Control"

When the pandemic pushed school into our homes, screens became the new classroom and we never went back. But what has this shift cost our kids? In this episode, Nicki Petrossi sits down with writer and parent Lila Byock to talk about the hidden consequences of remote learning, the influence of EdTech companies, and the mental health toll of too much screen time. Lila shares her personal journey navigating her children’s experience with tech at school, and why she believes parents must speak up to demand real safeguards. Lila Byock is an Emmy-winning television writer and the founder of Schools Beyond Screens, a grassroots coalition of parents and teachers fighting for safer tech in LA's public schools. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, two tween boys, and one scruffy rescue mutt.Resources and templates for parents by Schools Beyond Screens can be found here.

It’s not too late to reset the screen-time limits and boundaries you've set for your kids—and the reasons to take action are becoming increasingly clear.In this episode, Dr. Carrie Mackensen joins host Nicki Petrossi to unpack the science behind interactive screens and short-form media and how they impact children's brain development. Her clear, accessible approach helps parents understand what's happening neurologically and how to make informed choices.Our brains operate using two key systems: the emotional center, which rewards us with dopamine when something feels good, and the thinking brain, where we analyze, reflect, and make decisions. Activities like riding a bike or climbing a tree provide healthy dopamine boosts through effort and engagement. But scrolling social media or watching endless YouTube Shorts floods kids’ brains with 100 to 200 times the dopamine—without any effort—bypassing the thinking brain entirely. Over time, this leads to an underdeveloped thinking brain and an overstimulated emotional center.The result? Kids who are increasingly anxious, withdrawn, emotionally dysregulated, and lack critical thinking skills. The good news: It’s not too late to make a change. Thanks to the brain’s neuroplasticity, you can help rewire these patterns and restore balance at home. Dr. Mackensen, a clinical psychologist, parent coach, and mom of two boys, shares her proven approach in conversation with Nicki from Scrolling 2 Death. Together, they offer practical tools and clear screen-time guidelines to help families create healthier digital boundaries.This is an episode every parent needs to hear.Dr. Carrie Mackensen is a clinical psychologist turned parent coach, author, and founder of Successful Parent. With a PhD in Individual, Family, and Child Psychology and experience as an attending psychologist at Cedars-Sinai and later as Clinical Director of a high-end residential addiction treatment program in Beverly Hills, she now helps families navigate the challenges of raising kids in a digital world. Drawing on both her clinical expertise and her own journey as a mom of two boys, Dr. Carrie blends neuroscience, attachment theory, and practical tools to empower parents to set healthy tech boundaries and strengthen family connection.

On September 22nd, a landmark court ruling allowed expert testimony exposing the harm social media products cause children. From Meta to TikTok, Snap, and YouTube, these companies have long argued it’s content—not their addictive designs—that hurts youth. But experts in psychiatry, neuroscience, and tech safety say otherwise. In this episode, I break down their testimony, revealing how features like infinite scroll, likes, notifications and algorithms exploit adolescent development, contribute to addiction, and harm mental health. This is a monumental moment for families demanding accountability—and a crucial listen for any parent navigating the digital world.

Live from Central Park, NYC!This week on Scrolling 2 Death, attorney Laura Marquez-Garrett from Social Media Victims Law Center (SMVLC) joins Nicki to unpack a major legal battle unfolding against AI chatbots. Laura’s firm just filed three new lawsuits on behalf of families whose children were harmed by the app Character.AI—while Congress simultaneously held a Senate hearing on the dangers of these bots. We dig into what happened to these kids, why Google is also being sued, what lawmakers might actually do, and what every parent needs to know right now about protecting their children from abusive AI.Resources mentioned in the episode:Interview with Megan Garcia, mom of Sewell Setzer IIIInterview with a Texas mom whose son was harmed by Character.AIPublicly-filed complaints against Character.AI and GoogleVideo recaps of the newly-filed complaints here and hereLink to hearing: Examining the Harm of AI Chatbots‍PARENTS: Contact your Senators (senate.gov) and House Rep (house.gov). Tell them about your concerns related to AI chatbots and social media harms. Tell them you want protections for your children!

"Together, we can get our kids back."We live in a world where childhood is being rewritten by screens—and the consequences are showing up in our kids’ mental health, sleep patterns, and ability to thrive in the real world. In this episode, psychologist and researcher Dr. Jean Twenge joins us to unpack her groundbreaking book 10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World.Dr. Twenge doesn’t sugarcoat the truth: social media is rewiring our children’s brains, devices are stealing the very sleep they need to grow, and parents are often left feeling powerless against Big Tech’s grip. But she also brings hope—and a plan. Through ten clear, practical rules, she explains how parents can reclaim their authority, set boundaries that actually stick, and raise kids who are grounded in real-world experiences instead of lost in endless scrolling.This is more than just a parenting guide—it’s a call to action. Because no parent can fight this battle alone. Our children’s future depends on a collective stand: saying no to predatory platforms, demanding safer technology practices, and prioritizing human connection over algorithms designed to addict.If you’ve ever wondered how much tech is too much, if you’ve seen your child slip into the black hole of social media, or if you’re simply worried about what kind of world we’re handing the next generation—this conversation will give you both the urgency and the tools you need.JEAN M. TWENGE, PhD, a professor of psychology at San Diego State University, is the author of more than 190 scientific publications and several books based on her research, including 10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World, Generations, iGen, and Generation Me. Her research has been covered in Time, The Atlantic,Newsweek, The New York Times, USA TODAY, and The Washington Post. She has also been featured on Today, Good Morning America, Fox and Friends, CBS This Morning, Real Time with Bill Maher, Meet the Press, and NPR. She lives in San Diego with her husband and three daughters. Please visit her at: www.JeanTwenge.com  and X: @jean_twenge.

We spend so much time stressing about our kids’ screen time — but have you ever stopped to ask, what about mine? The truth is, our kids are watching us way more than we realize. Every time we pick up our phones at the dinner table or scroll while they’re talking to us, we’re showing them what “normal” tech use looks like.In this episode, I brought in Titania Jordan from Bark Technologies to have an honest, eye-opening conversation about how our habits shape theirs. We swap personal stories, dig into the latest research, and share what we’ve both learned (sometimes the hard way) about modeling balance with our devices.This isn’t about guilt-tripping parents — because let’s be real, we’re all figuring this out as we go and no one's perfect. It’s about awareness. It’s about realizing that the little things we do every day add up, and that we actually have the power to set a different tone at home. If you’ve ever wondered how to raise kids with healthier relationships to tech, this episode will give you some hope, perspective, and maybe even the nudge you’ve been needing to put your own phone down first.This episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies, the best option for kid-safe devices. ‍Learn about the Bark Phone.‍Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids.  *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFF‍Learn about the Bark Watch.

What happens when your child chats with an AI “friend”? You might think it’s harmless fun—but new research shows otherwise. In this gripping conversation, Sarah from The Heat Initiative uncovers disturbing findings about Character AI and its impact on teens. The evidence is chilling: AI bots are exposing kids to sexual grooming, violent content, and other dangers at an alarming rate.Find the full report here, created by Heat Initiative and Parents Together.We also dive into the legal gray zone of AI using celebrity likenesses, the urgent need for regulation, and—most importantly—what parents can do right now to protect their kids. Sarah makes it clear: awareness is power, and collective action is our only way forward.If you’ve ever wondered how safe these new AI tools really are for your child, this episode is the wake-up call you can’t afford to miss.

The digital age has brought incredible conveniences for modern parents—but along with them come some unintended consequences. If screens are your go-to for tantrums or boredom, you may be interfering with your child’s ability to regulate emotions and develop essential coping skills.With over two decades of experience in education, Shona Schwartz has emerged as a crucial voice addressing technology's impact on children's development. In this episode, she invites parents to start by looking inward. The first steps?Monitor your own screen habitsEmbrace the discomfort of parenting—tantrums, boredom, and messiness are part of the process.Next, Shona emphasizes the importance of creating a personalized family blueprint—a values-based agreement that guides screen habits at home. She provides age-specific guidelines for children ages 0–6, 6–12, and teens, helping parents make informed choices tailored to their child’s developmental stage. Her three keys to making these plans work?  Communication. Connection. Consistency.In this episode, Nicki of Scrolling 2 Death and Shona offer practical tips and insights for parents navigating the challenges of raising kids in a digital world. Whether you're just beginning to rethink your family’s screen habits or looking for new strategies, this conversation is a must-listen.Purchase Shona's book here: Always On: A Guide to the (Dis)Connected Generation.Visit Shona's Substack here: Always On Substack

By now, most people have heard of the “Anxious Generation” — but Laura Morton is expanding Jonathan Haidt’s narrative. As the creator of the award-winning documentary Anxious Nation, Laura believes it’s not just youth who are struggling — it’s all of us.A little anxiety is natural – even helpful for performance – but we’re seeing a sharp rise in the chronic, debilitating kind. In 2019, as a single mom to her own anxious teen, Laura set out to uncover the root causes of America's mental health struggles – and its impact on families. One powerful takeaway from her research: anxiety is energy. And that energy can be redirected — into creativity, passion, and purpose. We can reclaim our power, and we can teach our kids to do the same.In this episode of Scrolling 2 Death, host Nicki sits down with Laura to unpack the anxiety epidemic from every angle — including technology’s growing role. Whether you're a parent trying to support your child or someone managing anxiety yourself, this conversation offers key insights, hard-earned wisdom, and tools for navigating today’s anxious nation.Watch The Anxious Nation here.

“This is the first generation in a millennium to be worse off than their parents.”Neuroscientist, educator, and author Jared Cooney Horvath issues a powerful warning: the rapid rise of technology in education is contributing to a sharp decline in intelligence across key metrics—including IQ, memory, critical thinking, creativity, and more. For generations, we've seen steady progress in IQ from one cohort to the next. That upward trajectory ends with Gen Z. The data traces the downturn back to the early/mid 2000s, when technology was first introduced in classrooms. Currently the Director of LME Global, Jared brings cutting-edge brain and behavioral science directly to educators and students. He’s not surprised by the decline, given how the brain is wired to learn. His stance is clear: we’re not meant to learn everything through screens. While screens have a role in teaching digital skills like typing or Excel, they are not a tool for deep learning.When it comes to AI, Jared is equally blunt. Used after expertise is developed, AI can be powerful. But using it in place of learning is a dangerous shortcut—one that the government and EdTech platforms seem all too ready to promote.In this thought-provoking conversation, Nicki of Scrolling 2 Death and Jared unpack the science of learning, the data that challenges the EdTech narrative, and a roadmap for parents and schools to reclaim control. It’s a must-listen for anyone concerned about the future of learning or the success of our children.

In this eye-opening episode of Scrolling 2 Death, host Nicki Petrossi sits down with Titania Jordan of Bark Technologies to unpack the high-stakes decision many parents face: what should your child’s first phone be? From the hidden risks of iPhones to the powerful parental controls offered by alternatives like the Bark phone, they dive into the pressures, misconceptions, and cultural norms driving families toward unsafe choices. Why do so many parents give in to the iPhone hype—and what’s really at stake when they do? This candid conversation exposes how Apple prioritizes privacy over child safety, how peer pressure fuels early tech adoption, and why it’s time for a new standard in kids’ digital wellbeing. If you're a parent wondering what phone is truly safest for your child, this episode is your guide.March 2024 Episode: Safer for kids? iPhone or Bark PhoneThis episode is sponsored by Bark Technologies.‍‍Learn about the Bark Phone.‍Learn about the Bark App for iPhones and Androids.  *Use code SCROLLING2DEATH FOR 10% OFF‍Learn about the Bark Watch.

We’ve talked about the devastating impact of social media and how tech companies’ “profit over people” mindset has harmed countless families. This powerful new documentary, Can’t Look Away, delivers the wake-up call the world needs: the time for industry reform is now.In this episode of Scrolling 2 Death, host Nicki speaks with Can’t Look Away directors, Matthew O’Neill and Perri Peltz, about what drove them to make the film, what impacted them most, and what they learned. “We thought the dangers of social media were already well known,” they say. “But what we discovered was far worse than we imagined. That’s when we knew this story had to be told."Matthew and Perri also share practical advice for parents on how to help keep kids safe online—insights gained from their deep dive into the world of youth social media use.Based on Olivia Carville’s investigative reporting for Bloomberg, Can’t Look Away follows the Social Media Victims Law Center in its fight for justice on behalf of families devastated by social media’s dark side.Watch the film here.

Dr. Mary Pulido, Executive Director of World Childhood Foundation USA, joins Scrolling 2 Death to talk about the evolving fight against child sexual abuse in the digital age.There was a time when parents only worried about their children’s safety while they were out. But now, even at home, danger can reach them through screens. Social media, gaming platforms and chatrooms have become hunting grounds for predators. Even more disturbing, a recent survey revealed that online algorithms are actually creating predators by serving them illicit content before they even seek it out.Tech companies have the power to remove this harmful content, but they continue to avoid accountability. As new threats like AI and deep fakes emerge, it’s more important than ever for parents to take action through education, vigilance, and open communication.Tune in to hear Mary and Nicki of Scrolling 2 Death dive deeper. This episode is a must-listen for anyone raising kids in the digital world.

Over 1,500 parents spoke up — and the results are in. In this episode, Scrolling 2 Death host Nicki Petrossi breaks down brand-new national survey data that reveals what parents really think about technology, screen time, and AI in K–12 schools. From overwhelming concerns about excessive screen use and digital safety to a stunning 91% of parents saying they don’t want their kids using AI at school, the findings are impossible to ignore. Nicki covers it all: data privacy, inappropriate content on school-issued devices, and the growing disconnect between parent values and EdTech policy. If you’ve ever felt powerless watching your child glued to a Chromebook or iPad— this episode will inform, empower, and equip you to start changing the conversation at your school.Full survey summary + email template for school outreach available here.

Why are kids using so much tech at school?A hint: the year was 2020.It started when COVID shut the world down and EdTech became an emergency measure. One-to-one devices kept learning going while schools were closed. It was necessary. But the pandemic ended- and the screens stayed.At first, digital learning seemed full of promise. In a tech-driven world, it felt like the future. But now, the harms are becoming harder to ignore.British actress and children’s advocate, Sophie Winkleman, noticed how agitated her kids became after hours of screen-based learning. She gave them permission to read books instead. Her instinct was right – and the research backs her up: too much screen time in schools is harming students’ focus, memory, and academic performance. Sweden has become the first country to reverse its digital-first education policy– replacing screens with printed textbooks and handwriting, especially for young learners. Sophie hopes more countries will follow.In this episode of Scrolling 2 Death, Sophie joins Nicki to explore the data behind screen harm and why parents need to start asking schools tough questions: Is EdTech really helping our kids learn? Or is it putting them in danger?

Jenna Poste, a former tech executive, was once at the forefront of innovation at Blackberry, helping to build products during the rise of the “always on” movement – a time that felt brimming with excitement and productivity. However, as engagement metrics and data collection became the true engines of tech growth, Big Tech extended its reach beyond businesses and into childhood. The consequences are now all too clear: addiction, isolation, anxiety, depression, and more.With deep insight into how these platforms are designed, Jenna has made a deliberate choice to keep her young children offline and prioritize real-world connections. As a co-founder of the Nova Scotia chapter of Unplugged Canada, she’s advocating for healthier childhoods by delaying smartphone use and encouraging mindful technology habits–for kids and parents alike. “If I am on my phone in front of them, I tell them why…like, ‘I’m looking up a recipe for dinner or answering an important work call’.”In this episode, Jenna and Nicki of Scrolling 2 Death share their perspectives on raising kids in a hyper-connected world, why they chose a different path, and how families can reclaim balance in their lives.About Jenna PosteJenna Poste is a tech executive, mom of two and co-founder of the Nova Scotia chapter of Unplugged Canada—a national parent-led movement working to raise awareness about the impacts of smartphones and social media on kids' mental health and development and advocating for parents to delay.With nearly two decades of experience in the tech industry, Jenna has built products at BlackBerry, led safety initiatives in social media and developed tools focused on well-being. Today, she's using that experience to advocate for healthier childhoods - delaying smartphones, promoting real-world connection, and pushing for policy change across Canada.

The Big Tech Gut Check is a weekly update for parents on all things social media and Big Tech. Updates for this week: Meta AI Wants to Access Your Camera Roll, Analyze Pics You Haven't UploadedLeaked Documents Show Meta is Training Chatbots to Message You First, Remember Chats, Keep You TalkingFormer Facebook CEO says Site Should be Banned for ChildrenMIT Study Shows Weakened Cognitive Capacity with AI UseANGELQ: A Kid-Safe Web BrowserPARENT SURVEY: AI and EdTech in SchoolUtah Sues Snapchat for Harming ChildrenSnapchat Sues Utah Over Age Verification LawTHORN: State of Sextortion in 2025Rolling Stone: Inside Snapchat's Teen Opioid Crisis