How can we help girls develop a sharp, critical perspective on gender inequality without dampening their ambitions? How do we guide boys to recognize how rigid gender roles harm them too?

With the popular Netflix series Adolescence sparking intense discussions about gender attitudes and aggression, these questions are more pressing than ever. And how can we educate kids about the harmful effects of the "tradwife" trend spreading on social media?

In this episode of Parenting in the Screen Age, host Dr. Delaney Ruston explores the psychological impacts of both online and offline sexism with Jo-Ann Finkelstein, PhD, clinical psychologist and author of Sexism and Sensibility. Their conversation uncovers the damaging gender messages young people receive through social media — and offers practical solutions.

This episode is ideal for both adults and tweens.

 

Featured Expert

Jo-Ann Finklestein, PhD

 

Books

Sexism & Sensibility: Raising Empowered And Resilient Girls In The Modern World by Jo-Ann Finkelstein, PhD

 

Research References

Social Media Use and Adolescent Mental Health: Findings From the UK Millennium Cohort Study (e Clinical Medicine)

Adolescents’ Modern Media Use and Beliefs About Masculine Gender Roles and Norms (Journalism and Mass Communication Quarterly) 

 

Additional Links

Blog: The Feminist Parenty, Jo-Ann Finkelstein, PhD

 

Time Code

00:00 Introduction 

00:34 Meet Dr. Jo-Ann Finkelstein

02:00 The Tradwife Phenomenon

04:39 Understanding Sexism and Its Impact

05:58 Raising Empowered Girls

09:14 Involving Boys in the Conversation

25:45 Navigating Social Media Influences

30:50 Conclusion and Resources