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Join Delaney Ruston, MD, a leading authority on parenting in the digital age and the filmmaker of the award-winning Screenagers movies, as she explores strategies for raising screen-wise and tech-balanced youth. Through interviews with researchers, thought leaders, and young people themselves, The Screenagers Podcast delivers the latest in science along with practical tips and important insights that parents will want to share with their kids and teens.

Dec 29, 2025

How can parents set limits that actually stick in a high-tech world? And what rules to set? In this episode, the prominent screen time researcher, Jean Twenge, PhD discusses her new book, 10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World.

Twenge explains the science behind how screens disrupt sleep, and shares ways to use parental controls effectively.

The conversation also explores delaying smartphones and social media, enforcing meaningful consequences, and why changing community norms, not just household rules, can make all the difference. 

 

Expert

Jean Twenge, PhD

 

Book

10 Rules For Raising Kids In A High Tech World

 

Resources

www.screenfreesleep.org 

Screenagers Website

Bring Screenagers to Your Community

 

Time Code

00:00 Introduction to Parenting in the Screen Age

00:19 Meet Jean Twenge: Expert on Generational Differences

00:52 Discussing '10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High Tech World'

02:00 The Importance of No Devices in the Bedroom

04:02 Parental Controls and Device Management

05:26 The Role of Lockboxes and Parental Controls

07:50 Challenges with Parental Control Software

13:11 Promoting Screen-Free Sleep and Community Efforts

14:02 The Impact of Disturbing Content on Kids

15:53 Balancing Busy Schedules and Sleep

18:04 Setting Rules and Consequences for Device Use

19:15 Delaying Smartphones and Social Media

21:35 Final Thoughts and Community Pledges

24:08 Conclusion and Resources