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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.

Aug 10, 2026

This week we return to a popular episode, originally published in Jan 2025, where Dr. Delaney dives into the world of Roblox and examines how in-game purchases impact young people, featuring insights from two young Roblox players and Mark Edwards, a therapist specializing in excessive video game use among teens.

The episode explores the challenges of spending real money on virtual items in games like Roblox and Fortnite — think Robux or V-Bucks — and delves into key issues such as personal values, impulse control, financial literacy, and addiction.

Suitable for both adults and teens, this episode also provides practical advice for parents on fostering conversations about digital spending and guiding their kids toward making more thoughtful financial decisions in the gaming world

 

Guest:

Mark Edwards, MS, MFT

 

Additional Resources:

Screenagers Website

Bring Screenagers to Your Community

 

Time Codes: 

00:00 Introduction

01:04 Interview with Teen Roblox Players

04:35 Therapist's Perspective on Virtual Spending

06:35 Understanding Loot Boxes

10:19 Parental Guidance and Financial Literacy

15:55 Practical Tips for Parents

25:11 Conclusion and Resources