ScreenStrong Families - podcast cover

ScreenStrong Families

Melanie Hempe, BSNscreenstrong.com

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.”

Episodes

A Psychiatrist's Perspective on Screen Addiction with Dr. Adriana Stacey (#135)

‘Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.’ — Maya Angelou Dr. Adriana Stacey presents to a group of school parents on how devices affect the brains of kids and teens, how technology affects children and teen’s social, emotional, and family growth, and offers tips, solutions, and resources for parents wanting to make a difference and live the ScreenStrong lifestyle. Presentation audio shared with permission. Transcript UNAVAILABLE. Access research studies. ...

Jan 25, 202358 min

"Video Games Make You Complacent" with Jackson West (#134)

Melanie is joined by college sophomore Jackson West—age 19—to discuss his addiction to video games and the impact of that addiction on his social life and mental/emotional health. JOIN THE 30-DAY CHALLENGE ON 2/1/23 Join us as we lead you through a 30-day Screen Detox for your family. You will have a step-by-step guide and the help of community. Reserve your spot for FREE today! Support the show Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us ...

Jan 18, 202348 min

Busting Screen Myths in the New Year (#133)

Happy New Year! Melanie and Dr. Stacey are helping us start the year on the right foot by sharing some common screen myths and tips for beginning new screen habits in 2023. 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 KBS Home Edition! Start your ScreenStrong Journey today! Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum,...

Jan 11, 202342 min

Yearly Wrap-Up: 2022 Highlights (#132)

Thank you all for listening and engaging with the podcast this year. Here are just a few highlights from our 2022 episodes, and we look forward to continuing to see you in 2023! Happy New Year! Episodes Featured (in order of appearance): "Your Child Hates the Sound of Your Voice, and This is Why" with Erik Goldfield (#121) Welcome 'Glow Kids' Author Dr. Nicholas Kardaras! (#124) The Battle Against Screen Time with Officer Gomez (#86) Social Media & The Resistant Parent with Laura Hickman (#1...

Jan 04, 202335 min

Happy Holidays from ScreenStrong!

To all our listeners and friends, Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from everyone at ScreenStrong! In this bonus episode, Melanie Hempe gives us all a pep talk to stay strong in your screen choices during the pressures of the holidays. 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 KBS Home Edition! Start your ScreenStrong Journey today! Beco...

Dec 21, 202214 min

A Psychiatrist Shares Holiday Screen Tips with Dr. Adriana Stacey (#131)

Today, Melanie and Dr. Stacey discuss overcoming the stress, fear, and frustration around screens taking over your holidays. Maybe you’ve been working on the ScreenStrong Challenge with your family and are worried about maintaining screen routines during the holidays. Remember, short moderation times can derail our kids due to the addictive nature of screens—and the holiday season is just enough time to undo the hard work you have put in to get your kids interested in other things. Melanie and D...

Dec 14, 202258 min

The Endless Non-Tech Gift Ideas with Evan Hempe (#130)

For this special holiday episode, Melanie is joined by her son Evan to discuss practical holiday gift ideas—and encourage people to skip smartphones and video games as gifts this season. Evan, now a senior in high school, gives his perspective on the highs and lows of wanting a smartphone in middle & high school and shares some of his favorite childhood gifts. Grab your copy of our Non-Tech Gift Guide discussed in this episode! Support the show Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a re...

Dec 07, 202259 min

Social Media & The Resistant Parent with Laura Hickman (#129)

Today, Melanie is joined by Laura Hickman, a 17-year practicing, licensed mental health counselor and mom to three daughters with a front-row seat to the mental health crisis that technology has created in our youth. In Laura's own words, "never before social media did I have clients coming to my office seeking diagnoses and rattling off symptoms from the DSM in hopes that I would tell them they have autism or OCD. This is the reality now. Some parents don't know and want to know. Other parents ...

Nov 30, 202253 min

Happy Thanksgiving from ScreenStrong!

To all our American friends, happy Thanksgiving from everyone at ScreenStrong! Today is a special bonus episode from ScreenStrong founder, Melanie Hempe, giving us all an important reminder. 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 KBS Home Edition! Start your ScreenStrong Journey today! Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclu...

Nov 23, 202224 min

The Mom I Want to Be: A ScreenStrong Family's Story with Carmen Lindner (#128)

In today's emotional episode, we hear from ScreenStrong Mom, Carmen Lindner. Carmen shares her struggle with social media addiction, its effect on her family, and how discovering ScreenStrong changed her life, helping her become a better mom, wife, and friend. Carmen's vulnerability and transparency can inspire anyone suffering through the painful reality of being at the mercy of screens. Support the show Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback...

Nov 16, 202247 min

Why Parents Cave to Screen Pressure From Their Kids (#127)

Using examples from conversations with parents from her workshops, Melanie Hempe walks through 10 reasons parents cave when it comes to their children's screen use. 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 KBS Home Edition! Start your ScreenStrong Journey today! Become a Connect Member to get access to our exclusive online forum, the 30-...

Nov 09, 202237 min

Psychiatrist Says: "Take Advantage of Car Time With Teens" (#126)

Dr. Adriana Stacey joins Melanie to discuss the importance of a "phone-free car." Together they make some compelling arguments for not allowing teens to drive with smartphones and for parents to be intentional with their teens. They also give some anecdotes on why leaving the smartphone at home might be the best option. 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 you...

Nov 02, 202246 min

Encouragement for Starting ScreenStrong Early with Alejandra Correa (#125)

On this episode, Melanie is joined by Alejandra Correa, and ScreenStrong Ambassador and mom to three young children. They discuss tips for living the ScreenStrong lifestyle, best practices for setting your home up for success, and giving specific reasons why starting your ScreenStrong journey when your kids are young is the best way to go! 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. ...

Oct 26, 202255 min

Welcome 'Glow Kids' Author Dr. Nicholas Kardaras! (#124)

Today, Melanie is joined by Glow Kids author Nicholas Kardaras to discuss his experience with treating video game addiction & social media dependency, as well as discussing childhood brain development. Check out Dr. Kardaras's NEW book ' Digital Madness: How Social Media Is Driving Our Mental Health Crisis—and How to Restore Our Sanity .' 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 lov...

Oct 19, 20221 hr 6 min

Practical Tips for ScreenStrong Families (#123)

Today, Melanie answers YOUR questions about toxic screen use—video games, social media, pornography—screen use in school, and offers encouragement to make the best screen choices 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 KBS Home Edition! Start your ScreenStrong Journey today! Become a Connect Member to get access to our ...

Oct 12, 202256 min

Why 8th Grade Is Not Smart for a Smartphone with Dr. Adriana Stacey (#122)

Melanie is joined by Dr. Adriana Stacey to discuss the current research and discourse around 8th grade being the worst age to give a child a smartphone. Together they go through a handful of tips and reasons why this statement is true and encourage parents to stand firm in their screen decisions. 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 ...

Oct 05, 20221 hr 3 min

"Your Child Hates the Sound of Your Voice, and This is Why" with Erik Goldfield (#121)

Melanie is joined by Erik Goldfield, a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has worked in settings ranging from private practice to hospitals and schools. Erik claims at least 50% of the issues he deals with in his practice are related to screen issues. Today, Erik reveals the truth about the video game rating system, discusses how to teach social-emotional learning to kids and teens, and explains how video games are conditioning kids to hate their...

Sep 28, 202247 min

Mind-Blowing Screen Hacks Your Kids Are Using with Julie Christian (#120)

In this episode, Melanie is joined by ScreenStrong Ambassador, Julie Christian, to discuss the many insane ways kids and teens are able to bypass internet and device safeguards. Julie and Melanie share stories from their own experiences as well as those from the ScreenStrong community. 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 KBS Home Ed...

Sep 21, 20221 hr 16 min

Smartphone Addiction: ScreenStrong's Founding Story (#119)

Every organization has a founding story, and ScreenStrong is no different. Today we will hear Melanie give a detailed account of her family's decision to remove smartphones and social media from her younger kids' lives after the mistakes she made with her oldest, Adam. This interview was originally aired on October 5, 2020, on The Save the Kids Podcast. Listen to the first part of our founding story: Video Game Addiction: ScreenStrong's Founding Story (#113) Support the show Don't forget to subs...

Sep 14, 202252 min

Psychiatrist Says: "Multitasking is a Myth" with Dr. Adriana Stacey (#118)

Melanie is joined by Dr. Adriana Stacey to discuss the current research and discourse around multitasking. Together they make some compelling arguments against multitasking and give some excellent tips to set kids and teens up for success. 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 KBS Home Edition! Start your ScreenStrong Journey today! B...

Sep 07, 202252 min

A Teacher's Top 10 School Tips with Teralea Moore (#117)

In today’s episode, Melanie welcomes her longtime friend, Teralea Moore, who is a mother and college math professor with 20+ years of teaching in the classroom. Teralea has taught in high school, community college, and private college settings, and she shares with us her top 10 tips for success in the classroom, at the elementary, high school, and collegiate levels. Support the show Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring you mor...

Aug 31, 202255 min

How to Get Smartphones Out of School with Officer Gomez (#116)

Melanie is joined once again by Officer Gomez—School Resource Officer (SRO) and sworn Deputy of the Boise County Sheriff’s Department—to discuss how to remove smartphones from schools. Officer Gomez shares his own school success story and gives some amazing tips for parents and educators alike. Officer Gomez has an active and highly informative Facebook Page that he uses to educate parents on the dangers of Social Media and the internet. Make sure to follow Officer Gomez on Facebook. You can als...

Aug 24, 202237 min

A Psychiatrist's Favorite Books About Screen Addiction with Dr. Adriana Stacey (#115)

Melanie is joined once again by Dr. Adriana Stacey to discuss their favorite books about brain development and screen addiction. Visit OUR WEBSITE for links to most of the books discussed on this episode. 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 KBS Home Edition! Start your ScreenStrong Journey today! Become a Connect Member to get acces...

Aug 17, 202250 min

Does My Child Need a Smartphone for School? (#114)

How is it August already? In this episode, Melanie is joined by Olivia Kernekin—a member of our staff and ScreenStrong Ambassador—to discuss back-to-school tips regarding personal screens in the classroom and how to establish healthy habits to start the school year right. 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 KBS Home Edition! Start y...

Aug 10, 202257 min

Video Game Addiction: ScreenStrong's Founding Story (#113)

Every organization has a founding story, and ScreenStrong is no different. Today we will hear Melanie give a detailed account of her family's struggle with video game addiction—in the form of her oldest son, Adam. To hear Adam give a first-hand account of his story, check out THIS EPISODE . This interview was originally aired August 20, 2020, on The Save the Kids Podcast. Support the show Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedback helps us bring y...

Aug 03, 20221 hr 17 min

How to Get Your Child to Take Music Lessons with Dr. Catharine McClure Jackson (#112)

Melanie is joined by Dr. Catharine McClure Jackson to discuss the benefits of musical study on brain and social development, and actively choosing to replace screen time with developing musical skills. Dr. Jackson received her undergraduate degree from the Peabody Conservatory, her Masters from the University of South Carolina, and her Doctorate in Music from the University of Iowa. This episode will encourage all listeners to pick up an instrument, just for fun, and just to find the beauty. Boo...

Jul 27, 20221 hr 13 min

Everything You Need to Know About Snapchat & Parental Controls with Officer Gomez (#111)

Melanie welcomes back Officer David Gomez, a School Resource Officer (SRO) and sworn Deputy of the Boise County Sheriff’s Department. Today, Officer Gomez discusses the destructive nature of Snapchat and its secret features that parents may not know. He also explains how students get around school Firewalls and encourages parents to stay the course when it comes to screen issues. Officer Gomez has an active and highly informative Facebook Page that he uses to educate parents on the dangers of So...

Jul 20, 202259 min

A Psychiatrist's Solution to Managing Screen Rules with Friends with Dr. Adriana Stacey (#110)

Melanie is joined once again by Dr. Adriana Stacey to discuss the dangerous combination of smartphones and sleepovers, and how to navigate childhood activities while still living the ScreenStrong Lifestyle. 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 KBS Home Edition! Start your ScreenStrong Journey today! Become a Connect Member to get acc...

Jul 13, 20221 hr 4 min

Video Game Addiction & Treatment with Dr. Brett Kennedy (#109)

Today, Melanie is joined by Dr. Brett Kennedy, co-director of the Digital Media Treatment & Education Center and a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with adolescents, adults, and couples. Dr. Kennedy and Melanie discuss the history of video games, how video games specifically meet boys' needs, and tips for helping your son through a video game detox. Support the show Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you enjoy the episode. Your feedb...

Jul 06, 202248 min

10 Tips to Love Your Gamer Through the Detox (#108)

Melanie shares ScreenStrong's tried-and-true advice for loving your gamer through a screen detox. From setting firm boundaries to spending quality time with your spouse, you won't want to miss these helpful tips! 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 KBS Home Edition! Start your ScreenStrong Journey today! Become a Connect Member to g...

Jun 29, 202246 min
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