Screen Time & Kids: How Smartphones, Social Media & Tech Affect Mental Health | Dr. Adriana Stacey

How does screen time affect kids and teens? In this episode of the I Had No Idea podcast, founder and host Jeni Janek talks with psychiatrist Dr. Adriana Stacey, a medical advisor for Screen Strong, about screen time, smartphones, social media, and children’s mental health. They discuss how excessive screen use can impact sleep, attention, focus, learning, mood, anxiety, self-esteem, and healthy technology habits. Dr. Stacey also shares her perspective on smartphones, social media, school cell phone policies, attention, and how parents can help children develop healthier relationships with technology. The conversation also explores the importance of boredom, face-to-face friendships, physical activity, productive struggle, and open conversations about technology—and why parents don’t have to be technology experts to help their kids navigate the digital world. This podcast welcomes parents, educators, caregivers, children, and anyone who wants to better understand the world children are growing up in. From online safety and social media to technology, digital wellness, education, and child development, I Had No Idea brings conversations and resources designed to help families and communities stay informed and empowered. To learn more about I Had No Idea: https://www.ihadnoideace.com/ Follow I Had No Idea on Facebook and Instagram: @ihadnoideace Learn more about Screen Strong: https://screensstrong.org/ #IHadNoIdea #CyberEmpowerment #ScreenTime #DigitalWellness #DigitalParenting