How Social Media Impacts Teen Mental Health With Dr. Mariela Podolski

Social media mental health has become one of the most pressing challenges facing teens and parents today. On this episode of Normalize It Forward, host Marc Lehman welcomes back pediatric psychiatrist Dr. Mariela Podolski to unpack how digital platforms influence adolescent brain development and emotional wellness. Excessive screen time can double the risk of depression and anxiety in young adults who lack fully developed executive functioning skills. Dr. Mariela Podolski shares concrete strategies for establishing family digital contracts, delaying smartphone access, and creating screen-free household routines. By prioritizing real-world social interaction and delayed gratification, parents can protect their children from digital burnout. Listen in to discover actionable tools for building healthier relationships with technology in your home. Reading about mental health is hard. Let's schedule a free consultation https://www.uareheard.com/free-consul.... Chapters: [00:00] Intro [03:24] The Portability of Modern Social Media [10:00] Recognizing the Brain Imbalance in Teens [13:44] The Direct Link Between Screen Time and Anxiety [17:15] Establishing Clear Digital Family Contracts [18:54] Rebuilding Essential Real-World Social Skills [27:23] Modeling Healthy Device Habits as Parents [37:41] Cultivating Delayed Gratification Through Activities