~156~"Teens, Screens, AI and Social Media: What Every Parent Needs to Know with Dr. Sajita Setia"

#ParentingTeens #TeenMentalHealth #DigitalWellbeing #DrSajitaSetia #ScreenTimeForTeens #SocialMediaAndTeensIn this powerful episode of Parenting Teens Advice Redefined, Cheryl sits down with Dr. Sajita Setia, physician, digital well-being researcher, and evidence-based educator, for a much-needed conversation about raising teenagers in a world shaped by screens, algorithms, social media, and AI.Parents today are navigating a reality none of us grew up in. Teens are building friendships online, forming identity through digital spaces, and living in a world where their nervous systems rarely get a break. So how do parents protect their teens without pushing them away? How do we guide without controlling? And how do we create homes that feel calm, connected, and grounded in a world that never seems to turn off?Dr. Sajita breaks down what digital well-being actually means in real life, not just in theory. She shares practical, evidence-based strategies to help families reduce harm, improve sleep, protect mental health, strengthen connection, and create healthier relationships with technology.Cheryl and Dr. Sajita explore the emotional pull of screens, the dopamine-driven design of social media and online gaming, the risks of emotional dependency on AI, and the importance of teaching teens digital boundaries before problems escalate. They also talk about why connection is the most powerful protection parents can offer.This episode is full of honest insight, compassionate truth, and practical tools every parent needs right now.In this episode, we cover:What digital well-being means for teens and familiesHow screens and algorithms affect teen mental health and nervous systemsWhy the old advice about screen time hours is outdatedHow to set phone and device boundaries without hoveringWhy no phones in the bedroom is one of the most important family rulesThe connection between dopamine, social media, online gaming, and compulsive screen useHow to help teens build healthier offline sources of reward and belongingWhy delaying smartphones and social media can matterThe dangers of sharenting and posting children onlineHow AI is shaping teen life in both helpful and harmful waysWhy emotional reliance on AI can interfere with healthy developmentThe importance of digital detox, digital sunsets, and better sleep habitsHow online predators and manipulative digital spaces can target vulnerable childrenWhy parent-child connection remains the strongest form of protectionKey takeaway:The answer is not fear, shame, or total control. The answer is connection, curiosity, boundaries, and intentional parenting in a digital world.Connect with Dr. Sajita Setia:Website: https://sajitasetia.com/ https://www.instagram.com/drsajitasetia/Be sure to check the show notes and episode description for Dr. Sajita’s website and social platforms, where she shares education and tools for parents raising teens in today’s digital world.Work with Cheryl:Cheryl Pankhurst is an educational strategist, family advocate, speaker, published author, and founder of Insight to Impact. She helps families navigate school challenges, diagnoses, IEPs, transitions, and teen advocacy with clarity and confidence. Visit CherylPankhurst.com to learn more about consulting and her 90-day advocacy program.Connect with Cheryl!Let’s Chat https://tidycal.com/cherylpankhurst/consultation-chatSleep supportDIRECT LINK TO COACHING WITH CHERYL email : [email protected] Website  cherylpankhurst.comSOCIALS:linkedin.com/in/l. R.cheryl-ann-pankhurst-1b611855https://www.instagram.com/cheryl.a.pankhurst/                       https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.a.pankhurstPODCAST- “PARENTING TEENS ADVICE REDEFINED FOR TODAY’S WORLDTHE PODCASThttps://open.spotify.com/show/4QwFMJMDDSEXJb451pCHO9?si=9c1a298387c84e13https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYv9FQy1X43wwoYg0zF8zAJw6-nCpHMAk&si=7p-e4UlU2rsG3j_tOptin-podcast subscriberhttps://www.cherylpankhurst.com/teen-minds-redefined-podcastJoin our Podcast Private Facebook Group!https://www.facebook.com/groups/httpswww.facebook.comgroups1258426648646523What’s it like to work with me!MINI-COURSE