Creating Tech-Free Spaces (Part 1): What the Research Says About Gen Z and Smartphones

Are smartphones really that big of a deal… or is this just another cultural panic?Is the concern over smartphones and Gen Z mental health just more noise — or is something truly different?In this first episode of Season 2 of It Takes a Family, Andy and Kelly sit down with researcher and author Dr. Stephanie Shackelford to examine what the data actually says about technology and the rising mental health crisis among Gen Z.This season is built on groundbreaking research conducted with the Barna Group, exploring why anxiety, depression, and loneliness have increased so dramatically among today’s teens and young adults.Dr. Shackelford shares hopeful, research-backed starting points for parents who feel overwhelmed — including two simple boundaries that can make a measurable difference:• No screens at family meals• No devices in bedrooms overnightIf you’ve ever thought, “The ship has sailed,” this episode will remind you: it’s never too late to reset rhythms in your home.This conversation kicks off our first Season 2 theme: Smart Tech Use — helping families create intentional tech-free spaces that foster connection, identity, and resilience.Episode Highlights[05:00] The mental health spike that correlates with smartphone adoption[08:00] “Technology is designed to foster obsession.”[10:00] Two research-backed starting points: no screens at meals, no screens in bedrooms[13:00] Why even a phone on the table reduces relational attunement[16:00] The powerful impact of removing phones from the bedroom — for parents too[17:50] Time vs. type of screen use: why communal viewing differs from scrolling[19:00] Is this just another cultural panic?[21:00] Walking as wise in a digital age[23:00] Why it’s never too late to reset boundaries[27:00] The church as a sacred, screen-free refuge[29:00] Teens actually want help being on their phones lessResources Mentioned📊 Gen Z Mental Health & Well-Being Report (Barna Group)Download the free report here:https://www.barna.com/mental-health/📖 The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt📖 You on Purpose by Dr. Stephanie Shackelford📖 The Common Rule by Justin Whitmel EarleyDon’t Miss Out!If this episode encouraged you, challenged you, or gave you a starting point:Subscribe so you don’t miss Part 2Leave a review on Apple or Spotify (it helps other parents find hope)Share this episode with another parent navigating the digital worldAnd as always, connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. We’d love to hear how you’re implementing tech-free rhythms in your own family.You don’t have to navigate modern parenting alone.Let’s move from desperation to hope — together.