Doomscroll Detox: Helping Kids (and Parents) Break the Scroll Cycle

Doomscrolling — the endless cycle of scrolling through bad news, frightening headlines and viral disasters — isn’t just a problem for adults. Kids and teens are getting caught in the same digital trap, and experts say it’s taking a toll on their mental health. In this episode, Adrienne speaks with Dr. Doug Fagan, a licensed psychologist and an Ambassador of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health. Fagan has spent years researching how social media and digital habits affect young people’s emotional well-being. In this episode, he explains why doomscrolling is so addictive, how it can impact sleep and mood, and what parents can do to help their children break free from it. The conversation dives into strategies for parents to approach the issue with curiosity and empathy, rather than judgment. Fagan emphasizes meeting kids where they are and modeling healthier digital habits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices