Screens Aren’t the Problem. Lack of Freedom Is. Open The Door And Let The Kids Out To Mingle

What this episode covers

Why are kids really glued to their phones? Michael Smerconish welcomes Lenore Skenazy — author of "Free Range Kids" and president of Let Grow — to discuss her new Atlantic piece "What Kids Told Us About How to Get Them Off Their Phones". Together they unpack the real reasons kids are obsessed with tech, how fear and overparenting have reshaped childhood, and what we can do to bring back trust, independence, and old-school fun. It all comes back to getting out and mingling. A must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone wondering why childhood feels so different today. Original air date 8 August 2025.

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