When Digital Addiction Threatens Family Peace

On this episode of Peace Talks Radio, correspondent Julia Joubert, looks at how digital addiction is affecting communication between parents and teens, and together with her guests, discusses ways to help families strengthen their relationships in a world where constant connectivity is the norm. Over the past decade, smartphone use among teens has skyrocketed, with 95% of teens now owning one. As they spend over 44 hours per week on screens, many struggle with concentration, social isolation, and rising levels of anxiety and depression. This trend has left parents deeply concerned, feeling that excessive screen time is taking away from their children’s real-world experiences and future opportunities. While many parents try to set limits, like creating device-free zones or monitoring screen time, teens often feel punished by these rules, which can widen the communication gap within families. Today, our guests will share insights and ideas to help bridge this divide. Joining us are mother-daughter duo Jessica Ticktin and Lola Rubin, social media influencer Allie O’Brien, and psychotherapist Asiya Vickers. Together, they’ll discuss the pressures teens face, the concerns of parents, and strategies to help everyone communicate and connect better in the digital age.