Why Divorce and Family Conflict Can Worsen Screen Dependence in Children

Episode Summary: In this episode of Bridging the Gap, Law, Therapy, and Justice, host Caitlin Burgess, an attorney and licensed marriage and family therapist, is joined by Virginie Goldstein, a licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of Tech Connect Reset. They delve into the complex relationship between divorce, family conflict, and children's screen use. Virginie discusses her work with children and families to address problematic screen use, emphasizing the importance of understanding underlying issues like anxiety, depression, and ADHD. The conversation highlights how high-conflict divorces can exacerbate screen addiction in children, as they seek control and escape through digital means. Caitlin and Virginie explore the emotional turmoil that drives excessive screen use and the critical need for consistent parenting strategies across households. This episode provides valuable insights for parents navigating the challenges of screen addiction in the context of family stress, offering practical advice for fostering healthier screen habits and emotional regulation in children. Key Timestamps: 00:01 – Introduction 00:11 – Exploring Law, Therapy, and Forensic Practice 00:59 – Impact of Divorce on Child's Screen Use 03:04 – Addressing Problematic Screen Use 04:09 – Underlying Issues Behind Screen Use 05:31 – Family Conflict and Screen Time 06:27 – Emotional Escape through Screens 08:09 – Signs of Screen Addiction 10:12 – Dopamine and Screen Use 12:04 – Consistency in Parenting Across Homes 13:20 – Lack of Structure and Screen Use 14:42 – Signs of Emotional Stress in Screen Use 16:21 – Parental Awareness and Child Connection About the Show: Bridging the Gap, Law, Therapy, and Justice is a podcast dedicated to exploring the intersection of legal practice, therapeutic approaches, and forensic work, particularly in family law. Hosted by Caitlin Burgess, an attorney and licensed marriage and family therapist, the show provides a unique perspective on how legal and therapeutic disciplines can work together to address complex family dynamics. Each episode features expert guests who share insights and strategies for navigating high-stress situations, offering listeners practical advice and a deeper understanding of the emotional and legal challenges families face.