WHEN THE ALGORITHM TARGETS YOUR KID'S BODY: HOW TO PROTECT THEIR CONFIDENCE ONLINE
About the Episode:
Feel like you’re constantly battling your teen over screen time? Wondering if their love of Roblox, TikTok, or skincare influencers is harmless—or harmful? Overwhelmed by all the fear-based headlines about what tech is doing to your kid’s brain? Same. That’s why this week’s episode is a must-listen.
Dr. Whitney sits down with Erin Walsh—social scientist, parenting expert, and author of It’s Their World: Teens, Screens, and the Science of Adolescence—to dig into what’s really going on with our kids and their screens. Spoiler: It’s not as simple as “just take the phone away.” But it’s also not a free-for-all. Erin breaks down the science of the developing adolescent brain, the real risks of screen time (especially around body image), and what we actually need to be focusing on as parents. This conversation will leave you feeling smarter, calmer, and better equipped to make the best decisions for your unique kid—without shame or overwhelm.
Key Takeaways:
💥 The Truth About the Teen Brain
Adolescents aren’t mini adults or defiant disasters. Their brains are wired for risk-taking, emotional intensity, and identity formation—and that’s not a flaw, it’s biology. Understanding that can completely shift how we show up when they’re melting down... or ignoring our 8th reminder to get off YouTube.
🎯 Why One-Size-Fits-All Screen Rules Backfire
Rigid screen-time limits and total bans often create more power struggles than peace. Erin explains how to parent with the science, not against it—and why our kids’ individual personalities, interests, and vulnerabilities should shape how we set tech boundaries.
📱 Screens Aren’t All Bad—But Some Content Is
Not all screen time is created equal. Your 11-year-old using Pinterest for drawing ideas is a different story than your 8-year-old rage-texting strangers on Roblox. The key is asking why kids are using screens and what the content is doing for (or to) them.
📉 The Hidden Harm of Body-Based Content
From fitspo to skincare influencers to muscle-building TikToks, appearance-focused content is sneakier—and more damaging—than many parents realize. Erin shares what the research actually says about the connection between social media, body image, and mental health (especially for boys and non-binary kids).
👀 Parental Monitoring Doesn’t Work Without Relationship
Filters and tracking apps can help—but they’re not enough. What really protects teens online? An ongoing, curious, connected relationship with you. Erin gives simple strategies to build that trust—even if your teen is in full “leave me alone” mode.
🧃 The Hot Chocolate Method: Why Side-by-Side Time Matters
Sometimes the best convos happen in the car or while grabbing a snack. Erin and Whitney share real-life ways to create low-pressure connection moments that teens actually respond to (yes, even yours).
📵 Your Screen Habits Matter, Too
Kids notice when we’re glued to our phones. Erin explains why adult screen use impacts teen mental health—and how narrating our own phone boundaries (without shame) can shift the whole family dynamic.
🚨 The Algorithm Isn’t Your Friend
Click once on a biohacking or diet post, and the algorithm will happily shove more extreme content your kid’s way. Erin explains why it’s crucial to look at your kid’s feed, not just their screen time total.
About Our Guest:
Erin Walsh is a parent, speaker, and expert on adolescent development, screen time, and mental health. She’s the co-founder of the Spark & Stitch Institute, where she helps families and educators navigate the messy, meaningful work of raising kids in the digital age—using real science and zero shame.
Erin is also the author of the book
It’s Their World: Teens, Screens, and the Science of Adolescence, which dives into how teens’ brains are wired, what screens are actually doing to them, and how parents can respond with confidence and connection (not panic). She’s known for making complicated research accessible, practical, and even a little funny—and her work has been featured in schools, community organizations, and media outlets across the country. You can find Erin’s ongoing work, free resources, and workshops at
And follow her for science-backed tips and parenting truth bombs at
📲 Instagram:
@sparkandstitch
📩
Subscribe
to The Modern Mommy Doc Podcast for more episodes on parenting with confidence and clarity. Leave a review using the hashtag #ModernMommyDoc.
About the Episode:
Feel like you’re constantly battling your teen over screen time? Wondering if their love of Roblox, TikTok, or skincare influencers is harmless—or harmful? Overwhelmed by all the fear-based headlines about what tech is doing to your kid’s brain? Same. That’s why this week’s episode is a must-listen.
Dr. Whitney sits down with Erin Walsh—social scientist, parenting expert, and author of It’s Their World: Teens, Screens, and the Science of Adolescence—to dig into what’s really going on with our kids and their screens. Spoiler: It’s not as simple as “just take the phone away.” But it’s also not a free-for-all. Erin breaks down the science of the developing adolescent brain, the real risks of screen time (especially around body image), and what we actually need to be focusing on as parents. This conversation will leave you feeling smarter, calmer, and better equipped to make the best decisions for your unique kid—without shame or overwhelm.
Key Takeaways:
💥 The Truth About the Teen Brain
Adolescents aren’t mini adults or defiant disasters. Their brains are wired for risk-taking, emotional intensity, and identity formation—and that’s not a flaw, it’s biology. Understanding that can completely shift how we show up when they’re melting down... or ignoring our 8th reminder to get off YouTube.
🎯 Why One-Size-Fits-All Screen Rules Backfire
Rigid screen-time limits and total bans often create more power struggles than peace. Erin explains how to parent with the science, not against it—and why our kids’ individual personalities, interests, and vulnerabilities should shape how we set tech boundaries.
📱 Screens Aren’t All Bad—But Some Content Is
Not all screen time is created equal. Your 11-year-old using Pinterest for drawing ideas is a different story than your 8-year-old rage-texting strangers on Roblox. The key is asking why kids are using screens and what the content is doing for (or to) them.
📉 The Hidden Harm of Body-Based Content
From fitspo to skincare influencers to muscle-building TikToks, appearance-focused content is sneakier—and more damaging—than many parents realize. Erin shares what the research actually says about the connection between social media, body image, and mental health (especially for boys and non-binary kids).
👀 Parental Monitoring Doesn’t Work Without Relationship
Filters and tracking apps can help—but they’re not enough. What really protects teens online? An ongoing, curious, connected relationship with you. Erin gives simple strategies to build that trust—even if your teen is in full “leave me alone” mode.
🧃 The Hot Chocolate Method: Why Side-by-Side Time Matters
Sometimes the best convos happen in the car or while grabbing a snack. Erin and Whitney share real-life ways to create low-pressure connection moments that teens actually respond to (yes, even yours).
📵 Your Screen Habits Matter, Too
Kids notice when we’re glued to our phones. Erin explains why adult screen use impacts teen mental health—and how narrating our own phone boundaries (without shame) can shift the whole family dynamic.
🚨 The Algorithm Isn’t Your Friend
Click once on a biohacking or diet post, and the algorithm will happily shove more extreme content your kid’s way. Erin explains why it’s crucial to look at your kid’s feed, not just their screen time total.
About Our Guest:
Erin Walsh is a parent, speaker, and expert on adolescent development, screen time, and mental health. She’s the co-founder of the Spark & Stitch Institute, where she helps families and educators navigate the messy, meaningful work of raising kids in the digital age—using real science and zero shame.
Erin is also the author of the book It’s Their World: Teens, Screens, and the Science of Adolescence, which dives into how teens’ brains are wired, what screens are actually doing to them, and how parents can respond with confidence and connection (not panic). She’s known for making complicated research accessible, practical, and even a little funny—and her work has been featured in schools, community organizations, and media outlets across the country. You can find Erin’s ongoing work, free resources, and workshops at
And follow her for science-backed tips and parenting truth bombs at
📲 Instagram: @sparkandstitch
📩 Subscribe to The Modern Mommy Doc Podcast for more episodes on parenting with confidence and clarity. Leave a review using the hashtag #ModernMommyDoc.
