Episode #1
S3E1: Beyond the Screen Time Debate: Insights on Raising Resilient Kids
On this episode we're joined by Nick Allen, the Ann Swindells Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Oregon and co-founder and CEO of Ksana Health Inc., a research spin-off company. Allen discusses how the same phones and apps often blamed for harming young people's mental health can also be used to detect when someone needs support, and unpacks why back-to-school season is such a challenging time for kids. He also shares practical guidance for parents navigating screen time, sleep disruption, and staying connected to their teens through the ups and downs of adolescence. Note: this episode includes a discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 — call or text 988. Topics From Australia to Oregon: Nick Allen's path into psychology and adolescent research [1:06] Reframing mental health technology: detecting needs, not just harm [4:12] What phone data reveals about mental health [9:17] Why back-to-school is a stressful time for kids [11:23] Beyond screen time: a better question for parents [14:05] Sleep, social jetlag, and adolescent depression risk [18:12] The role of family in buffering adolescent stress [22:21] Just-in-time mental health support [28:00] Nick's advice for parents [33:48] Guest Nick Allen, Ann Swindells Professor of Clinical Psychology; Co-founder and CEO, Ksana Health Resources ADAPT Lab , Nick Allen's research group studying adolescent development and vulnerability to mental health problems. Ksana Health , a University of Oregon research spin-off building digital tools for mental health care. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, free, confidential support available 24/7 by calling or texting 988. Quotes "Mental health and mental illness are not the same thing, just the way physical health and physical illness are not the same thing." [4:12] "Information is power. If I have more knowledge about myself and my own patterns in my life, then I can make decisions." [10:59] "At a population level, when school goes back, depression goes up, anxiety goes up, suicide rate goes up." [11:56] "It's also developmentally important because it's part of them learning to be independent. And part of that learning to be independent is keeping something to themselves and having their own privacy. If, you don't do that you can't become an adult. And that's the point of adolescence. But it's not easy for parents." [15:30] "You have to develop and maintain, as best as you can, a relationship with your child, where they will talk to you about what's going on online and in particular that they will talk to you when something happens that they are concerned about or confused about, because they might not tell you everything, but you really want them to be someone you want to be someone that they will come to when they do have those more concerning or distressing experiences. And that means that you've got to maintain that openness. And to be frank, sometimes you've got to do it one sided." [16:55] "The research is interesting because it tends to suggest that families are probably more important for mental health even than peer relationships." [22:30] "Often when people really need help is not when they're in that appointment. They need help out in their real day-to-day lives. And the question is, how can you be present for that? Because therapist can't walk around following their clients around all week" [29:22] "Simply using digital technology, even social media, is not in itself harmful... our research is getting clearer and clearer about that." [34:53] Listen to more episodes and explore the Oregon Podcast Network at news.uoregon.edu/podcasts
