10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World (with Jean Twenge, PhD)

"Together, we can get our kids back." We live in a world where childhood is being rewritten by screens—and the consequences are showing up in our kids’ mental health, sleep patterns, and ability to thrive in the real world. In this episode, psychologist and researcher Dr. Jean Twenge joins us to unpack her groundbreaking book 10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World . Dr. Twenge doesn’t sugarcoat the truth: social media is rewiring our children’s brains, devices are stealing the very sleep they need to grow, and parents are often left feeling powerless against Big Tech’s grip. But she also brings hope—and a plan. Through ten clear, practical rules, she explains how parents can reclaim their authority, set boundaries that actually stick, and raise kids who are grounded in real-world experiences instead of lost in endless scrolling. This is more than just a parenting guide—it’s a call to action. Because no parent can fight this battle alone. Our children’s future depends on a collective stand: saying no to predatory platforms, demanding safer technology practices, and prioritizing human connection over algorithms designed to addict. If you’ve ever wondered how much tech is too much, if you’ve seen your child slip into the black hole of social media, or if you’re simply worried about what kind of world we’re handing the next generation—this conversation will give you both the urgency and the tools you need. JEAN M. TWENGE, PhD , a professor of psychology at San Diego State University, is the author of more than 190 scientific publications and several books based on her research, including 10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World , Generations , iGen , and Generation Me . Her research has been covered in Time , The Atlantic,Newsweek , The New York Times , USA TODAY , and The Washington Post . She has also been featured on Today , Good Morning America , Fox and Friends , CBS This Morning , Real Time with Bill Maher, Meet the Press, and NPR. She lives in San Diego with her husband and three daughters. Please visit her at: www.JeanTwenge.com and X: @jean_twenge.