logo
episode-header-image
May 7
43m 21s

Digital Heroin and the Battle for Our Ch...

Institute of Child Psychology
About this episode


What are screens really doing to our kids’ brains—and what can we do about it? In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, we sit down with Dr. Nicholas Kardaras, bestselling author of Glow Kids, to unpack the neurological, emotional, and social toll of growing up in a screen-saturated world. From the dopamine feedback loops of gaming and social media to the subtle ways technology reshapes attention, identity, and development, Dr. Kardaras doesn’t hold back. Whether your child is just starting out with tech or already deep in digital dependence, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and concrete strategies.


Dr. Kardaras is an Ivy League educated psychologist, one of the country’s foremost addiction and mental health experts and bestselling author.. A former clinical professor at Stony Brook Medicine, he’s developed treatment programs all over the country, has written for TIME Magazine, Scientific American, Salon and Psychology Today, and has appeared on Good Morning America, ABC's 20/20, CNN, the CBS Evening News, PBS, NPR, FOX & Friends and in Esquire and Vanity Fair. He lives in Sag Harbor, NY with his wife and twin sons. Find out more here


Wanting to hear more from the Institute?


50% off for this week only! This Mother's Day we have over 100 workshops and courses on sale! Find the perfect workshop for the mom in your life here



"We would not give our kids keys to a car without preparation. Why should we do this with phones? "- Jessica Alexander

Every family should have a set of Jessica's incredible conversation cards: Raising Digital Citizens! Comprehensive and fun- the cards cover all of the essential conversations to have with your child before you hand over their first phone ( and many families continue to use the cards for long after too) ! Click here for more


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Today
Practical Strategies on Using the Latest Brain Science to Transform Anxiety with Steve Biddulph, Episode139
Join us for a transformative conversation with internationally acclaimed psychologist and bestselling author Steve Biddulph, as we explore the groundbreaking ideas in his latest book, Wild Creature Mind: The Neuroscience Breakthrough That Helps You Transform Anxiety and Live a Fi ... Show More
49m 43s
Jul 2
Can't Look Away: The Dangers of Social Media, Episode #138
In this compelling episode of The Child Psych Podcast, hosts sit down with Emmy-winning filmmakers Matthew O’Neill and Perri Peltz, the producers of the groundbreaking documentary "Can’t Look Away: The Case Against Social Media." Together, they unpack the alarming truths uncovere ... Show More
27m 24s
Jun 25
Don’t Call Them Shy: Rethinking Quiet Kids with Tammy and Tania, Episode #137
Is your child often called “shy”? In this episode, we explore why that label can be misleading—and even limiting. Instead, we’ll unpack the unique strengths of kids who are quiet, observant, and slow to warm. These children often take in the world with deep awareness, think befor ... Show More
21m 22s
Recommended Episodes
Feb 2025
How Screens Hurt Kids’ Brains: A Conversation with Dr. Victoria Dunckley, MD (#228)
In this episode, Melanie welcomes Dr. Victoria Dunckley, an integrative psychiatrist and author of Reset Your Child’s Brain: A Four-Week Plan to End Meltdowns, Raise Grades, and Boost Social Skills by Reversing the Effects of Electronic Screen Time. This conversation, taken from ... Show More
50m 9s
Jan 2024
Why Imperfect Parenting is Perfect w/ Dr. Lisa Damour & Reena Ninan
Join us for a joint episode with Dr. Lisa Damour and Reena Ninan hosts of the podcast “Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting.” We delve into the five principles of parenting, and why there is no such thing as raising kids perfectly. We also tackle some burning parenting questions ... Show More
42m 33s
May 2024
Conscious Parenting with Dr. Shefali
This episode was truly a pinch-me moment as I had the incredible opportunity to interview Dr. Shefali. Dr. Shefali is an international speaker, clinical psychologist, and author of seven books. She is the mind behind her two landmark books The Conscious Parent and The Awakened Fa ... Show More
37m 41s
Apr 25
What to Do When Your Kid Says “I Hate Myself” and How to Build Self-Compassion With Renowned Harvard Psychiatrist Dr. Blaise Aguirre
In today’s episode I sit down with Dr. Blaise Aguirre, renowned Harvard psychiatrist to explore the roots of self-hatred and how it differs from everyday self-criticism. We unpack how early experiences—often subtle and unintentional—can shape a child’s sense of worth, and what it ... Show More
1 h
Apr 1
‘Our Kids Are the Least Flourishing Generation We Know Of’
There’s something of a policy revolution afoot: As of March, more than a dozen states — including California, Florida and Ohio — have passed bills or adopted policies that aim to limit cellphone usage at school. More are expected to follow.Jonathan Haidt is the leader of this par ... Show More
1h 11m
Nov 2024
The Secrets to Building a Happy Life and Raising Happy Kids w/ Dr. Robert Waldinger
This week, join me in conversation with Dr. Robert Waldinger, a psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, and the director of the longest-running study on happiness and well-being, to discuss the secrets to building a happy life and raising happy kids. Dr. Waldinger shares insights from the s ... Show More
59m 12s
Dec 2024
Homeschool Mom WARNS About Public Schools’ Dark Secrets
🎙️ In this eye-opening episode of I Wish You Knew, Adam Lane Smith, the attachment specialist, and Claire Denault, a 2nd-generation homeschool mom, dive into the controversial topic of public schooling vs. homeschooling.   From the emotional toll of standardized education to the ... Show More
1h 12m
Sep 2024
7 Transformative Insights on Parenting Successful, Happy, and Financially Smart Children
Today, we're diving deep into the world of parenting with an incredible lineup of experts. We've got Dr. Becky Kennedy, a clinical psychologist and parenting whisperer, Scott Donnell, an entrepreneur passionate about teaching kids financial literacy, and Dr. Traci Baxley, an expe ... Show More
1h 24m
Oct 2023
My Kids Don't Want to go to Preschool! What Do I Do?
October 17, 2023 Transforming the Toddler Years- Episode 81 My Kids Don't Want to go to Preschool! What Do I Do? In this episode, Cara discusses how to handle when kids don't want to go to school or daycare. She shares how even when it's hard, telling the truth sets u ... Show More
9m 3s