Raising Kids in a Digital World

Have you ever asked yourself?

• Am I helping my kids find meaningful ways to spend their time beyond their screens?
• When was the last time I encouraged or joined my child in an offline activity?
• Do I ever ask my children to share what they experience online?

Today’s fathers are raising kids in a world vastly different from their own upbringing. In this episode of The Dad Edge Podcast, Larry Hagner sits down with son Ethan to hash out the stark contrasts between “growing up with TV” and “growing up with a smartphone.”  

Larry and Ethan dive deep into how social media impacts motivation, mental health, and connection within families, exploring why “doom scrolling” can leave kids feeling depressed and stuck. They discuss generational changes, the pressure to always be connected, the fleeting nature of “streaks” on Snapchat, and—importantly—how open, non-judgmental conversation can bridge the gap between parents and children. With practical insights, plenty of laughs, and a heartfelt wrap-up, this is a must-hear for any dad (or mom) looking for more connection with their kids.

So whether you’re struggling with technology at home, wondering how to talk to your kids about the pressures they face, or just looking for real-world dad wisdom and relatability, you’re in the right place.

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In this vital conversation, we dig into:

1. Understanding the Lure: Social reels are engineered for those instant dopamine hits, but they also make it harder for our kids to generate their own ideas for what to do with their downtime.
2. Pressure Is Real: Not just on girls, but on young men too — from gym culture to physique expectations, today’s teens feel the spotlight to “measure up” in ways we never had to.
3. Screen Time Isn’t Innocent: Endless scrolling can leave kids (and adults!) feeling drained and blue. Sometimes, all it takes is a thoughtful check-in (with options!) to break the cycle.
4. Modeling Matters: Whether it’s respect, discipline, or health, what we do still means more than what we say.
5. Connection Beats Correction: When we bark “put the phone down!” we might be missing the calls for actual connection. Ethan shares, sometimes our kids just want us to start a real conversation, not hand them a to-do list or a lecture.

This episode is a must-listen for any parent struggling to bridge the growing digital divide at home. So grab your headphones, and get ready to rethink how you connect with your own kids—one legendary day at a time.

Here's what research and observation highlight about psychological and social impacts of smartphone and technology use on teenager and parents

• Studies show that 78% of teens feel anxious when they’re separated from their phones.
• Studies show that roughly 84% of Parents Say Technology Makes Parenting More Challenging than When They Were Kids.
• About 52% of Adolescents Report Feeling ‘Left Out’ if They Don’t Have a Smartphone or Social Media.

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