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Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers PodcastAuthor: Delaney Ruston, MD
Join Delaney Ruston, MD a leading authority on parenting in the screen age and the filmmaker behind the award-winning Screenagers movies as she explores the challenges parents face raising kids in today's digital world: think smartphones, social media, video games, and more. Through interviews with experts, thought leaders, and young people themselves, Parenting in the Screen Age delivers the latest science, practical tips, and key insights that parents will want to implement and share with their kids and teens. Language: en Genres: Education, Kids & Family, Parenting, Self-Improvement Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Eating Disorders and Social Media: Isabelle’s Story
Monday, 7 July, 2025
We often hear about social media’s impact on body image, but what can we learn from someone who’s lived it firsthand, developing a serious exercise and eating disorder? Dr. Delaney Ruston sits down with Isabelle, a teen who bravely shares her journey from body dysmorphia to a severe eating disorder, struggles made worse by the constant stream of triggering content on platforms like TikTok. Isabelle opens up about how social media shaped her self-perception and how therapy, hospitalization, and strong family support helped her begin to heal. With candid insights from Isabelle and her parents, this episode explores the real risks of social media use and sets the stage for a follow-up conversation with a leading eating disorder expert. This episode is intended for adult and teen audiences but please note it includes discussion of eating disorders, body image, and related experiences, so please listen with care. If you or someone you love is affected by any of the issues we talk about today, you’ll find a list of support resources below. Resources: National Alliance for Eating Disorders (“The Alliance”) Website: allianceforeatingdisorders.com Free helpline: 866‑662‑1235 (Mon–Fri, 9am–7pm ET) Offers: Personalized support and referrals. Also operates https://www.findEDhelp.com, a free directory of eating disorder treatment centers and providers. National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) Website: nationaleatingdisorders.org Offers: Free screening tools, treatment locators, support group listings, and educational materials. Crisis Text Line Website: crisistextline.org Text “HOME” to 741‑741 to chat with a trained crisis counselor, or use the live chat at the website Offers: 24/7 mental health support, resources, and crisis intervention. The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth) Website: thetrevorproject.org Text “START” to 678‑678 to connect with a crisis counselor Offers: 24/7 crisis support, online chat, and mental health resources tailored to LGBTQ+ youth. Time Codes: 00:00 Introduction to Parenting in the Screen Age 00:19 The Impact of Media on Teen Body Image 00:46 Influencers and the Promotion of Eating Disorders 02:21 Isabel's Journey with an Eating Disorder 03:26 The Role of Social Media in Isabel's Struggle 05:11 Family Perspectives on Isabel's Experience 11:48 The Turning Point: Seeking Treatment 12:55 Life After Treatment: Recovery and Reflections 17:08 Advice for Parents and Teens 20:40 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes
