For Teens

If you're a teen reading this

That anxious feeling after scrolling for hours? It's real, and it's not your fault. These apps were designed by some of the smartest engineers in the world to keep you engaged. Your brain is still developing the skills to handle them. You're not broken. I have resources written specifically for you, not your parents.

Questions

Common questions from parents

  • How much screen time is too much?

    There's no magic number. What matters more is what they're doing, when they're doing it, and what it's replacing. A teen video chatting with friends is different from doom-scrolling alone at midnight.

  • Should I take away my teen's phone?

    Rarely helpful as a punishment, but sometimes necessary for safety. The goal is building internal regulation, not external control. Better to collaborate on limits than impose them.

  • Is social media causing my child's anxiety?

    It's complicated. For some kids, social media worsens existing anxiety. For others, it's a source of connection. The relationship matters more than the medium.

  • When should I seek professional help?

    When anxiety or other symptoms significantly interfere with daily life: school, friendships, family relationships, or activities they used to enjoy. Trust your instincts.