Another Look at Talking Social Media, Gaming & Mental Health with Your Kids with Dr. Molly O’Shae

About this episode

Dr. Sarah Adams and Dr. Molly O’Shae discuss the impact of technology on childhood and parenting in the digital age.

In this highlight episode of Growing Up with Dr. Sarah , I revisit one of my most meaningful conversations with fellow pediatrician Dr. Molly O’Shae, where we talk candidly about how childhood and parenting has changed in the digital age. As pediatricians, we’ve both witnessed how technology can be an incredible tool while also creating new layers of stress and uncertainty for families. Dr. O’Shea reflects on decades of clinical experience, naming the quiet shift many parents feel: moving from confidence in their children’s resilience to a constant fear of getting it wrong. Together, we explore how screens entered our homes under the promise of learning and connection, and how intentional, parent-involved use of technology can support, rather than replace – play, focus, communication, and emotional growth. We also challenge some of the loudest assumptions parents hear today, especially the idea that screens alone are driving the teen mental health crisis. Dr. O’Shea helps unpack what the research actually shows: technology tends to amplify what kids are already carrying, not create it outright. We talk about the real risks, the real benefits, and how online spaces can foster…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Sarah Adams

Guest: Dr. Molly O’Shae

Topics covered

• social media
• gaming
• mental health
• parenting
• technology
• child development

Keywords

• mental health
• parenting
• technology
• social media
• gaming
• child resilience
• communication

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Growing Up with Dr. Sarah, pediatrician

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