Press Pause: Finding Balance in a Digital World

Guest: Dr. Jess Shatkin Delaying a child’s first smartphone can protect mental health, improve focus, and give them more time to develop offline skills. Dr. Jess Shatkin explains why waiting until eighth grade makes sense — and how families can navigate the pressure to get a phone sooner. Topics covered: How smartphones affect mood, grades, and relationshipsWhy tech leaders often delay phones for their own kidsTips for starting the phone conversation early with your childThis conversati...

Guest: Dr. Megan Schabbing, Lead Psychiatrist at Ohio Health Screens can capture attention — but for young children, too much too soon can affect how their brains grow. Dr. Megan Schabbing explains the risks of early screen exposure and why pediatricians recommend waiting before introducing devices. Topics covered: How early screen use affects brain development and learningWhy boredom and “analog” play are critical for young kidsGuidelines for healthy media habits in the early yearsThis...

Guest: Eric Cochrun, School Resource Officer Viral challenges may seem harmless — or even funny — but some can lead to serious injury or worse. Officer Eric Cochrun explains why teens are drawn to risky trends, how dangerous they can be, and what parents can do to help kids think twice. Topics covered: The dangers of viral social media challengesWhy teens are especially vulnerable to risky online trendsConversations to help kids pause before participatingThis conversation is just one of...

Cyberbullying, online rumors, and peer pressure can all unfold on a screen — but the impact on students is real. Whitney Shelton talks about the emotional toll of digital conflicts, the warning signs to watch for, and strategies students can use to protect themselves and support their peers. Topics covered: The overlap between online and offline bullyingHow digital drama affects student mental health and relationshipsSteps to prevent and respond to cyberbullyingThis conversation is just one o...

Guest: Mike Ulring, Director of Building Leadership From pre-game scrolling to late-night gaming, screen time can drain athletes before they even step on the field. Mike Ulring shares how digital distractions can affect physical performance, focus, and mental health — and why building better tech habits can give athletes a competitive edge. Topics covered: How pre-game screen use impacts focus and muscle readiness The pressure athletes feel to maintain a perfect online image Ways to balance...

Guest: Margaret Robinson, Gifted Intervention Specialist Screens may entertain, but they can also crowd out the quiet moments kids need to spark imagination and solve problems. Margaret Robinson explains why unstructured, screen-free downtime is critical for developing creativity, focus, and problem-solving skills — and how parents can create more opportunities for it. Topics covered: How constant stimulation affects kids’ ability to focusWhy boredom can fuel creativity and innovationSimple w...

Guest: Dr. Dawn Anderson-Butcher, The Ohio State University College of Social Work Always On, Always Anxious What’s the cost of constant connection? Dr. Dawn Anderson-Butcher explores the growing body of research linking excessive screen time to rising levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness in kids and teens. Drawing on national data and real-world experience, she unpacks what this means for brain development and what parents can do to help. Topics covered: The connection between scree...

In the premiere episode of Finding Balance in the Digital World, host Cassie Dietrich, Public Information Officer for Dublin City Schools, sits down with Superintendent Dr. John Marschhausen to explore why the district is launching the Press Pause campaign. They discuss growing concerns around student screen time, the impact of tech habits on learning and well-being, and the shared responsibility schools and families have in creating healthier digital boundaries. You’ll hear real-life example...