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What happens when the soothing glow of screens becomes a dangerous escape hatch for our children's emotions? In this revealing episode, addiction interventionist Matt Brown tackles the increasingly alarming phenomenon of screen addiction sweeping through younger generations.

Drawing from groundbreaking research published in the Journal of American Medicine, Matt explores how digital dependency correlates with rising rates of depression, anxiety, and even suicidal ideation among adolescents. The findings are sobering: nearly 18% of youth in the study reported suicidal thoughts, with addiction to screens—not merely screen time—being the critical factor. Most troublingly, many children as young as ten report using devices "to forget about problems," mirroring the exact psychological patterns seen in substance addiction.

This conversation strikes particularly close to home as Matt candidly admits his own struggles with healthy technology boundaries. "I find myself using technology in unhealthy ways too," he confesses, highlighting the unique challenge parents face: how can we guide our children when we're fighting the same battle? Rather than offering simplistic solutions, Matt invites listeners into a thoughtful reflection on modeling healthier relationships with technology and creating family environments where digital devices enhance rather than replace human connection.

Whether you're a parent worried about your child's screen habits, an educator witnessing changing classroom dynamics, or someone questioning your own relationship with technology, this episode offers valuable perspective on one of modern life's most pervasive addictions. Subscribe to Party Wreckers, share your own strategies for healthy tech boundaries, and join the conversation about raising resilient kids in a digitally saturated world.

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About our sponsor(s):
SoberHelpline.com If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you do not have to navigate it alone. Sober Helpline offers confidential, family-focused support designed to help you understand what is happening, reduce chaos, and take clear, healthy next steps—without pressure or judgment. From practical guidance and education to real-world tools for setting boundaries and finding ethical help, Sober Helpline exists to support families as much as the person struggling. Learn more and access support at SoberHelpline.com.

FamilyBridgeApp.com: FamilyBridge is an app designed to support real family systems in real time. It gives families a structured way to communicate, track patterns, and reduce emotional chaos—without constant confrontation. What makes it different is how it uses AI to help families notice patterns they might miss on their own: communication breakdowns, financial stress points, boundary violations, and moments where helping quiet...