Screens, Brains & 5 Healthy Screen Habits | Julianna Lorenzen
How does screen time shape kids’ brains—and what can parents actually do about it?
In this episode, I talk with Julianna Lorenzen, co-founder of Healthy Screen Habits, about the neuroscience behind screen use, why tech is so addictive, and five healthy habits every family can try. From dopamine to digital boundaries, this is a hopeful and practical guide for raising kids in a tech-saturated world.
Listen or watch on your favorite platforms
Show Notes
In this episode of Pixel Parenting, I talk with Julianna Lorenzen, co-founder of Healthy Screen Habits, about how screens shape kids’ brains, and what we can do about it.
Julianna has a background in sports medicine and is also a mom of four. She shares how her medical expertise and parenting journey led her to co-found a nonprofit that helps families navigate tech use with science, compassion, and practical tools. We cover the brain science behind screen habits, what makes apps so addictive, and five habits every family can use to build a healthier relationship with technology.
Whether you’re just starting to think about screen time or already deep in the trenches, this episode will give you tools, and hope.
In this episode, we talk about:
Why understanding brain development changes how we parent with tech
How persuasive design and attention economy are hijacking our kids’ attention
The difference between our screen habits and theirs—and why both matter
How to talk to your kids (and grandparents!) about screens
Why it’s never too late to make a change, even if the phone is already in the bedroom
Resources & Links in the episode:
Healthy Screen Habits Website: So many great resources to learn, reflect, and take action. https://www.healthyscreenhabits.org
Free Tools You Can Download
“What to Do When You’re Feeling Meh” – great for helping kids with emotional regulation
Book: Healthy Screen Habits for Tweens & Teens:. It’s colorful, easy to read, and packed with science and conversation starters—perfect for reading with your kids. Find it on Amazon
Healthy Screen Habits Podcast. There’s an entire episode library organized by topic—so helpful. Podcast Library
YouTube Channel. Short, parent-friendly videos on brain science, social media, and more. Watch on YouTube
Stay Connected:
Guest: Julianna Lorenzen
Instagram: @healthyscreenhabits
Website: healthyscreenhabits.org
Me: Patricia Cangas
Follow along at @pixelparentingtips on Instagram for more episodes and science-backed tips on raising kids in a digital world.
Stay Tuned For Our Latest Episodes
Pixel Parenting is your bi-weekly guide to raising tech-savvy, balanced kids. Hosted by Patricia Cangas, a mum and a seasoned expert in digital literacy and educational technology, this podcast aims to empower parents to guide their kids’ tech use confidently and thoughtfully.
From screen time to educational apps, join us to explore tools and insights that help kids—and parents—build healthy digital habits.
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