It’s Not You vs. Your Teen — It’s All of Us vs. Addictive Tech
– with Dino Ambrosi
Could reframing one conversation turn your teen from defensive to collaborative about screen time?
In this episode I talk with Dino Ambrosi, founder of Project Reboot, who turned his college struggle with phone addiction into a program now reaching over 50,000 students. Dino walks through surprising data showing 70% of teens at top schools self-identify as addicted to their phones, why banning devices without student buy-in often backfires, and practical strategies parents can start tonight. “We get addicted to escaping discomfort through seeking distraction,” he explains. His biggest recommendation? Stop approaching tech time as you versus your teen—it’s all of us versus addictive technology designed to keep everyone hooked.
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Show Notes
Could reframing one conversation turn your teen from defensive to collaborative about screen time?
Host Patricia Cangas talks with Dino Ambrosi, founder of Project Reboot, who turned his college struggle with phone addiction into a program now reaching over 50,000 students. Dino walks through surprising data showing 70% of teens at top schools self-identify as addicted to their phones, why banning devices without student buy-in often backfires, and practical strategies parents can start tonight. “We get addicted to escaping discomfort through seeking distraction,” he explains. His biggest recommendation? Stop approaching tech time as you versus your teen—it’s all of us versus addictive technology designed to keep everyone hooked.
In This Episode:
- (00:00) An Instagram addiction in college led to the creation of Project Reboot
- (05:20) Shocking poll results show 70% of teens at top schools feel addicted to their phones
- (08:52) Why bell-to-bell phone bans can backfire and create underground magnet black markets
- (20:53) How to start the conversation without making it you versus your teen
- (25:08) Three simple changes parents can try this week to reduce family screen time
- Share with someone who would benefit, like and subscribe to hear all of our future episodes!
About the Show
Patricia Cangas Rumeu, a seasoned expert in digital literacy and educational technology, hosts Pixel Parenting – where she empowers busy parents to navigate their kids’ tech use with confidence and science-based insights. This bi-weekly podcast cuts through digital parenting confusion by exploring everything from screen time strategies to educational apps with expert guests and practical tools. Patricia combines her background as both a mother and technology educator to help families build healthy digital habits that work for real life, creating a community where parents can learn what being “tech-savvy” really means for kids today.
Resources:
- ScreenZen – Free app (tipping model) for managing app usage with intentional delays, good Android option:https://screenzen.com/
- ClearSpace – Free app for students that creates pauses before opening distracting apps, with social accountability features: https://www.clearspace.app/
- Grayscale mode – Built-in iPhone setting that reduces screen appeal (Settings > Accessibility > Color Filters > Grayscale)
- Notification Audit – Review and limit phone notifications to only urgent matters (Settings > Notifications)
- Dino Ambrosi TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TMPXK9tw5U
- Dino Ambrosi Website: https://www.projectreboot.school
- Pixel Parenting Digital Resources: https://pixelparenting.org/digital-education-resources/
- Pixel Parenting Podcast: https://pixelparenting.org/podcast/
- Pixel Parenting Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553247026258
- Pixel Parenting IG: https://www.instagram.com/pixelparentingtips/
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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.
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