TPP 486: Ash Brandin Offers a New Perspective for Navigating Screen Time

Today we’re taking a fresh, much-needed look at screen time—one that moves beyond fear, shame, and power struggles and into something far more nuanced and humane. My guest is Ash Brandin, also known as TheGamerEducator, and the author of the new book, Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family. In this episode, Ash and I talk about screen time through the lenses of social equity and moral neutrality, and why empowering kids with skills, not control, is key to navigating technology well. We also explore practical strategies for managing screen use, how engaging with kids around their interests can change everything, and what a truly collaborative approach to technology can look like inside families. This is a grounded, compassionate conversation for anyone feeling stuck or conflicted about screens and modern parenting. About Ash Brandin, EdS Ash Brandin, EdS, known online as TheGamerEducator, empowers families to make screen time sustainable, manageable, and beneficial for the whole family. Now in their 15th year of teaching middle school, they help caregivers navigate the world of tech with consistent, loving boundaries, founded on respect for children, appreciation of video games and tech, and knowledge of pedagogical techniques. Ash has appeared on podcasts including Thinking with Adam Grant, Good Inside with Dr. Becky, and Culture Study with Anne Helen Petersen, and has contributed to articles featured on Romper, Scary Mommy, Lifehacker, The Daily Beast, USA Today, and NPR. Their bestselling book, Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family debuted in August, 2025. In their free time, Ash loves to hike, bake, play video games, and spend time with their family. Things you'll learn from this episode How screen time can be reframed more positively when we move away from fear-based narratives Why understanding social equity issues is essential for having nuanced, moral-neutral conversations about technology How focusing on access, behavior, and content helps parents manage screen time more effectively Why empowering kids with skills—and engaging with their interests—builds trust and connection How creating safe, clear boundaries allows children to explore technology responsibly Why collaborative approaches (and simple tools like the sticky note trick) make screen time transitions smoother and more supportive Resources mentioned Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family by Ash Brandin Ash Brandin on Instagram The Game Educator (Ash Brandin’s Substack) The Game Educator (website) Meryl Alper on Screens & Growing Up Autistic in the Digital Age (Tilt Parenting podcast) Kids Across the Spectrums: Growing Up Autistic in the Digital Age by Meryl Alper (via MIT Press website) Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World by Dr. Devorah Heitner Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World by Dr. Devorah Heitner Dr. Devorah Heitner on Online Safety, Internet “Rabbit Holes,” and Differently Wired Kids (Tilt Parenting Podcast) Dr. Devorah Heitner on the Pros & Cons of “Managing” Our Kids’ Screen Time (Tilt Parenting podcast) Dr. Devorah Heitner on Parenting Kids Who Are Growing Up Online (Tilt Parenting podcast) Dr. Alok Kanojia on How to Raise Healthy Gamers (Tilt Parenting podcast) We Asked Roblox's C.E.O. About Child Safety (Hard Fork episode) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices