#274 | Jessica Speer - Why Phones Are Breaking Our Kids

In this episode, I sit down with Jessica Speer — award-winning author and expert on kids, teens, and the social challenges of growing up. With books that blend social science, real-life stories, and fun activities, Jessica has become a trusted voice for parents navigating the messy, confusing, and rapidly changing world of childhood and adolescence.

We talk about what it really means to raise kids in 2025, how smartphones and social media are shaping childhood, and why so many teens feel overwhelmed by the constant pressure of technology. Jessica shares practical parenting tips, conversation strategies, and research-backed insights that help families build healthier relationships with phones, screens, and each other.

In this episode, we cover:

🔥 The impact of phones on kids’ emotional and social development

🔥 How much screen time is actually harmful

🔥 Why 2025 is the hardest year yet to parent teens

🔥 Tech boundaries every family should have

🔥 How to talk to teens about phones without arguing

🔥 Signs your child might be struggling with screen addiction

🔥 Balancing independence, safety, and digital freedom

🔥 What kids wish their parents understood about technology

🔥 How to build trust and communication in the age of social media

Whether you’re raising young kids or navigating the teenage years, Jessica’s insights will help you feel more confident, connected, and intentional in a world where tech pressures are everywhere.

You can visit her website at https://jessicaspeer.com

And follow her on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/jessica_speer_author/

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