With AI continuing to be an ever-growing presence in our lives and our kids' lives, we're revisiting this episode where host, Dr. Delaney Ruston, MD, interviews Natalie Foos, director of VoiceBox and lead author of the eye-opening report, "Coded Companions: Young People's Relationships with AI Chat Bots."

The discussion centers on the risks posed by AI chatbots in young people's lives, using examples like Snapchat's My AI and the AI companion app Replika. The report provides concrete examples of deeply troubling things the AIs said to users during testing, conducted with young adults aged 18 to 24.

They discuss concerning features, such as how My AI uses location tracking to target young users with ads and emphasize the importance of educating both youth and adults about the potential dangers of AI companions, particularly regarding data privacy, emotional impact, and ethical implications.

Resources

Coded Companions: Young People's Relationships With AI Chat Bots

Natalie Foos, Director of VoiceBox

VoiceBox

VoiceBox's Ambassador Program

Can A.I. Be Blamed for a Teen's Suicide?, New York Times, Oct 24, 2024

Additional Resources

Screenagers Website

Bring Screenagers to Your Community

Time Codes:

00:00 Introduction to Screenagers Podcast

00:11 Exploring Companion Chatbots

00:28 Interview with Natalie Foos: VoiceBox and Youth Voices

00:57 Coded Companions Report: AI Chatbots and Youth

01:26 Snapchat's MyAI: Features and Concerns

05:43 Replika: Customizable AI Companions

12:40 Ethical Concerns and Data Privacy

16:42 Emotional Impact of AI Relationships

25:38 Potential Harms and Risks

28:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Confused about ADHD or looking for effective ways to support a child or teen? Dr. Ruston is joined by Erin Schoenfelder Gonzalez, PhD, a clinical psychologist at Seattle Children's Hospital, who explains how ADHD is diagnosed and how symptoms evolve from childhood through adolescence. They explore both the strengths and challenges associated with the condition.

The episode focuses on research-based strategies that parents and other adults can use to support youth, including "point-of-performance" actions, preventing "dopamine cliffs," and other approaches for managing screen time, physical activity, and sleep. Dr. Schoenfelder Gonzalez also shares her work developing FAST (First Approach Skills Training), a free, evidence-based program designed to give parents practical tools to support youth with ADHD and other conditions.

Featured Expert‍

Erin Schoenfelder Gonzalez, PhD

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Research References

Sibley, M. et al. Non-pharmacological interventions for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents. Lancet Child & Adolescent Health. 2023

Sharma, A. et al. Stimulant medications affect arousal and reward, not attention networks. Cell, 2025.

Resources‍

Fast Approach Skills Training Program

‍Additional Resources

Screenagers Website

Bring Screenagers to Your Community‍

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Time Code

00:00 Welcome and Topic Setup

01:34 Meet Dr Erin Felder Gonzalez

02:37 Why ADHD Not ADD

03:33 ADHD Across Ages

08:14 Motivation and Reward Brain

09:53 Explaining ADHD Positively

11:59 ADHD and Mood Struggles

12:59 Screenagers Films Break

13:49 Parent Training Big Picture

17:10 Positive Reinforcement Skills

18:50 Family Media Plan Basics

21:59 Handling Screen Limit Pushback

24:50 Transitions and Consequences

27:10 Choosing Better Content

29:06 Physical Activity in Teens

31:26 Sleep Challenges and Tips

34:51 ADHD Brain Differences

36:54 FAST Program Resources

37:52 Community Support and Wrap

39:19 Final Thanks and Subscribe

What are the risks of regularly handing an upset child a screen to soothe them? How can we help younger kids handle their big emotions related to screen time rules? How can you get evidence-based answers to any screen time question, straight from the AAP?

Dr. Ruston speaks with pediatricians and researchers Dr. Megan Moreno and Dr. Jenny Radesky, who helped launch and now oversee the American Academy of Pediatrics' Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health.

Dr. Moreno is a professor of pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and co-medical director of the center. Dr. Radesky is an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Michigan Medical School and director of the Division of Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics.

Together, they share their research and insights on children, screens, and how families can get trusted guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Featured Experts

Megan Moreno, MD

Jenny Radesky, MD

Resources

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health

The AAP's Family Media Plan Tool

‍Additional Resources

Screenagers Website

Bring Screenagers to Your Community

Time Code

00:00 Meet the Experts

00:28 Megan's Early Social Media Cases

01:36 Jenny's Relational Health Lens

02:33 Screens as Regulation Research

04:50 Calm Without the iPad

08:14 AAP Family Media Plan

10:48 Problem Solving With Fast Tech

13:24 Key Rules for Teens

16:19 Content Choices for Little Kids