Why There Are Treatment Centers for Gaming Addiction—And What That Should Tell Every Parent with Dr. Hilarie Cash (#240)

In this powerful episode of the ScreenStrong Families Podcast, Melanie Hempe sits down with digital addiction pioneer Dr. Hilarie Cash, one of the earliest voices to sound the alarm on the dangers of screen overuse and gaming addiction in kids and teens.

As the co-founder of reSTART Life, the nation’s first residential treatment program for internet and video game addiction, Dr. Cash shares what she saw—years before most of us were paying attention—and what every parent needs to know now. From her clinical experience working with young people consumed by screens to her insights on what really happens behind the scenes in their emotional and social development, this conversation offers a candid and compassionate look into the world of screen addiction.

🎮 What are the red flags that signal a deeper problem?
📱 Why don’t we have treatment centers for kids addicted to Legos—but we do for gaming?
🧠 What happens to the developing brain when screens take over?
🛑 And most importantly, what can parents do to prevent ever needing a clinic like hers?

Dr. Cash and Melanie dive deep into what today’s families are really facing, and why the answer isn’t just tighter filters—but smarter parenting, early prevention, and informed choices.

Whether your child is a toddler or a teen, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand the real cost of screen overuse—and how to protect their family from it.

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Production Team:

• Host: Melanie Hempe
• Producer & Audio Editor: Olivia Kernekin