S3 EP12 - SEL Summer Camp Week 2: Are Screens Evil or Not? Chocolate Cake, Dopamine & the Middle School Brain

<p>💜☂️ <b>Are Screens Evil or Not? Chocolate Cake, Dopamine &amp; the Middle School Brain</b> | SEL Summer Camp Week 2</p><p>Why do kids seem glued to their phones? Why do texts, group chats, likes, and social media feel so important during middle school? And are screens really harming kids—or is the answer more complicated than that?</p><p>In Week 2 of our <b>SEL Summer Camp</b> collaboration with <b>Mightier</b>, Suzanne Swain, EdS, LMSW sits down with developmental scientist <b>Jason Kahn, PhD</b>, co-founder of Mightier, to explore what brain science actually tells us about technology, screen time, dopamine, emotional regulation, social media, friendships, and adolescent development.</p><p>Together, we discuss:<br/> 🧠 The middle school brain and dopamine<br/> 📱 Why social media feels so powerful<br/> 🍰 The “Chocolate Cake Theory” of technology<br/> 💬 Why kids see phones differently than adults<br/> ❤️ The importance of belonging during adolescence<br/> 🎮 Healthy technology habits and screen balance<br/> 🌱 Boredom, creativity, and imagination<br/> 🏕️ Family conversations that reduce conflict and build connection</p><p>This episode helps parents, educators, counselors, and caregivers better understand how technology interacts with the developing adolescent brain—and how to guide middle schoolers toward healthier digital habits without shame, fear, or constant power struggles.</p><p><b>Special SEL Summer Camp Partner: Mightier</b><br/> Mightier uses biofeedback-powered video games to help kids build emotional regulation skills in real time. Middle School Mary Poppins listeners receive <b>15% off</b> with code <b>MARYPOPPINS</b> at <a href='http://mightier.com/'>Mightier.com</a>.</p><p>📥 Download this week’s Summer Camp activity guide:<br/> <a href='http://msmarypoppins.com/'><b>msmarypoppins.com</b></a></p><p>📧 Questions or stories?<br/> <a href='mailto:SuzanneSwain@gmail.com'><b>SuzanneSwain@gmail.com</b></a></p><p><b>SEO Topics</b></p><p>Middle school anxiety • Cognitive distortions • Parenting tweens • Tween mental health • Emotional regulation • School anxiety • Adolescent brain • Friendship drama • Self-esteem • Parenting middle schoolers • Social Emotional Learning (SEL) • Executive functioning • Neurodivergent children • Autism • ADHD • Anxiety in girls • Anxiety in boys • Parenting podcast • Teacher resources • Family mental health • Brain-based parenting • Cognitive behavioral strategies • Middle school behavior</p><p><br/></p><p><a tar