Episode Summary:
Host Dr. Nicholas Chadi speaks with Dr. Emma Duerden about whether increased teen screen time is connected to rising anxiety and depression. Practical tips for identifying problematic use and managing screen use as a family are covered.

People:

• Dr. Nicholas Chadi—host and paediatrician specialized in adolescent medicine
• Dr. Emma Duerden—Canada Research Chair in Neuroscience and Learning Disorders at Western University

Key Takeaways:

• Excessive screen use (more than 2-3 hours per day) is a risk factor for anxiety and depression in teens
• Interrupted sleep and daily activities, and behavioural changes like increased irritability, aggression are red flags for problematic screen use
• The issues around screen use and social media are beyond individual or family fixes. Increased digital literacy in schools, public health awareness and legislation, and safer products are all key to making screen use safer for kids and teens..

Additional Resources:

• Canadian Pediatric Society’s Center for Healthy Screen Use: healthyscreenuse.cps.ca
• Safer Online Spaces: An advocacy movement to make the Internet safer for kids
• The Developing Brain Lab (Western University)
• Blog post: Navigating tech with toddlers, kids, and teens
• From Schoolyard to Screen: Bullying in a digital world

Episode Summary:
This episode explores the complex issue of cyberbullying among teens, covering its prevalence, impact, and unique challenges. Expert guest Dr. Tracy Vaillancourt provides practical advice for parents, educators, and peers.

People:

• Dr. Nicholas Chadi—host and paediatrician specialized in adolescent medicine
• Dr. Tracy Vaillancourt—Canada Research Chair in Youth Mental Health and Violence Prevention at the University of Ottawa

Key Takeaways:

• Bullying, including cyberbullying, has serious and lasting effects on youth.
• Creating a supportive environment at home and maintaining open conversations about bullying are key.
• Peers and bystanders play a powerful role in either reinforcing or reducing bullying.
• Adults—parents, teachers, coaches—can make a difference by being proactive, supportive, and open-minded.

Resources Mentioned:

• Canadian Pediatric Society’s Center for Healthy Screen Use: healthyscreenuse.cps.ca

Summary:

In this episode of Healthy Teens, host Dr. Nicholas Chadi explores the growing phenomenon of eco-anxiety among teens and young adults. With the impacts of climate change becoming more immediate and severe, many young people in Canada are experiencing anxiety, sadness, and even despair about the future. Dr. Chadi is joined by two expert guests to discuss what eco-anxiety is, how it affects youth, and practical ways families and communities can support young people in turning anxiety into action.

Guests:

• Dr. Robert Selles – Registered clinical psychologist and author of Anxiety Canada’s resources on eco-anxiety.
• Dr. Anna Gunz – Paediatric intensive care physician and founding medical director of Ontario’s Children’s Environmental Health Clinic.

Takeaway Messages:

• Eco-anxiety is a valid and reasonable response to real environmental threats.
• Small actions and community connections can help mitigate anxiety with hope and purpose.
• Parents and caregivers can support teens by validating their feelings and exploring solutions together.
• Every small step counts—no one can be perfect or do everything at once.

Resources mentioned:

• Anxiety Canada's resources for eco-anxiety: https://www.anxietycanada.com/resources-for-eco-anxiety/
• Land Based Healing | Nature for Healing: https://www.lhsc.on.ca/chehc/land-based-healing-nature-for-healing