The Social Media Ban: Why It’s Not the End of the World for Your Teen

The social media age ban is coming - and parents everywhere are freaking out. But here’s the truth: this isn’t the end of your child’s world. It’s a chance to reshape it. Justin and Kylie share five practical ways to help your teen navigate life beyond the screen - from rebuilding real-world friendships to resetting your family’s digital habits.

KEY POINTS:

• Why banning social media isn’t enough — and what families can do instead

• How to start calm, open conversations with your teen about the changes

• The surprising benefits of going “old school” (yes, landlines are back!)

• Why parents need to reconnect with their kids’ social circles

• The power of modelling healthy tech boundaries as adults

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:

“If all we do is say ‘you can’t have this thing,’ something else will fill the void.” — Dr. Justin Coulson

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• The Parenting Revolution by Dr. Justin Coulson

• The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

• Pediatric Research, July 2025: “Navigating Youth, Smartphones, and Policy”

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:

1. Start the conversation early - ask how your teen feels about the change.

2. Help them reconnect offline: swap phone numbers, plan hangouts, build community.

3. Fade out (or cut off) social media together - in solidarity.

4. Model it. Set your own tech boundaries.

5. Make it positive - this is an opportunity, not a punishment.

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