Teens receive hundreds of phone notifications a day. Those notifications aren’t just a distraction—they’re reshaping how kids learn, engage and feel.

In this episode of Hope and Will: A Parenting Podcast from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Lynn talks with Grant Rivera, Ph.D., Superintendent of Marietta City Schools, and Erin Harlow-Parker from our Strong4Life team about a new policy that requires middle school students to lock up their phones and smartwatches during the school day. Two students also join the conversation to share how it’s impacted their focus, friendships and time with family.

Dr. Rivera walks us through what sparked the idea, parameters of the policy and the data coming out of its pilot year. Erin shares insights into the mental health implications of screen time and how families can keep those boundaries going at home.

Whether you're a parent wondering if your kid is ready for a phone or a school leader weighing new policies, this conversation will get you thinking differently about what happens when kids unplug.

For more about this episode and our podcast, visit www.choa.org/podcasts.

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This podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be considered medical advice for any particular patient. Clinicians must rely on their own informed clinical judgments when making recommendations for their patients. Patients in need of medical or behavioral advice should consult their family healthcare providers. In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department. Product mentions are not endorsements.