Safety First: Tackling Tough Topics with Teens

00:26:28

Understanding Adolescent Substance Use and Recovery...

Safety First: Tackling Tough Topics with Teens ·

2026/10/06

In this episode, Amanda talks to Dr. Andy Finch, NCE, LPSC, about adolescent substance use and recovery high schools. They discuss features of recovery high schools, the unique needs of students attending recovery high schools, adolescent substance use and co-occurring disorders, and ways to support teens in recovery.Helpful

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00:30:18

Understanding Parasocial Relationships Among Youth...

Safety First: Tackling Tough Topics with Teens ·

2026/10/05

In this episode, Amanda talks to Dr. Tracy R. Gleason about features of parasocial relationships among adolescents. They discuss the nature of parasocial relationships (both benefits and risks), the importance of imagination and social relationships among adolescents, and the differences between parasocial relationships and forming emotional connections with AI chatbots. Helpful resources:https://www.wellesley.edu/people/tracy-gleason*The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the

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00:28:01

Understanding Adolescent Sports Betting and Online...

Safety First: Tackling Tough Topics with Teens ·

2026/10/03

In this episode, Amanda talks to Heather Maurer, MA, CAE, the Executive Director of the National Council on Problem Gambling about adolescent sports betting, prediction markets, and online gambling behaviors. They discuss accessibility of online gambling, the normalization of sports betting, gambling-features of prediction markets, and the importance of prevention.Helpful resources: https://www.ncpgambling.org/ncpg/https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/National Problem Gambling Helpline

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00:24:35

Understanding Aging Out of the Foster Care System...

Safety First: Tackling Tough Topics with Teens ·

2026/10/02

In this episode, Amanda talks to Michaela Guthrie, LCSW, about the process of aging out of the foster care system. They discuss the experiences of youth in foster care, effects of multiple placements, challenges faced by young adults aging out of the system, and ways to support transition-aged youth. Helpful resources: https://bloomfosters.org/https://bloomfosters.org/bloom-beyond/ *The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest alone, and do not necessarily reflect the

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00:20:04

Understanding Adolescent Athletes with Dr. Sabrina...

Safety First: Tackling Tough Topics with Teens ·

2026/10/02

In this episode, Amanda talks to Dr. Sabrina Jennings, LCP, about supporting adolescent athletes. They discuss the pressure and demands of athletics, recovering from mistakes, returning to sport after an injury, perfectionism, and cultivating mental fortitude. Helpful resources: https://www.sportpsychs.com/*The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host, the Safety First team, or any affiliated organizations

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00:29:23

Understanding Adolescent Anxiety with Dr. Cindy...

Safety First: Tackling Tough Topics with Teens ·

2026/10/01

In this episode, Amanda talks to both Dr. Cindy Murphy, LPC, ACS, NCSC, NCC and LeAnne Hale, MSW, Ed.S. about anxiety among children and teens. They discuss potential causes of heightened anxiety among youth, effects of anxiety among students, the importance of externalizing anxiety, and ways to respond to adolescent anxiety. Helpful resources: https://www.spacetreatment.net/ https://www.anxiety.org/https://www.lynnlyons.com/*The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest

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00:23:27

Understanding Adolescent Pornography Use with Dr....

Safety First: Tackling Tough Topics with Teens ·

2026/09/30

In this episode, Amanda talks to Dr. Brett P. Kennedy, Psy.D., CSAT about teen pornography use. They discuss the average age of pornography exposure, compelling features of digital media, sexual scripting, and the importance of parental involvement in adolescents' digital media use. Helpful resources: https://www.drbrettkennedy.com/ https://digitalmediaoverusescale.com/*The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the

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00:21:54

Understanding Sexting Behaviors Among Adolescents...

Safety First: Tackling Tough Topics with Teens ·

2026/09/29

In this episode, Amanda talks to Officer Emily Tipsord about sexting behaviors among teens. They discuss motives for sexting, potential legal ramifications, the crime of sextortion, and how to talk to adolescents about sending or asking for nude photos. Helpful resources:Take it down websitehttps://takeitdown.ncmec.org/Internet Matters

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00:27:01

Understanding Gaming Addiction Among Adolescents with...

Safety First: Tackling Tough Topics with Teens ·

2026/09/25

In this episode, Amanda talks to Hilarie Cash, PhD, Co-founder and Chief Clinical Officer of reSTART Life, PLLC, about adolescent gaming addiction. They discuss the addictive features of gaming, gambling imbedded in games, technoference, the neuroscience of gaming addiction, and gaming addiction treatment.Helpful resources: restartlife.commybabygains.org Books: Video Games and Your Kids: How Parents Stay in Control Facing Internet Technology and Gaming Addiction Website*The views and opinions

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00:23:04

Understanding Kratom Use Among Adolescents with Dr....

Safety First: Tackling Tough Topics with Teens ·

2026/09/25

In this episode, Amanda talks with Dr. Vinita Sharma, MPH, CPH, CHES about kratom use among teens. They discuss the addictive nature of kratom, ways in which it is obtained and used, and how parents can talk to their adolescents about kratom. Helpful resources: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1054139X21005024https://doi.org/10.1080/17512433.2024.2305798*The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the

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00:22:23

Understanding AI Use Among Adolescents with Dr....

Safety First: Tackling Tough Topics with Teens ·

2025/12/22

In this episode, Amanda talks with Akanksha Dadlani, MD, MPH, about teens' AI use. They discuss the many forms of AI, potential positive uses of AI, the risks of AI use (e.g., deepfakes, emotional connection with AI, replacement for mental health support), and developing safety plans for AI use. Helpful resources:https://akankshadadlani.carrd.co/https://www.statnews.com/2025/10/29/chatbots-doctors-guide-medical-appointments-questions/https://www.bark.us/*The views and opinions expressed in this

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00:25:30

Understanding Adolescent Nutrition and Exercise with...

Safety First: Tackling Tough Topics with Teens ·

2025/12/21

In this episode, Amanda talks to Erin Hennessy, PhD, MPH, about adolescent nutrition and physical activity. They discuss the elements of a nutritious diet for teens, the effects of sugar and ultra-processed foods, the importance of reading ingredient labels, and recommendations for exercise and physical activity. Helpful resources: https://childobesity180.tufts.edu/ https://nutrition.tufts.edu/*The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest alone, and do not necessarily

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00:17:59

Understanding Eating Disorders Among Youth with Erin...

Safety First: Tackling Tough Topics with Teens ·

2025/12/20

In this episode, Amanda talks with Erin Birely, LCPC, about disordered eating among adolescents. They discuss the various types of eating disorders, the role of emotional avoidance, and biopsychosocial risk factors. Helpful resources: www.renfrewcenter.comhttps://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/*The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host, the Safety First team, or any affiliated organizations

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00:18:44

Understanding Adolescent Gambling with Alison Wood, MSW

Safety First: Tackling Tough Topics with Teens ·

2025/12/17

In this episode, Amanda talks to Alison Wood, MSW about gambling among youth. The two discuss the various forms of gambling, motives behind gambling activities, myths about gambling, and the need for media literacy. Helpful resources: https://bhs.unc.edu/adolescent-gambling-and-gaming-seriesmorethanagame.nc.govhttps://www.ncpgambling.org/ncpg/*The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host, the Safety First team, or

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00:21:06

Understanding Digital Media Use Among Teens with Jean...

Safety First: Tackling Tough Topics with Teens ·

2025/12/09

In this episode, Amanda talks with Jean Rogers, M.S.Ed., CPE, about digital media use among adolescents. They discuss the impact of digital media use on teens, risks such as cyberbullying, advocacy efforts, and both helpful and unhelpful strategies for managing teens' digital media use.Helpful resources: www.jeanrogersconsulting.comhttps://fairplayforkids.org/pf/onlineharmskit/ https://screentimenetwork.org/resource/dear-parents-digital-well-being-resource-teens-parents

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00:17:09

Understanding Self-Injury Among Adolescents with Dr....

Safety First: Tackling Tough Topics with Teens ·

2025/12/09

In this episode, Amanda talks to Dr. Ryan Madigan about nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) among youth. They discuss motives for NSSI, the relationship between NSSI and suicidality, treatment for NSSI, and the importance of perceiving emotions as signals. Helpful resources:www.BostonChildStudyCenter.combehavioraltech.org *The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host, the Safety First team, or any affiliated

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00:19:48

Understanding Nicotine Pouches and Adolescent...

Safety First: Tackling Tough Topics with Teens ·

2025/12/08

In this episode, Amanda talks to Dr. Jennifer Middleton about two distinct topics related to adolescent health: nicotine pouches and diet/nutrition. They discuss the effects of nicotine on the adolescent brain, the availability of nicotine pouches, the effects of consuming ultra-processed foods, and the benefits of whole foods among teens. Helpful resources: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/afp-community-blog/entry/are-your-adolescent-patients-using-oral-nicotine-patches.htmlAAFP (American Academy of

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00:23:01

Adolescent Internet Safety: Understanding Cybercrimes...

Safety First: Tackling Tough Topics with Teens ·

2025/12/08

In this episode, Amanda talks with Special Agent in Charge Brian Johnston about online crimes against children. They discuss different types of cybercrimes including child sexual abuse material and sextortion, as well as ways to increase online safety among teens. Helpful resources: Any Georgia law enforcement agency wishing to become an affiliate of the Georgia ICAC Task Force may contact the GBI CEACC Unit at 404-270-8870 or visit https://www.gaicactaskforce.com/Instances of child exploitation

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00:22:36

Understanding Cannabis (marijuana) Use Among Youth...

Safety First: Tackling Tough Topics with Teens ·

2025/12/07

In this episode, Amanda talks to Dr. Amelia Arria about adolescent cannabis (marijuana) use. They discuss topics including substance use and the adolescent brain, THC potency, negative consequences of cannabis use, and potential warning signs that a teen might be using cannabis.Helpful resource:www.collegeparentsmatter.org*The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host, the Safety First team, or any affiliated

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00:20:52

Understanding Teen Mental Health Concerns and...

Safety First: Tackling Tough Topics with Teens ·

2025/12/07

In this episode, Amanda talks with Amy René, LCSW, about adolescent mental health--particularly anxiety and depression. They discuss signs of mental health concerns, what professional services entail, and how parents can talk about mental health with their teens.Helpful resources: Breaking Free of Child Anxiety and OCD by Eli Lebowitz, PhDLoving Someone with Borderline Personality Disorder by Shari Manning, PhDCognitive Behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder by Marsha Linehan,

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