Tech and the teen brain; what’s working, what’s not, and what we can do about it. Our conversation with Erin Walsh.
Posted June 4, 2025, by Mindi Wisman
Our latest Insights from the Field podcast is a conversation with Erin Walsh, a parent, speaker, author, and co-founder of Spark & Stitch Institute. She helps families and educators navigate adolescence, parenting, and technology. She co-authored the Tenth Anniversary Edition of Why Do They Act That Way? and her latest book, It’s Their World: Teens, Screens, and the Science of Adolescence is out now.
In our enlightening conversation, Erin talks about using a developmental lens when thinking about teens and technology, understanding the relevance of adolescent brain development in the conversation, the importance of youth voice, and navigating technology use in schools.
“Teen brains aren’t broken; they’re built for discovery; they’re built to ask questions. We can’t opt out of digital well-being.”
Listen to my conversation with Erin below:
Below are Erin’s recommendations for complementary resources to her book, It’s Their World: Teens, Screens, and the Science of Adolescence:
Standby for Part Two of my conversation with Erin where my 13-year-old son join us with his perspective on teens and tech, what’s working and what isn’t.