Safety First: Tackling Tough Topics with Teens – Details, episodes & analysis

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 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

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 reflect the views of the host, the Safety First team, or any affiliated organizations

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.com

https://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

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-series

morethanagame.nc.gov

https://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 any affiliated organizations

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.com

https://fairplayforkids.org/pf/onlineharmskit/

https://screentimenetwork.org/resource/dear-parents-digital-well-being-resource-teens-parents

https://www.screenaware.org/

https://www.waituntil8th.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

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.com

behavioraltech.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

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.html

AAFP (American Academy of Family Physicians): https://www.aafp.org/home.html

AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics): https://www.aap.org/en/

*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

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 can be reported to your local law enforcement agency and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children through the CyberTipline at 1-800-843-5678 or https://report.cybertip.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

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 organizations

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, PhD

Loving Someone with Borderline Personality Disorder by Shari Manning, PhD

Cognitive Behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder by Marsha Linehan, PhD

What Happened to You? By Bruce Perry, MD, PhD

Hillside website: www.hside.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