Your Teen's School Just Banned Phones. Now What? | Episode

Your teen just found out their school is banning phones, and they’re furious, anxious, or both! What now?

If you’re the parent of a tween or teen, you know how quickly a rule about phones can spiral into conflict. Phone bans at school can feel like a loss of freedom for kids and a source of anxiety for everyone. But what if this change could actually strengthen your child’s focus, coping skills, and resilience, while also giving your family new ways to connect?

In this episode of Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens, renowned clinical psychologist and best-selling author Dr. Lisa Damour and Reena Ninan dig into the real impact of school phone bans. They share practical strategies for talking with your kids about this shift, helping them adjust, and surprising upsides you may not have considered.

💡 YOU’LL LEARN
Why phone bans can actually support teen mental health
How to frame the conversation with your child so they feel understood
The unexpected benefits beyond classroom focus
Simple strategies to help teens cope with new restrictions

What do you think? Should schools have bell-to-bell phone bans, or should kids be allowed access during breaks? Share your thoughts in the comments!



0:00:00 – When schools ban phones
0:00:30 – Catching up on our summer breaks
0:01:36 – A parent's letter about school phone ban struggles
0:03:57 – Why phone bans help
0:04:40 – How different schools are handling this
0:05:48 – What really happens when phones are removed
0:07:52 – Helping teens cope without their screens
0:08:37 – Building stronger emotional muscles without phones
0:11:05 – Anxiety challenge with full phone bans
0:14:03 – Special cases and mental health exceptions
0:15:37 – Talking to kids about algorithm power
0:18:19 – Parents' biggest fear: emergency communication
0:22:47 – Parenting to Go: Navigating screen time after school



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ABOUT ASK LISA
The essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids’ resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical advice and science-backed solutions to help parents raise resilient, confident, and emotionally healthy kids. Tune in every week for the latest topics in parenting, child psychology, and family wellness. Get answers to your most pressing parenting questions. New episodes drop every Tuesday.
Ask Lisa is produced by: https://www.goodtroubleproductions.com



❗️ DISCLAIMER
The advice provided on this podcast does not constitute or serve as a substitute for professional psychological treatment, therapy, or other types of professional advice or intervention. If you have concerns about your child’s well being, consult a physician or mental health professional.



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