Teens are forming emotional bonds — not just online, but with AI companions. In this episode, Dr Justin Coulson talks with Brown University psychologist Dr Jacqueline Nesi, author of Techno Sapiens, about the fast-growing world of AI “friendships” and what they mean for kids’ mental health. They also unpack Jackie’s latest research revealing how often teens check their phones — and how it’s shaping their moods.

It’s a must-listen for parents navigating the blurred lines between connection, distraction, and dependence in the digital age.

KEY POINTS
72% of teens have used an AI companion; over half use one regularly.
AI chatbots are designed to keep kids engaged — often prioritising screen time over wellbeing.
For some vulnerable kids, AI chats can feel like friendship or therapy — but they aren’t replacements for real connection.
Australia’s new social-media age-limit laws may help, but implementation and design flaws remain.
Teens check their phones an average of 112 times a day — once every 10 minutes!
Frequent phone checking is linked with greater emotional ups and downs.
Teens who are less mindful tend to reach for their phones more after bad days — using screens as emotional regulation tools.
What matters most: how kids use technology and who they are, not just how much.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“The effects of smartphones on mood and wellbeing are complicated — it’s not that phones are simply bad, it’s about who’s using them and how.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Techno Sapiens – Dr Jacqueline Nesi’s Substack
Tech Without Stress – Resources for parents
Happy Families – More parenting resources

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Ask your kids how they use AI or chatbots — listen before you lecture.
Check your family’s phone “pickups” using Screen Time or Digital Wellbeing.
Practise mindfulness together — simple breathing, no-tech walks, or screen-free meals.
Talk about emotional regulation — help kids notice when they’re using tech to cope.
Model balance — show that your phone doesn’t rule you either.

Teens are forming emotional bonds &mdash; not just online, but with&nbsp;AI companions. In this episode, Dr Justin Coulson talks with Brown University psychologist Dr Jacqueline Nesi, author of Techno Sapiens, about the fast-growing world of AI &ldquo;friendships&rdquo; and what they mean for kids&rsquo; mental health. They also unpack Jackie&rsquo;s latest research revealing how often teens check their phones &mdash; and how it&rsquo;s shaping their moods.
It&rsquo;s a must-listen for parents navigating the blurred lines between connection, distraction, and dependence in the digital age.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">72% of teens have used an AI companion; over half use one regularly.</li>
<li aria-level="1">AI chatbots are designed to keep kids engaged &mdash; often prioritising screen time over wellbeing.</li>
<li aria-level="1">For some vulnerable kids, AI chats can feel like friendship or therapy &mdash; but they aren&rsquo;t replacements for real connection.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Australia&rsquo;s new social-media age-limit laws may help, but implementation and design flaws remain.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Teens check their phones an average of 112 times a day &mdash; once every 10 minutes!</li>
<li aria-level="1">Frequent phone checking is linked with greater emotional ups and downs.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Teens who are less mindful tend to reach for their phones more after bad days &mdash; using screens as emotional regulation tools.</li>
<li aria-level="1">What matters most: how kids use technology and who they are, not just how much.</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;The effects of smartphones on mood and wellbeing are complicated &mdash; it&rsquo;s not that phones are simply bad, it&rsquo;s about who&rsquo;s using them and how.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://technosapiens.substack.com/">Techno Sapiens</a> &ndash; Dr Jacqueline Nesi&rsquo;s Substack</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.techwithoutstress.com/">Tech Without Stress</a> &ndash; Resources for parents</li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="http://www.happyfamilies.com.au">Happy Families</a> &ndash; More parenting resources</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Ask your kids how they use AI or chatbots &mdash; listen before you lecture.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Check your family&rsquo;s phone &ldquo;pickups&rdquo; using Screen Time or Digital Wellbeing.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Practise mindfulness together &mdash; simple breathing, no-tech walks, or screen-free meals.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Talk about emotional regulation &mdash; help kids notice when they&rsquo;re using tech to cope.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Model balance &mdash; show that your phone doesn&rsquo;t rule you either.</li>
</ol>

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy families podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now.

Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

The Secret Life of Screens: AI, Emotion, and the Teen Brain [With Dr Jacqueline Nesi]

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/9c43d4fc-e4f2-42be-9b73-b364018acf9f/transcript