Press Pause: Finding Balance in a Digital World

  Guest: Stacia Naquin, Anchor for 10TV Clickbait, scams, and fake news can fool even the savviest students. Stacia Naquin shares tips to help kids question what they see online, spot misinformation, and decide whether to trust or trash what they’re reading. Topics covered: How to recognize biased or false content Common online scams targeting teens Strategies for fact-checking before sharing This...

  Guest: Dr. Jess Shatkin Delaying a child’s first smartphone can protect mental health, improve focus, and give them more time to develop offline skills. Dr. Jess Shatkin explains why waiting until eighth grade makes sense — and how families can navigate the pressure to get a phone sooner. Topics covered: How smartphones affect mood, grades, and relationships Why tech leaders often delay phones f...

  Guest: Leah Wolfe, Intervention Specialist Sometimes the best way to connect is to disconnect. Leah Wolfe discusses how setting aside devices — even for short, consistent breaks — can improve relationships, boost mood, and help students recharge mentally and emotionally. Topics covered: The benefits of phone-free time for mental health and relationships How screen breaks help reduce stress and a...

  Guest: Dr. Megan Schabbing, Lead Psychiatrist at Ohio Health Screens can capture attention — but for young children, too much too soon can affect how their brains grow. Dr. Megan Schabbing explains the risks of early screen exposure and why pediatricians recommend waiting before introducing devices. Topics covered: How early screen use affects brain development and learning Why boredom and “anal...

  Guest: Mike Aurin, Principal at Jerome High School Copying homework, misusing AI, or plagiarizing might save time in the moment — but it comes with consequences. Principal Mike Aurin talks about the short- and long-term costs of academic dishonesty, from grades to reputation, and why integrity matters. Topics covered: How cheating undermines learning and trust The ripple effects on college, care...

  Guest: Eric Cochrun, School Resource Officer Viral challenges may seem harmless — or even funny — but some can lead to serious injury or worse. Officer Eric Cochrun explains why teens are drawn to risky trends, how dangerous they can be, and what parents can do to help kids think twice. Topics covered: The dangers of viral social media challenges Why teens are especially vulnerable to risky onli...

  Guest: Jeremy Miller, School Resource Officer A quick post can have lasting consequences. Officer Jeremy Miller breaks down the risks of oversharing online — from giving away your location to exposing personal details that hackers and scammers can exploit. Topics covered: How oversharing puts privacy and safety at risk Why “private” posts aren’t always private Smart sharing habits for students a...

Cyberbullying, online rumors, and peer pressure can all unfold on a screen — but the impact on students is real. Whitney Shelton talks about the emotional toll of digital conflicts, the warning signs to watch for, and strategies students can use to protect themselves and support their peers. Topics covered: The overlap between online and offline bullying How digital drama affects student mental he...

Guest: David Aronovic, Dublin PD Detective Every post, search, and click leaves a trail. Detective David Aronovic explains what a digital footprint is, how it can follow someone for years, and why thinking before posting is a skill worth teaching early. Topics covered: What makes up a digital footprint How online actions can impact education, career, and safety Tips for managing and protecting you...

Guest: Margaret Robinson, Gifted Intervention Specialist Screens may entertain, but they can also crowd out the quiet moments kids need to spark imagination and solve problems. Margaret Robinson explains why unstructured, screen-free downtime is critical for developing creativity, focus, and problem-solving skills — and how parents can create more opportunities for it. Topics covered: How constant...

Guest: Scott Brown, School Resource Officer The internet can be a great place to connect — but it can also be a place where predators look for victims. Officer Scott Brown explains how online grooming works, what red flags to look for, and how families can build safe online habits to protect kids. Topics covered: How predators use online platforms to build trust Common tactics like secrecy, flatte...

Guest: Mike Ulring, Director of Building Leadership From pre-game scrolling to late-night gaming, screen time can drain athletes before they even step on the field. Mike Ulring shares how digital distractions can affect physical performance, focus, and mental health — and why building better tech habits can give athletes a competitive edge. Topics covered: How pre-game screen use impacts focus and...

Guest: Amanda Levelle, NCH Behavioral Health Pressure to Be Perfect Filtered photos. Curated lives. Constant comparisons. Amanda Levelle breaks down how social media shapes self-esteem—especially in teens—and why the pursuit of perfection online can lead to real-world anxiety, loneliness, and self-doubt. Topics covered: How social media fuels comparison and distorts reality Connections between scr...

Guest: Dr. Dawn Anderson-Butcher, The Ohio State University College of Social Work Always On, Always Anxious What’s the cost of constant connection? Dr. Dawn Anderson-Butcher explores the growing body of research linking excessive screen time to rising levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness in kids and teens. Drawing on national data and real-world experience, she unpacks what this means fo...

Guest: Kevin Patton, DCS Pathways Counselor Too much phone use at night doesn’t just delay bedtime — it disrupts sleep quality and can lead to tired, unfocused, and emotionally drained students. Kevin shares what he’s seeing among teens today and why good sleep hygiene starts with putting the phone down. Topics covered: How screen time affects sleep The science behind blue light and sleep latency...

In the premiere episode of Finding Balance in the Digital World , host Cassie Dietrich, Public Information Officer for Dublin City Schools, sits down with Superintendent Dr. John Marschhausen to explore why the district is launching the Press Pause campaign. They discuss growing concerns around student screen time, the impact of tech habits on learning and well-being, and the shared responsibility...