Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey

Episode: Ep 1197 | How ‘CoComelon’ Hooks Your Kids & Fries Their Brains
Guest: Clare Morell
Release Date: May 29, 2025

Introduction: Clare Morell and Her Mission

In this episode of Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey, host Allie Beth engages in a profound discussion with Clare Morell, the author of The Tech Exit: A Practical Guide to Freeing Kids and Teens from Smartphones. Clare introduces herself as a dedicated mother of three, a pastor’s wife, and a public policy expert focused on safeguarding children from the perils of digital technology.

Clare Morell [00:46]:
“I work as a public policy expert specifically focused on policy solutions, helping our lawmakers pass laws to protect our kids online from the harms of smartphones, social media, and online pornography.”

The Detrimental Impact of Screens on Young Children

Clare emphasizes the critical periods of brain development in early childhood and how excessive screen time can be overly stimulating, hindering emotional regulation and self-control.

Clare Morell [02:57]:
“Screens are way overstimulating for a child's developing nervous system. They rob them of their ability to develop emotional regulation.”

She differentiates between interactive screens, like tablets and smartphones, and passive screens, such as televisions, highlighting that interactive screens are more addictive due to their immersive and individualized nature.

Clare Morell [04:29]:
“Interactive screens are a lot more immersive to a child. The smaller the screen, the more dangerous because it makes it feel like this very individualized experience.”

Screens in Educational Settings: A Growing Concern

The conversation shifts to the pervasive use of screens in educational environments. Clare criticizes the integration of devices like Chromebooks and iPads in schools, arguing that they do not enhance learning as intended and may, in fact, contribute to declining academic performance.

Clare Morell [15:52]:
“Studies just show kids learn better by reading a book. They comprehend texts more deeply when they read it on paper instead of on a screen.”

She advocates for reconsidering the role of technology in education, suggesting that traditional learning methods may be more effective in fostering comprehension and retention.

Implementing a Digital Detox: Practical Steps for Parents

Clare provides a actionable framework for parents aiming to reduce their children's screen time. She recommends starting with a 30-day digital detox, particularly effective during summer breaks when school-issued devices are out of sight.

Clare Morell [18:04]:
“Set aside 30 days and just say, we are going to try this out for 30 days. It is going to be challenging, but families who persevere often never look back.”

This detox involves temporarily removing screens from the household, thereby helping children's nervous systems reset and forming healthier habits.

Engaging the Extended Family and Community Support

Addressing common challenges, Clare discusses the importance of gaining support from grandparents and other family members. She suggests educating them about the negative impacts of screen time and seeking their cooperation in maintaining consistent boundaries.

Clare Morell [25:30]:
“Screens have become the new pacifier. We need to educate grandparents and other family members to support screen-free activities like offering treats or engaging in alternative entertainment.”

Clare emphasizes the necessity of proactive communication to ensure that extended family environments align with the parents' screen-free objectives.

Addressing Teenagers’ Smartphone Dependency

The discussion extends to teenagers, acknowledging the deep integration of smartphones in their social lives. Clare asserts that it is never too late to take smartphones away, even from older children, and outlines strategies to help teens reintegrate into the real world without digital dependencies.

Clare Morell [40:06]:
“It is possible to take a 15-year-old's phone away. It might not be easy, but it is the best thing for their long-term flourishing.”

She highlights the ineffectiveness of parental controls and the inherent risks posed by unrestricted smartphone access, such as exposure to inappropriate content and cyber predators.

Policy and Legislative Measures: Empowering Parents

Clare underscores the role of legislation in supporting parental efforts to protect children from digital harms. She discusses the App Store Accountability Act in Texas, which mandates age verification and parental consent for app downloads, aiming to curb minors' access to harmful content.

Clare Morell [43:30]:
“States have to be able to legislate in this area because parents on the front lines do need backup. It is not enough to leave it up to parents alone.”

Clare advocates for collective solutions, drawing parallels to historical movements like Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, to illustrate how unified parental advocacy can influence significant policy changes.

Call to Action: Mobilizing Parental Advocacy

In the concluding segments, Clare urges parents to actively engage with legislators, school boards, and community groups to push for protective laws. She compares the necessary movement to historical advocacy groups, emphasizing the power of collective action in effecting change.

Clare Morell [59:20]:
“When we band together and raise our voices, we can make change happen. Just like Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, parents can drive a movement to protect our children from digital harms.”

Conclusion: Empowering Families for a Screen-Free Future

Allie Beth wraps up the episode by highlighting the practical benefits of Clare's strategies. She encourages listeners to utilize The Tech Exit as a resource for personal use and advocacy, reinforcing the possibility of creating a healthier, screen-free environment for children.

Allie Beth Stuckey [61:00]:
“Clare, thank you so much. I really appreciate it. I just really encourage everyone to arm themselves with this book, not only for your personal use but also when you’re calling your legislator or talking to teachers.”

Key Takeaways:

• Early Development: Excessive screen time disrupts emotional regulation and brain development in young children.
• Interactive vs. Passive Screens: Interactive screens like tablets are more addictive compared to passive screens like TVs.
• Educational Impact: Screens in schools do not necessarily enhance learning and may contribute to declining academic performance.
• Digital Detox: A structured approach, such as a 30-day digital detox, can help reset children's screen habits.
• Family Support: Engaging extended family members and building community support are crucial for maintaining screen-free environments.
• Teen Dependency: It is feasible to reduce smartphone dependency in teenagers with the right strategies and support.
• Legislation: Policy measures like the App Store Accountability Act can empower parents and protect children from digital harms.
• Collective Advocacy: Unified parental efforts can lead to significant societal and legislative changes to safeguard children.

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for parents seeking to mitigate the adverse effects of screen time on their children, offering both practical solutions and avenues for broader advocacy.