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How can parents set real boundaries around kids’ screen use when every app has different settings—and kids can get around them? In part two of this tech safety series, Dr. Elise Fallucco continues her conversation with tech trust-and-safety insider (and mom) Ashley, senior manager of global risk assessment at Twitch. They break down why parents need to set parental controls inside each individual app (not just on the device), what to watch for in hidden or unexpected features like messaging and photo uploads (even in seemingly harmless games), and how kids may disguise apps to bypass rules. Ashley also shares practical tips like avoiding identifying details in usernames and profile photos, plus creative alternatives to a smartphone.

They also discuss safer ways for kids to listen to music, including risks on platforms like Spotify and a workaround

Finally, Ashley answers the question, “WHEN IS THE RIGHT time to introduce social media?” She talks about how to weigh factors like child maturity, family values, platform differences, ads, and risks like influencer content and mental health impacts—

00:00 Introduction

01:20 Setting Parental Controls and App Monitoring

02:29 Set Parental controls for EACH app!?

03:20 Monitoring Parental Controls

03:32 Apps in Disguise

04:45 Color By Number Surprises

06:13 Messaging and Grooming Risks

06:49 Practical Tips for Securing Tech Use for Kids

07:36 Username and Profile Picture Safety

09:21 Smartphones: Balancing risks and benefits

13:06 Music Players without graphic content

15:35 Social Media: When is it safe for kids to use?

17:59 Ashley's approach to thinking about Social Media

Listen to Part ONE of this Tech Series

65. Digital Dangers: Tips from a Tech Insider

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2182143/episodes/18649898

About Ashley: She is Senior Manager of Global Risk Assessment for Twitch, the world’s leading live-streaming platform.

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Just when you thought it was safe to let kids play online... a Tech Insider shares surprising information about online/digital safety. Dr. Fallucco chats with a seasoned professional in the trust and safety field about...

• How to balance the benefits of technology while minimizing RISKS like exposure to violence, cyberbullying, and grooming.
• How to set up a Child Tech contract - that defines WHEN a child can use technology, WHERE they can use it, and HOW they can use it (i.e. which apps/games are safe and approved)
• The NUMBER one rule for Tech Safety - DO NOT USE SCREENS IN THE BEDROOM.... and why this is so important

Send us YOUR questions about tech safety! Drop us a comment at our instagram site @psyched4peds, leave us a "chat" on our website, Psyched4peds.com, or reply to our mailing list with YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT TECH SAFETY!

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Let's kick off the new year with a NEW Mystery Case! Dr. Elise Fallucco works through the case of a 12-year-old girl with ADHD and a family history of bipolar. After starting a new stimulant medication, the patient exhibits what seems like 'super ADHD.' Could this be a medication side effect, emerging bipolar, or something else? Dr. Fallucco guides you through a detailed differential diagnosis, exploring possible causes and solutions. Tune in to discover effective strategies for managing ADHD medications and ensuring better outcomes for your pediatric patients!

00:00 Introduction and Case Overview

00:15 Initial Diagnosis and Medication

01:33 Evaluating Symptoms and Differential Diagnosis

03:34 Detailed Symptom Analysis

04:37 Ruling out Bipolar in Children and Teens

08:49 Understanding Rebound Hyperactivity

15:40 Managing Rebound and Treatment Adjustments

16:02 Kids at risk for rebound

21:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Dr. Elise Fallucco reviews the highlights from 2025 and the TOP THREE things she learned about Child Mental Health from 2025 podcast episodes. Celebrate surpassing 50 episodes, explore exciting new episode formats like 'mystery cases,' and gain insights from impactful discussions with parents about ADHD and anxiety in children.

Tune in for excerpts from some of the most memorable episodes, including from the MOST downloaded episode of the year!

00:00 Introduction and Year in Review Overview

00:50 Podcast Milestones and Global Reach

02:05 New Episode Formats: Mystery Cases

03:16

03:49 Highlight: ADHD Masking in Children

06:21 Highlight: Hormonal Impact on Mental Health

08:49 Highlight: Gender Differences in ADHD

11:21 Most Downloaded Episode of 2025

12:22 ADHD vs. Bipolar - in Relationships

13:27 Conclusion and Thank You

LINKS:

Watch this episode on YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/2fDrk1GIsJs

49. Mystery Case - 9 yo w/ anxiety and sudden behavioral problems

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/child-mental-health-for-pediatric-clinicians/id1696529206?i=1000695757771

54. Masking: Can you hide ADHD with Ashley and Lauren

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/child-mental-health-for-pediatric-clinicians/id1696529206?i=1000723572616

59. PMDD How Hormones can affect teenage girls with Laurina

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/child-mental-health-for-pediatric-clinicians/id1696529206?i=1000733846317

52. ADHD. in Girls - all the things you should know

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/child-mental-health-for-pediatric-clinicians/id1696529206?i=1000718448053

TOP EPISODE OF 2025 - 51. Is it ADHD or Bipolar? with Dr. John Walkup

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/child-mental-health-for-pediatric-clinicians/id1696529206?i=1000700737488

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As a recovering perfectionist, Dr. Elise Fallucco shares insights ad strategies, for combating perfectionism, especially during the holiday season. Do YOU have some unrealistic expectations for yourself? Do you want permission to take some pressure off so that you can enJOY the holiday season? If so, take a listen!

0:00 Letting Go of Perfect

01:02 Defining Perfectionism

02:32 Adaptive vs. Maladaptive Perfectionism

03:34 Self-Critical

05:05 Consequences of Perfectionism

06:29 Perfectionism during the Holidays!

08:54 Examine your own Expectations

10:14 Unrealistic Expectations

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Navigating Treatment for ADHD and Anxiety in Kids

Ever wondered which to treat first in kids who have both ADHD and anxiety? Dr. Elise Fallucco, child psychiatrist, tackles this common dilemma in the latest episode of Child Mental Health for Pediatric Clinicians. She shares fresh insights and data, stressing the importance of starting with stimulant medication for ADHD. Dr. Elise also discusses medication types, dosages, and the rationale behind her treatment choices, while addressing common parental concerns and considerations. Tune in to understand how to navigate this complex but crucial aspect of pediatric mental health care!

00:00 Introduction to ADHD and Anxiety in Children

01:02 Which Condition to Treat First: ADHD or Anxiety?

02:05 Why Treat ADHD with Medication?

03:47 Choosing the Right Medication for ADHD and Anxiety

04:58

08:54 Pharmacogenetic Testing for ADHD

09:22 Non-Stimulant Medication Options

10:15 Alpha Agonists for ADHD and Anxiety

11:50 Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors: A Third-Line Treatment

14:49 Important Clinical Considerations and Recap

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In this episode, we dive deep into the topic of CANNABIS and its impact on the developing teen brain and MENTAL HEALTH.

Dr. Fallucco discusses the latest research on THC and CBD, revealing how modern cannabis has become significantly more potent. Learn about the risks associated with adolescent cannabis use, such as impaired prefrontal cortex development, increased anxiety risk, and associations with psychosis. Dr. Fallucco also offers practical tips for clinicians on how to counsel teens and their families about cannabis use and harm reduction strategies. Don’t miss out on these valuable insights to better support your pediatric patients.

00:00 Introduction to Child Mental Health Podcast

00:39 Understanding Cannabis: THC and CBD

02:28 Cannabis Use Among Adolescents

03:36 Impact of Cannabis on the Teen Brain

05:29 Mental Health Risks: Anxiety and Psychosis

07:39 Practical Advice for Clinicians

08:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Dr. Elise Fallucco welcomes Laurina, a pediatric nurse practitioner and mom of four. Laurina shares her experience parenting her teenage daughter, Beth, who has ADHD and anxiety. The discussion covers Beth's initial symptoms, her treatment journey and the discovery of Beth's premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Laurina offers insights on tracking symptoms and treatment options, providing valuable advice for clinicians and parents alike. Tune in to learn about managing ADHD, anxiety, and hormonal changes in teenage girls.

00:00 Introduction WHAT TO EXPECT and Guest Welcome

01:13 Lorena's Clinical Background

02:10 Recognizing ADHD and Anxiety in Beth

04:55 Medication for ADHD and ANXIETY

07:36 ADHD and Anxiety PLUS HORMONAL CHANGES

14:20 DEPRESSION or PMDD?

19:00 Beth's Transformation and Creative Talents

Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources.
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