S12 EP14: Algorithms Are Here To Stay. How to Protect Your Kids.

Concerned about screen time—both your kids' and your own? Perhaps
you're navigating the decision of when to give your child a
phone, or maybe you're rethinking past choices. While we all
strive for improvement in managing screen time, our aim isn't to
condemn technology or advocate for device-free living.


Today, we welcome Dr. Ryan Sultan, an internationally recognized,
double board-certified psychiatrist who directs the Sultan Mental
Health Informatics and Adaptation Lab at Columbia University. Dr.
Sultan offers expert guidance on discussing algorithms and
short-form content with your children, fostering independent
thinking. We'll also delve into the spread of misinformation and
reactionary content, as well as the correlation between screen
time and depression. Tune in for his practical advice on
immediate steps you can take to help your kids gain better
control over their screen time, even if they're already knee
deep.


(00:00:58) Welcome Dr. Ryan Sultan to the podcast.


(00:04:25) If you only get one thing out of this conversation,
THIS is it.


(00:09:28) What is actually happening in the brain when we're
using our phones? 


(00:15:27) Talking to our kids about algorithms.


(00:21:20) When to introduce screens to kids and what age to give
a phone.


(00:26:16) Neurodivergence and devices: a higher risk group.


(00:30:12) Heavy social media use and depression, anxiety,and
suicidal ideation.


(00:33:31) Multiplayer video games: are they social media?


(00:36:10) Setting boundaries: a medium between doing nothing and
taking it all away.


(00:43:28) Sultan Lab Big Data for social media and mental health
guidelines.


(00:48:18) Parents, we need regulation and it’s NOT impossible.


(00:53:42) Summary and what to implement in your household right
now to get better control over screen time.


(00:56:00) Where to find Dr. Ryan Sultan.





Integrative Psychiatry is a psychiatry practice that takes a
holistic, collaborative approach to mental health care. The
Columbia-trained clinical team provides expert, evidence-based
treatment for ADHD, anxiety, depression, substance use, eating
disorders, and other mental health conditions. The clinicians
combine psychotherapy, research-supported psychotropic
medications, and expertise as adult, adolescent, and child
psychiatrists to deliver patient-centered care that meets each
individual’s unique needs—supporting long-term mental well-being
and overall wellness.


The practice is led by Dr. Ryan Sultan, an internationally
recognized, double board-certified psychiatrist. He also serves
as an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Columbia
University, where he leads the Sultan Mental Health Informatics
and Adaptation Lab.


To learn more, visit Integrative Psychiatry or Sultan Lab.


 References:


Sultan, R. S. (2017). Off-Label Prescribing of Antipsychotics for
Youths: Who Should Be Treated? Psychiatric Times, 34(9), 26.


Sultan, R. S., Liu, S. M., Hacker, K. A., & Olfson, M.
(2021). Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity
Disorder: Adverse Behaviors and Comorbidity. Journal of
Adolescent Health, 68(2), 284-291.


Sultan, R. S., Saunders, D. C., & Veenstra-VanderWeele, J.
(2025). Protective Effects of ADHD Medication on Real-World
Outcomes. JAMA Psychiatry.


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