Ep 137 - Is Social Media Making Us Anxious? A Candid Talk with Kathy Van Benthuysen

Is social media making your anxiety worse or your child’s confidence disappear? You’re not alone. 

In this episode of More Than Anxiety, I sit down with educator and mindset coach Kathy Van Benthuysen to talk about how platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat are reshaping the mental health of both kids and adults.

This conversation is necessary, applicable, and a must-listen!  We discuss the growing link between screen time, comparison, perfectionism, and emotional overwhelm and offer simple, compassionate ways to shift the narrative. From affirmations that build confidence to tools for healthy tech boundaries at home, this conversation is filled with hope and practical support for anyone navigating the digital world with kids or on their own.

Whether you’re a high-achieving woman trying to break free from burnout, a parent worried about your child’s screen habits, or someone craving more presence in your life, this episode is for you.

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As a mom of 20 years and former teacher of 30, Kathy Van Benthuysen knows firsthand the challenges of raising kids in today's digital world. After spending over 67,000 hours working with children in the classroom, she made a life-changing decision: she left teaching early to help parents navigate the growing crisis of digital dependency.

Now, as a speaker and co-founder of Converlation, Kathy transforms her deepunderstanding of how kids think and behave into practical solutions for parents. She doesn't just talk about screen time limits – she shows moms how to build meaningful connections with their children in a world dominated by devices.

What makes Kathy different is her ability to blend her experience as both a mom and educator. She's been in the trenches, dealing with the same struggles many parents face: the battle over phones at dinner, the impact of social media on self-esteem, and the challenge of maintaining real conversations in an increasingly virtual world.

Through her engaging presentations and practical tools, Kathy helps moms feel less alone and more equipped to raise confident, emotionally healthy kids who can thrive in our tech-driven society.

Contact Information & Links:

Email: Kathy@Converlation.com

LinkedIn: Kathy Van Benthuysen

Website: Converlation.com

Facebook: Converlation

YouTube: @ConverlationYT

Assessment: Converlation.com/Assessment

Ambitious Overthinkers Anonymous is a community for high-achieving women ready to stop overthinking, manage stress, and build confidence. You can learn all about what's inside and sign up now HERE.

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Transcript

How to Protect Your Teen's Mental Health in a Hyper-Digital World

With Megan Devito and guest Kathy Van Benthuysen

Podcast: More Than Anxiety

Hey there! I’m Megan Devito, host of More Than Anxiety, and I help high-achieving women, especially moms of teens, ditch overthinking, stop spiraling, and live a more present, joyful life. In today’s episode, we’re unpacking a major stressor for moms and teens alike: social media’s impact on teen mental health.

This episode is full of real talk, practical tools, and eye-opening moments with family tech expert Kathy Van Benthuysen. Together, we explore how to shift family habits, model confidence and calm, and create stronger connections—even in a digital world.

Social Media, Comparison, and Our Teens

We’ve all seen it: the constant scrolling, the pressure to be perfect, the anxiety our kids feel when they compare themselves to curated highlight reels.

“Technology should be a tool, not a tether,” Kathy reminds us.

We break down how to take back control of your home’s tech culture while teaching your teen to recognize the emotional toll of social media. It's not about banning screens—it's about building awareness and resilience.

Start with Affirmations: Shaping Self-Talk and Self-Worth

Kathy shares how daily affirmations transformed her classroom—and how they can do the same in your home. Positive self-talk isn’t fluff. It rewires the brain for confidence, calm, and clarity.

“We’re often our own worst critics. But our kids are watching. They’re learning how to talk to themselves by how we talk to ourselves.”

Try this: Start your mornings with a family affirmation ritual. Keep it simple. Keep it consistent. Watch the energy shift.

Modeling Matters: Your Behavior Speaks Louder Than Your Rules

Whether we realize it or not, our teens learn from how we handle mistakes, manage emotions, and show up under stress. Kathy shares a powerful story of forgetting something for her daughter—and choosing compassion over criticism.

Let’s be the example we want our kids to follow: not perfect, but real. Not reactive, but calm. That’s the leadership our teens need.

Technology and the Loss of Human Connection

In Kathy’s 30 years of teaching, one thing became painfully clear: the more screen time, the less real-time.

“We’re wired for hugs, eye contact, and shared experiences. Tech can’t replace that.”

We discuss how to reclaim presence in your home, especially after 7 PM, and why being there for your kids in real life is still the most powerful influence you have.

Boundaries Without the Battles

It’s not easy to tell your teen “no” when everyone else is saying “yes.” But parenting with intention means leading with values, not just rules.

Kathy shares a Phone Readiness Assessment that includes:

• Emotional maturity
• Personal responsibility
• Understanding tech’s psychological impact
• Open family conversations

Use it to assess, not guess, when your child is ready for more digital freedom.

Real Talk: The Link Between Phones and Teen Mental Health

Teen anxiety and depression have skyrocketed since the rise of social media. Kathy cites a CDC study where 57% of teen girls reported persistent sadness.

“Social media tells them they’re not enough—pretty enough, popular enough, successful enough.”

It’s time to detox from comparison culture and reconnect with real values: authenticity, compassion, and connection.