Why Children Melt Down When Screens End

Why do simple moments like “time to turn it off” so often end in tears, anger, shutdowns, or emotional explosions?

In the first episode of Big Feelings, Growing Brains, neuroscientist Professor Selena Bartlett brings together educators, parents, and wellbeing voices to explore what is really happening in the developing brain during screen-time transitions.

Featuring:

• Professor Selena Bartlett
• Dr Mark Williams, cognitive neuroscientist, Author, ScreenSmart Children
• Jennie Dreever from Younity Community Services
• Kim, sharing a parent perspective
• HIPPY (Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters)

Together, they explore:

• why screens are so hard to switch off
• why transitions can trigger emotional escalation
• what parents and teachers are seeing in real life
• how connection helps regulate overwhelmed brains
• practical ways to reduce stress and conflict at home and school

This episode is not about blame or shame. It is about helping adults better understand growing brains in a rapidly changing digital world.

Big Feelings, Growing Brains is a special Thriving Minds mini-series bringing together neuroscience, lived experience, education, and community wisdom to support children, families, and educators.

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Learn more at www.profselenabartlett.com