Meet the Team

Andrew Bracken

Producer, KPBS Midday Edition

Andrew Bracken is a producer for KPBS Midday Edition. He is also the producer and host for the KPBS podcast series "My First Day" and "San Diego Conversations," a collaboration with KPBS and the National Conflict Resolution Center.

His documentary web series "Facing North," about the multi-dimensional relationship between San Diego and Tijuana, was released digitally on PBS in 2017. A recipient of the San Diego Foundation’s Creative Catalyst fellowship, Bracken has received support for his work from Latino Public Broadcasting, KPBS, and the Berlinale Talent Campus. His short film "Facing North" explored border identity in the San Diego-Tijuana region and won a San Diego Film Award in 2017.

During his infrequent free time, he likes to play drums in and around San Diego.

What do you want to hear host Jade Hindmon talk about on Midday?

MORE STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR

How to approach cyberbullying with your kids

Andrew Bracken

Bullying has grown beyond just the schoolyard. As children’s social lives have moved increasingly online in recent years, the problem of cyberbullying has become a top concern for parents. A child psychiatrist shares helpful tips for parents when it comes to the dangers of cyberbullying and sextortion. Child psychiatrist Dr. Willough Jenkins shares helpful tips for parents to approach conversations with their kids about the dangers of cyberbullying and sextortion. Resources: https://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/what-is-it
What to know about video game addiction

Andrew Bracken

What does video game addiction look like and what can we do about it? Dr. Clifford Sussman is a child psychiatrist who specializes in video game and internet addiction. He defines the problem, explains how to spot it, and some ways to treat it. Resources: https://www.childrenandscreens.org/learn-explore/research/digital-addictions-a-family-guide-to-prevention-signs-and-treatment/
What we know about how screens impact on kids

Andrew Bracken

Researcher and pediatrician Dr. Jason Nagata shares what he’s learned about screen time and its impact on the long term health of young people. His evidence-based research has led to important findings on how screen time can impact a child’s sleep, eating habits, and body image. Dr. Nagata also explains what a family media plan is and why he feels creating one is something parents should consider. Resources: Family Media Plan from American Academy of Pediatrics https://www.healthychildren.org/English/fmp/Pages/MediaPlan.aspx
Approaching screen time with nuance

Andrew Bracken

Often, discussions around screen time and kids can feel like an all-or-nothing approach to screens is needed. Dr. Michael Rich prefers a more nuanced approach. The pediatrician and founder of the Digital Wellness Lab shares his tips for achieving a balanced and nuanced relationship to screens for families. Research from the Digital Wellness Lab: https://digitalwellnesslab.org/resources/ “The Mediatrician’s Guide: A Joyful Approach to Raising Healthy, Smart, Kind Kids in a Screen-Saturated World.” https://digitalwellnesslab.org/articles/dr-rich-highlights-lab-research-in-his-new-book/
ScreenTime trailer

Andrew Bracken

Being a parent today means having to manage our children’s digital lives. Playgrounds aren’t just outdoors anymore, and childhood is spent increasingly on screens in digital spaces. ScreenTime features conversations with experts and researchers to help parents navigate the challenges that come with parenting in the digital age.
Science & Technology

Don’t wait until it's too late. 10 screen-time conversation starters for parents

Andrew Bracken

Dr. Willough Jenkins

Child psychiatrist and mom Dr. Willough Jenkins says parents need to talk to their children about digital responsibility and safety — before they start using a smartphone or tablet.