The April 28, 2022 Lunch & Learn focused on the good, the bad, and the ugly of social media use and its effects on the mental health of teens and kids. WIF member Rachel Miner moderated an engaging and informative discussion on the topic with local experts, including Natalie Moore, School Psychology Manager at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools School Psychological Services, Grace Smith, Regional Clinical Director at Cognitive Therapies of the Carolinas (CBT Counseling Centers) and NAMI Charlotte Board Member, and Dr. Lisa Pennington, Licensed Psychologist at Carolina Minds.
The key takeaway? Media use can be both empowering and destructive for teens. On the plus side, it helps create connections and community. On the negative side, it opens up avenues for bullying, depression, and anxiety. It’s imperative for parents to stay involved with their teens, communicate with them about internet use, and set appropriate limits and boundaries. Parents should monitor teens’ social media use and stay informed.
Learn more about our panelists and access easy-to-reference resources they shared on the blog. Don’t miss the event recording!
- Monitoring Your Child’s Media Use
- Screen Time Guidelines from CDC
- Screen Time Guidance from Carolina Therapy Connection
- Age-Based Media Reviews from Common Sense Media
Please see the recording of the event here.
