I am so excited to be speaking at the "Now is the Time" conference through UW-Whitewater where I will have the opportunity to speak to adults who work with youth and young adults about the role of social media and its effects on mental health and wellness.

Here is a bit more about my session:

Social Media: Friend or Foe? Understanding the role and implications of social media and technology on youth

Description/Objectives: Cell phones, laptops, tablets…the presence of technology is becoming ubiquitous especially among young people. According to a study done in 2010 at the Pew Research Center, 24% of teens admit to going online “almost constantly” — this is undoubtedly linked to the widespread availability of smartphones,  92% of teens report going online at least once a day, and 56 percent admit they go online “several times” a day which means only 8 percent of teens are able to resist going online every day and 88% of teens ages 13-17 say they have a cell phone with 90% of them say they use them to text. In fact, the average teen sends and receives 30 texts per day (not including messaging apps like Facebook message). While we may not understand it, like it or be familiar with it, social media and technology is here and plays a significant role in young people’s lives and it is our job to embrace that fact and learn both the possibilities and potential dangers to its use. Join me in a discussion about the role technology plays in teenagers' and young adults’ lives and find ways to better engage with and support those whom you are working with.

For more info on the conference, click here.