Social Media and Teen Mental Health LET Workshop on October 23
Earlier this year, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released a major new report on the impact of social media on youth mental health. On Monday, October 23, the Leaders for an Equitable Tomorrow (LET) program will present a workshop on the topic for teens and parents. The program will feature a leading expert on youth mental health and social media, Dr. Jill Walsh, a researcher and lecturer at Boston University and founder of Digital Aged. The program will take place from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the James L. McKeown Boys & Girls Club in Woburn.
The Social Media & Teen Mental Health workshop will open with a presentation by Dr. Walsh on what the research tells us about the impact of social media for youth mental health, addressing both some of the benefits the technology can have along with the pitfalls.
After Dr. Walsh’s remarks, attendees will break into adult and facilitated teen discussion groups, giving everyone a chance to discuss the topic with their peers. The focus will be on responding to the data presented and identifying ways of reducing the negative impact of social media while still making appropriate use of it. Adults will be asked to reflect upon their own use of social media and how they can role model balanced use of it for young people.
The LET program is a joint initiative of SCI and Network for Social Justice (NFSJ) that seeks to advance mental health awareness and engagement among youth within, and beyond, Winchester and Woburn through a focus on the intersection of mental health, race and identity. Funding for LET is provided by Winchester Hospital Community Benefits. The JLM Boys & Girls Club is joining SCI and NFSJ as partners for this important workshop.
