As research on the impact of technology and social media use on adolescent mental health continues to emerge, many parents wonder how to handle this complicated topic. While some teens rely on technology for friendship and support (particularly marginalized teens), we can't ignore the growing problem of cyberbullying and self-esteem issues that can be triggered or intensified by frequent social media use. Depression and anxiety, though complex and attributed to multiple factors, are a concern. Katie educates parents and educators about the pros and cons of technology use among teens, including proactive strategies to curb usage, and helps teens learn to use social media for good in assemblies focused on increasing empathy and compassion on social media.
