Adults spend an average of three to four hours per day on their screens, while youth spend an average of seven. Children are getting smartphones earlier than ever – 53% of kids have their one by age 11, and by age 12, 71% do. While devices themselves are not addictive, the social connections they give us are powerfully compelling. Smartphones provide us the ability to maintain those connections 24/7, but at a cost. This workshop will:

• Look at the social media trends among youth
• Examine the underlying science of smartphones, social media and the brain
• Review the current research addressing media diet
• Discuss the impact of social media and media diet on youth health
• Look at strategies for helping youth navigate the digital life