Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation Calendar

The risk factors of trauma and adverse childhood experiences can be mitigated by the protective factors that build resilience and develop grit in children and youth. Resilience can help youth with transitions in life, the challenges of relationships, problem-solving and realistic goal setting. Resilience is directly related to well-being. During the workshop, we will:   Examine

Both boys and girls engage in bullying, and researchers continually examine the role of gender in bullying behavior. While gender can impact how students bully, there are many other influences that impact the behavior of our youth. Kids are overwhelmed with negative and harmful influences that create the “sea of mean” many of them live

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 one by age 11, and 71% by age 12. While devices themselves are not addictive, the social connections they give us are

The Centers for Disease Control cited bullying as a widespread public health issue, and in many instances, shares a relationship with trauma, albeit a complex one. Being bullied can significantly impact the physical, emotional, social, academic and behavioral well-being of children and teens. Those who have been exposed to trauma and violence may be more

Half of all mental health issues surface by age 14, but many of those issues go unrecognized and untreated. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of children and adolescents experiencing major depressive episodes and anxiety, mood, attention and behavior disorders. One in five of our youth experience mental illness,

The frequency, intensity and duration of cyberbullying and cyber harassment among youth pose a significant threat to their mental health and well-being. Youth who experience cyberbullying talk about the significant impact it has had on their lives, including their relationships with peers, feelings of safety and security and concerns with their health. This workshop will: 

In December 2021, the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, issued, “A Surgeon General's Advisory on Protecting Youth Mental Health.” The Advisory brought attention to the significant mental health issues experienced by our youth, further impacted by the pandemic. In 2019, 16% of youth ages 12 - 17 reported experiencing a major depressive episode in

Research focused on bullying and cyberbullying among children and teens has found that the toxic stress from bullying victimization has a direct impact on the developing brain. Being targeted for bullying, particularly long-term bullying, impacts specific regions of the brain, leading to chronic emotional stress, compromised mental health and physical and social dysfunction. Researchers believe

Adolescence is a time of great growth, change and development. It's a time when young adults can shape their brain’s development. It is also the time when the brain is more vulnerable to use and abuse than the adult brain. This workshop will explore the short and long-term impact of substance use on the developing