We know that at least one in four school-aged children have been exposed to a traumatic event that impacts learning and behavior. Using a trauma-informed approach with youth recognizes how prevalent trauma is and the many ways that trauma can manifest. Working with youth within a trauma-informed framework endeavors to avoid re-traumatization while focusing on

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

Dating violence impacts millions of teens each year, with 1 in 3 U.S. teens experiencing physical, sexual or emotional abuse from someone with whom they’re in a relationship. The vast majority of parents believe teen dating violence is not an issue, while only 30% of teens in an abusive relationship ever tell anyone about the

Dating violence impacts millions of teens each year, with 1 in 3 U.S. teens experiencing physical, sexual or emotional abuse from someone with whom they’re in a relationship. The vast majority of parents believe teen dating violence is not an issue, while only 30% of teens in an abusive relationship ever tell anyone about the

Youth are more connected than ever, and those connections have changed how our youth connect. With a full 35% of teens preferring digital communications with their peers instead of in-person connections, there has been a real decline in face-to-face social interactions. At the same time, there has been a sharp rise in mental health issues

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

This workshop addresses sexting, sexual bullying and sextortion in digital speech and the resulting mental health issues and legal consequences. Participants will review the current research and trends focusing on youth’s involvement with technology, sexting and sextortion. Digital speech affords our youth the ability to send images via texting and a wide variety of apps

Is developing empathy an effective strategy in reducing bullying and helping youth create sustaining connections with others? Recent studies indicate the development of empathy can reduce bullying and harassment and create connections among peers. While it is ideal to teach empathy at an early age, there is a lot that can be done to develop

Current research into the substance use and abuse of youth indicates there is both good news and bad news. In one nationwide study, illicit drug use, other than marijuana, had reached the lowest levels in the past two decades. That’s the good news. The not so good news revealed an increase in usage of marijuana

This workshop explores the effects of technology on parenting, education and child development, discussing both the benefits and challenges. Participants will learn about the positive roles that digital tools can play in enhancing learning and communication, as well as the myriads of risks, such as exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, impact on mental health and