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

The CDC cited bullying as a widespread public health issue, referring to research that indicates bullying is common, 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

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