The programme examines youth in the digital age

Do you ever wonder if all that time spent on a tablet is bad for your 8-year-old? Or has your pre-teen become withdrawn and depressed since joining the world of social media? Or what about the constant struggle with your high schooler to simply get them to engage in meaningful face-to-face conversation? If this all sounds familiar, you won’t want to miss Superior’s upcoming free digital education event on August 14th.

Parents and guardians of school-age children are encouraged to spend an evening with Dr. Lisa Strohman to learn how to protect youth in the digital age. From 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Superior High School, dinner will be generously provided by Riverside Soup and Sandz. Participants have a chance to win a Scheels gift card, and the first 25 people will receive a signed copy of Digital Distress: Growing up Online.

Strohman is a psychologist, attorney, and founder of the Digital Citizen Academy. She has been featured on national news outlets and media outlets including CNN, Fox News, ABC, PBS, and Newsmax. Her work has also been cited in numerous publications including Newsweek, Best Life, and Popular Science.

The event will explore how young people navigate the vast, exciting, and often dangerous online environment. Cyberspace has no boundaries, no surveillance, and no unlimited access to strangers. Strohman will offer solutions for parents who face the responsibility of keeping young people safe online during an unprecedented time of mental health crisis. The rate of cyberbullying among high school and middle school students is at an all-time high.

Anna Schreck is a prevention specialist in Mineral County with the Western Montana Mental Health Center. She said the August event “will be appropriate for all ages, although the conversation will be geared toward parents/guardians of students and Mineral County administrators. Information specifically for parents will be modified to include youth by removing information that may be sensitive.”

Schreck noted that the fact that the Alberton, Superior and St. Regis school districts have taken the initiative to provide training is a significant development.

She added: “Mineral County is the first in the U.S. to protect all of its schools, train staff and offer parenting programs through the Digital Citizen Academy to keep all children safe. This event will also be an opportunity to offer parents and guardians some information and tips on how to be proactive.”

Schreck explained that when it comes to smart technology guidelines, “kids really shouldn’t be spending any time in front of a screen until they’re 2, but I think if a parent can allow them to have screen time until they’re at least 3, that’s ideal.”

She also recommended: “I don’t think any child should have their own cell phone until they’re in high school – middle school is definitely one of the most difficult times, and kids who have electronic devices have much higher rates of anxiety and depression.”

Even in a small rural community, whether a child comes from a wealthy family or not, the use of technology is accessible to all. Schreck said, “There are no demographic areas where children are always safe online.”

She expressed, “I think it’s important to be direct with the realities of how it affects their brains, both physically and chemically, and let them know what can happen with excessive use. Parents and guardians can have a positive influence on their youth by modeling healthy boundaries with technology.”

For parents to make smart decisions about cell phone use and Internet access, they need to be more aware of the negative effects on children. Schreck noted, “The consequences can affect different aspects of their development and well-being, but here are some areas to review.”

Firstly, mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. She claimed that “excessive screen time and social media use can lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and increased anxiety and depression due to comparing oneself to others and exposure to cyberbullying.”

Sleep disorders are on the rise among teens. The blue light emitted by screens can disrupt sleep patterns, causing sleep deprivation. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to a host of other health problems, including mood swings, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

Physical health problems resulting from too much screen time often correlate with obesity. A sedentary lifestyle of sitting and scrolling all day can contribute to weight gain and poor health.

Schreck also explained that “prolonged use of screens can lead to digital eye strain, which can manifest itself through headaches, blurry vision, and dry eyes.”

Other health issues she mentioned include: “Poor posture, long periods spent in front of devices can cause musculoskeletal problems such as back and neck pain.”

A major concern in schools is the impact of screen use on young children’s cognitive development.

“Excessive use of digital devices can impair concentration and reduce the ability to focus on tasks, which can impact academic performance,” Schreck said.

Teachers observe learning disorders.

She stressed that “excessive screen time can impair critical thinking, problem-solving skills and the ability to retain information.”

Other academic implications include distraction from studying.

She said: “Excessive screen time can distract from homework and studying, which negatively impacts academic performance.

In addition, easy access to information can sometimes lead to academic dishonesty, such as plagiarism or cheating on homework and exams.”

This can be seen in every restaurant, shopping mall and public event in the country, resulting in decreased social skills.

Schreck explained: “Excessive use of phones and computers can limit face-to-face interactions, hindering the development of essential social skills and emotional intelligence.”

Some of the behavioral problems seen as a result of excessive technology use include addiction. She stated, “Unrestricted access can lead to Internet or gaming addiction, characterized by compulsive device use and loss of interest in other activities. And constant access to fast-paced digital content can encourage impulsive behavior and impatience.”

Unrestricted access for young children and teens can result in exposure to violent, sexual, and inappropriate content that leaves lasting impressions on them. Predation is a serious and real threat.

Schreck added: “There is a risk of encountering online predators who take advantage of the anonymity of the internet to target vulnerable children and teens. Increased online activity increases the risk of exposure to cyberbullying, which can have serious emotional and psychological effects.”

Isolation is a common emotional consequence. Schreck enlightened: “Overrely relying on virtual interactions can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation as real-world social connections weaken.” Constant connectivity, endless notifications, and the live pressure of social media platforms can cause significant amounts of stress.

All of these negative consequences of too much technology and excessive screen use among children will be explored on August 14th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Superior High School. Come learn how Mineral County Public Schools, in partnership with Dr. Lisa Strohman, are leaders in reducing risk for students through the Digital Citizen Academy program.