Social media has a strong influence on today’s children and teenagers. It can also have a profound impact on young lives. A study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics found the use of social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram can increase the likelihood that a teenager will develop depression or anxiety.
The issue is so critical that Indiana Youth Institute (IYI) President and CEO Bill Stanczykiewicz recently addressed the problem in the agency’s December op-ed newspaper column. New sites and apps are popping up every day. But how can adults ask young people to use social media responsibly when they may not be fully informed themselves?
IYI is hosting a forum that will feature Brock Rose, owner and co-founder of Rose & Rose Associates. Brock will share his knowledge of today’s popular social media sites and apps. Parents, social workers, educators and others who work with youth will learn information to help monitor and guide the children and teens in their lives when it comes to using social media safely.
The forum will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. CST on Wednesday, March 18 at Healthy East Chicago, 100 West Chicago Avenue, East Chicago, 46312. As part of IYI’s Youth Worker Café program, the forum and lunch are free, but reservations are required. RSVP by March 16 at www.iyi.org/YWC or contact IYI Statewide Outreach Manager Debbie Jones at djones@iyi.org.
Youth Worker Cafés are designed to bring together local youth workers to build relationships and inspire collaborations that will benefit children. This Youth Worker Café is made possible by the collaborative efforts of Healthy East Chicago. and IYI.
For more information on the Youth Worker Café, contact IYI Northwest Indiana Outreach Manager Stephen Gill at sgill@iyi.org.