Kids are growing up in a hyper-connected world. From Roblox to Instagram, from YouTube and TikTok to Discord.

Kids taking selfie and playing video games on couch


Join us for a virtual talk with Devorah Heitner, Ph.D., on how parents can mentor children as they grow up on Roblox, Instagram, TikTok, Discord, and other social media apps. Learn how you help them navigate a world where they can be exposed to problematic content, and how parents can help kids be thoughtful about their digital footprint and reputation.

You'll come away with strategies for teaching tweens and teens to recognize how social media affects their mood and mental health and when to take a break. The talk will include tips for supporting kids in staying true to themselves as they grow up “in public” on social media apps.

Following the event, you'll have the opportunity to join a conversation circle led by JF&CS's director of mental health for a deeper exploration of the workshop topic.

Speakers

Welcoming remarks

Cara Presley, Director of Mental Health, JF&CS

Presenter

Devorah Heitner, Ph.D., author of Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World and Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World.

Registration

This event is open to the public and is appropriate for parents and caregivers of teens/tweens, professionals, educators, and other caring adults. A donation of $18/person is suggested but not required.

Register


Conversation Circles

Following the workshop, participants are invited to join a conversation circle led by JF&CS's director of mental health. These small groups sessions will provide the chance to explore the workshop topic in greater depth while connecting with peers.  The conversation circles will take place:

  • Wednesday, May 8, 6:30-7:45 p.m., 1430 Main Street, Waltham
  • Wednesday, May 15, 7:30-8:45, virtual via Zoom

No One Alone series

This is the third event in a three-part workshop series for parents on youth mental health.

Accessibility

JF&CS prioritizes access to its programs and activities for persons with all abilities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact us at 781-647-5327 or info@jfcsboston.org in advance of your participation or visit.

Requests for American Sign Language interpreters should be made at least two weeks prior to the scheduled program, if possible. *Additional language interpretation services will also be provided for requests made at least two weeks in advance. Indicate your interpretation needs on your registration form.

*(Spanish) También se proporcionarán servicios adicionales de interpretación de idiomas para solicitudes realizadas con al menos dos semanas de anticipación. Indique sus necesidades de interpretación en su formulario de registro.

*(Russian) Дополнительные услуги лингвистического перевода также будут предоставлены по запросам, сделанным не менее чем за две недели. Укажите свои потребности в устном переводе в регистрационной форме.

*(Portuguese) Serviços adicionais de interpretação de idiomas também serão fornecidos para solicitações feitas com pelo menos duas semanas de antecedência. Indique suas necessidades de interpretação em seu formulário de inscrição.

Please note that JF&CS will make every effort to secure interpretation services but that services are subject to availability.

Sponsorship

The No One Alone workshop series is cosponsored by JF&CS and Gateways: Access to Jewish Education. Funding provided by the Ronald G. Casty Family Foundation, the Frieze Family Foundation, Steve and Stephanie Kasok, and the Ruderman Family Foundation. JF&CS gratefully acknowledges the efforts of the JF&CS Youth Mental Health Task Force in making this series a reality.