Addressing the effects of social media on kids

Magellan Healthcare webinar, “Addressing the effects of social media on kids”
Wednesday, May 11, 2022, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET

Presenter: Keith Brown, MD, child psychiatrist and senior medical director, Magellan Healthcare

Presenter: LaShondra Washington, MD, DFAPA, child psychiatrist and senior medical director, Magellan Healthcare

Presenter: Greg Dicharry, CPRP, national youth empowerment director, Magellan Healthcare

Moderator: Barbara Dunn, LCSW, ACSW, senior director, children’s healthcare, Magellan Healthcare

Prior to 1997, social media as we know it today didn’t exist. At that time, a child’s rumor mill spreading hurtful gossip was limited in size and speed. A child’s all-important popularity among their peers was mostly an intangible notion. And a child’s comparisons of themselves with others were limited in frequency, as they occurred mostly in person.

While many of us were that child and we distinctly remember the burdens we felt, even without social media, the pressure on kids today has been greatly intensified. Social media has its obvious benefits–it’s a source of entertainment and news, and an easy way to stay in touch with others–but it has also exposed our kids to more intense bullying and negative self-esteem.

We can see it as we have seen depression among youth aged 12–17 increase from 2010–2020.[1] And we see it as our Surgeon General and leading children’s health organizations issued declarations of a youth mental health crisis in 2021.[2]

If you missed the live event, check out the recording as our experts address this important issue and answer audience questions during Mental Health Month.

Watch the recording

[1] SAMHSA 2020 National Survey of Drug Use and Health, Youth Mental Health Trend Tables
[2] December 7, 2021, HHS press release on the Surgeon General’s Advisory addressing the youth mental health crisis, and October 19, 2021, AAP-AACAP-CHA declaration of a national emergency in child and adolescent mental health