Cell Phones and Their Effect on Youth Mental Health

The challenges tweens and teens face today can be hard to talk about--things like cyber bullying, vaping, and social media pressures are very real challenges youth are facing. Rapidly expanding technology has intensified all the challenges of parenting kids in this phase of life and it can be tough to get accurate information and support on these topics while also respecting the privacy of our youth.

During a 45-minute presentation informed by the book, The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, our presenter will cover topics including how and why smartphones affect the mental health and brain development of children and adolescents, ways parents and caregivers can help their child develop healthy habits around technology use, and the statewide bell-to-bell cellphone ban in public schools for the 2025-2026 school year.

After the presentation, we will break into small groups for 30 minutes allowing time for participants to process the information from the presentation, along with time to discuss any anxieties or feelings parents and caregivers may have surrounding the bell-to-bell cell phone ban. Reading the book, The Anxious Generation, is not a requirement to attend this event, however the book is an excellent resource.

Our presenter, Brittany Chenenko, is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) who owns a private practice serving children, adolescents, and parents in Brighton, NY. She holds dual masters degrees in Secondary Education and Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and taught middle school for 10 years before transitioning into the field of mental health counseling.

The September 30 event is designed for adults and caregivers


Category: Community | Local / Community