“Conversations in Behavioral Health: Navigating the Digital Age”
In today’s digital world, parents face unprecedented challenges in guiding their children’s relationship with technology. To address these concerns and offer practical strategies, Polk Vision, in partnership with Polk County Board of County Commissioners and its Health and Human Services Division, hosted “Conversations in Behavioral Health: Navigating the Digital Age,” a groundbreaking event tailored to better inform anyone raising or working with children about the challenges and dangers of being surrounded by technology.
This free all-day event was held on May 1, 2024, at the Polk State College Center for Public Safety in Winter Haven, FL. Whether you’re a seasoned parent or a community member interested in learning how to navigate technology with children, this event offered something for everyone.
The program featured expert speakers who shared knowledge, insights, and strategies necessary to navigate the digital landscape and equip attendees with the tools they need to foster a healthy balance with technology.
The expert lineup of professionals included Keynote Speaker Dr. Lisa Strohman, a technology wellness and behavioral health expert and co-author of “Digital Distress: Growing Up Online.” Dr. Strohman addressed the challenges of raising responsible digital citizens and provided insights on creating a healthy technology balance for children.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd shared “Digital Danger: Parental Awareness Required”, focused on the dangers of the digital world including real-life Polk County cases where social media and online platforms were used as weapons to victimize and prey on children.
Polk County Public Schools Superintendent Frederick Heid presented “Social Media’s Impact on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)” which covered how the modern digital world is shaping children’s relationships and affecting their mental health. Cyberbullying, peer pressure, and other online events/behaviors are known to have negative effects on children, leaving impacts that last well into adulthood.
The speaker lineup also included Dana Chandler, co-author of “Digital Distress: Growing Up Online Companion Workbook”; Amanda Wilson, author of “You Can SOAR: From Trauma & Grief to Triumph & Glory,” and Scott Good, MSIA/MBA, Principal, Crescendo Consulting Group.
“We understand the importance of placing greater emphasis on the mental and behavioral health of our youth,” said Kim Long, Executive Director at Polk Vision. “A major component is focusing attention on the unprecedented challenges that parents, children, educators and providers are facing in this digital age.”
A grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a program of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, funds 100 percent ($123,672) of costs for this program.
