From Fear to Understanding: Fostering Open Conversations in the Digital Age
Concord Middle School, Concord, MA
Join us for an insightful and practical panel discussion on the impact of technology, social media, and the internet on today’s youth. Inspired by the groundbreaking show Adolescence — the most-watched show in the U.S. — this session delves deep into the challenges faced by children, families, and schools in an increasingly digital world. Our expert panelists will explore how excessive screen time, social media pressures, and online content are shaping the experiences and well-being of young people.
In this discussion, we’ll cover a range of critical topics, from the role of schools in implementing phone-free policies to actionable steps parents can take to guide their children through the complexities of online interactions. The panel will also provide practical suggestions for fostering open conversations with kids about what they’re seeing online and how to build a healthier relationship with technology.
Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply someone concerned about the future of digital engagement, this discussion will equip you with the knowledge and tools to navigate the challenges and create a safer digital environment for the next generation.
This event is hosted by Turning Life On. Our mission is to transform societal norms around smartphone, social media, and internet use by supporting, uniting, and empowering communities—and this event is an important step toward that goal. This event is free and open to the public but registration is required.
Panellists:
MA State Representative Simon Cataldo is a husband and father of 3. He has dedicated his life to fighting for special education students, environmental justice, and integrity in government. As a former special education teacher and federal anti-corruption prosecutor with the U.S. Justice Department, Simon has delivered for children, families, school communities, and our democracy. He is a co-sponsor of the STUDY act, a bill which seeks to prohibit student access to personal electronic devices during the school day and regulate social media companies to combat the harmful effects on youth, and a member of the Education Committee.
Dr. Elizabeth Englander is an award-winning author and the founder and Executive Director of the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center at Bridgewater State University, a Center which delivers programs, resources, and research for the state of Massachusetts and nationwide. She is also a Founding Member of the Social and Emotional Research Consortium (SERC). As a researcher and a professor of Psychology for almost 30 years, she is a nationally recognized expert in the area of bullying and cyberbullying, childhood causes of aggression and abuse, and children’s use of technology. She was named Most Valuable Educator by the Boston Red Sox and in 2018, was appointed to the Massachusetts Governor's Juvenile Justice Advisory Council. She is on the Scientific Advisory Board for the Institute of Child Development and Digital Media, and in 2023, her 9th book (You Got A Phone!) was awarded a National Parenting Product Award. Her 10th and most recent book, Bullying and Cyberbullying: A Guide for Educators and Parents, was published in December by Harvard Educational Press.
Adrienne Principe is the Founder and President of Turning Life On, a grass-roots movement designed to transform societal norms surrounding smart devices, social media and technology usage by supporting, empowering and uniting parents, local ambassadors, school leaders, and leading professionals across Massachusetts and beyond. As a certified Child and Teen Coach, Adrienne is well-versed in the latest research on technology and child development. Adrienne is the co-founder of Concord Promise and a founding member of the Screens in Schools Working Group for the Children’s Screen Time Action Network. She is also a presenter for the Massachusetts Partnership for Youth, a contributor on the “Live Above the Noise” Podcast, and a writer for the Family Online Safety Institute’s Good Digital Parenting Blog. Most recently, Adrienne joined the MA Coalition for Phone and Social Media-Free Schools and serves as an Emerson Health Corporator and on the Emerson Health Foundation Board of Directors.
Dr. Nancy Santoro, PsyD is a licensed psychologist with over 20 years of clinical experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, and families. She is the founder of Thriving Together Counseling & Wellness, a group practice based in Lexington, MA, that specializes in working with couples and families. Her work includes helping parents to communicate with their children/teens about complex topics including mental health struggles, social media, peer struggles and family expectations. The practice offers a wide range of services, including parent workshops, psychoeducational group therapy, and individualized treatment for anxiety, depression, school-related stress, and relationship challenges across all age groups. Dr. Santoro also brings expertise in disaster mental health, providing crucial support to individuals recovering from traumatic events and disasters. Beyond her clinical practice, she volunteers her time as a mental health clinician with the American Red Cross and the Boston Athletic Association’s Boston Marathon.