Community Forum on Youth Mental Health and Technology Set for October 7

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - A community event titled “Growing Up Online: Social Media and AI” is scheduled for October 7, aimed at providing parents, educators, and guardians with strategies to navigate children’s digital lives. This initiative is part of United Way’s focus on addressing youth mental health, particularly as technology becomes increasingly prevalent in daily life.

Dr. Joshua Stein, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and Chief of Medical Staff at Prairie Care, will lead the presentation. His discussion will cover several key topics, including:

- **Cyberbullying and Digital Presence**: Unlike traditional bullying, digital harassment can extend into children's homes, increasing feelings of anxiety and isolation.

- **Attention Spans and Dopamine Loops**: The instant gratification from brief video content is affecting students' focus and problem-solving abilities. Local schools, including Mankato Area Public Schools (ISD 77), have seen positive results by implementing policies that limit cellphone use in classrooms and promote physical reading materials.

- **Understanding Artificial Intelligence**: The forum will discuss how to introduce AI tools to students and families in a constructive way, aiming to prepare them for future workplace demands without compromising essential learning skills.

- **Family Media Plans**: The event will suggest practical household habits, such as setting up communal docking stations for devices, to help safeguard sleep and emotional well-being.

**Event Details**: The forum will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the South Central Service Cooperative in North Mankato. The schedule includes resource tables and light refreshments from 5:00 to 5:30 p.m., followed by Dr. Stein’s keynote from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., and a Q&A session from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public; no advance registration is required. Certificates of attendance (1-hour CEU) will be issued for educators seeking continuing education verification. For further information, individuals can contact the Greater Mankato Area United Way or visit mankatounitedway.org.