Minnetonka Community Education

For families with children 10 - 16 years of age Social media and technology can be a lifeline for connection and learning, yet it’s no secret that today’s young people are also facing unprecedented levels of stress and anxiety. So, how do screens factor into the mix? In this engaging, interactive workshop, Erin Walsh blends brain science, real-world stories, and humor to unravel the complex relationship between technology and teen mental health. You'll walk away with a deeper understanding of how technology shapes your child’s social world, identity, and emotional wellbeing. Most importantly, Erin will equip you with practical tools and strategies to help your middle schooler thrive in a digital age. We will cover: How does social media impact mental health? Is technology helping teens connect or leaving them isolated? How much screen time is too much? What is the best age for a cell phone ? What is the number one thing middle schoolers need from adults to reduce digital risk taking? Meet Erin Walsh, M.A. Erin is a parent, speaker, author, and co-founder of Spark & Stitch Institute, an organization dedicated to helping families and communities foster deeper connections and navigate the challenges of raising resilient kids in the modern world. She hosts the Connected & Courageous podcast and her work has been featured in top publications like The Washington Post, Parents.com, and the Star Tribune. Erin co-authored the Tenth Anniversary Edition of the national bestseller Why Do They Act That Way? A Survival Guide to the Adolescent Brain for You and Your Teen, and her latest book, It’s Their World: Teens, Screens, and the Science of Adolescence, is set to launch in May 2025.