MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) – On In The Spotlight, the group previewed an upcoming community-wide event, \u201cGrowing Up Online: Social Media and AI,\u201d designed to give parents, educators, and guardians practical strategies for managing children\u2019s digital lives.<\/p>\n
Addressing youth mental health is one of United Way\u2019s core community impact pillars. As smartphones, social media feeds, and artificial intelligence become ubiquitous in and out of the classroom, community leaders emphasize the need for balanced guidance rather than vilifying technology or parents.<\/p>\n
Key Topics Covered by Keynote Speaker Dr. Joshua SteinThe presentation features Dr. Joshua Stein, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and Chief of Medical Staff at Prairie Care. Drawing on clinical research and everyday family scenarios, Dr. Stein will address:<\/p>\n
Cyberbullying & 24\/7 Digital Presence:\u00a0Unlike traditional bullying that ended at the school bell, digital harassment can follow children home, heightening anxiety and isolation.Attention Spans & Dopamine Loops:\u00a0Instant gratification from 15-second video feeds impacts classroom focus and problem-solving resilience. Panelists highlighted how local districts like Mankato Area Public Schools (ISD 77) are seeing positive results by having students keep cellphones stored during class and returning to physical, handheld books during reading times.Demystifying Artificial Intelligence:\u00a0Helping students and families understand AI tools constructively without fear, preparing them for future workplace expectations while protecting fundamental learning skills.Building a \u201cFamily Media Plan\u201d:\u00a0Actionable household habits\u2014such as setting communal docking stations so Chromebooks and phones aren\u2019t kept in bedrooms overnight\u2014to protect sleep and emotional well-being.<\/p>\n
Event Schedule & Venue Details<\/p>\n
Date & Time:\u00a0Wednesday, October 7, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.5:00 \u2013 5:30 p.m.:\u00a0Resource tables, community partner networking, and light refreshments5:30 \u2013 6:30 p.m.:\u00a0Keynote presentation by Dr. Joshua Stein6:30 \u2013 7:00 p.m.:\u00a0Audience Q&A sessionLocation:\u00a0South Central Service Cooperative (SCSC), located off Lookout Drive past Taylor Corporation in North Mankato.Admission:\u00a0Completely free and open to the public; no pre-registration or tickets required. Parents, grandparents, educators, and community members are all encouraged to attend.Continuing Education:\u00a0Certificates of attendance (1-hour CEU) will be available for educators and professionals needing continuing education verification.<\/p>\n
For additional information, contact the Greater Mankato Area United Way directly or visit mankatounitedway.org<\/a><\/p>\n