MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) – On In The Spotlight, the group previewed an upcoming community-wide event, “Growing Up Online: Social Media and AI,” designed to give parents, educators, and guardians practical strategies for managing children’s digital lives.
Addressing youth mental health is one of United Way’s 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.
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:
Cyberbullying & 24/7 Digital Presence: Unlike traditional bullying that ended at the school bell, digital harassment can follow children home, heightening anxiety and isolation.Attention Spans & Dopamine Loops: Instant 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: Helping students and families understand AI tools constructively without fear, preparing them for future workplace expectations while protecting fundamental learning skills.Building a “Family Media Plan”: Actionable household habits—such as setting communal docking stations so Chromebooks and phones aren’t kept in bedrooms overnight—to protect sleep and emotional well-being.
Event Schedule & Venue Details
Date & Time: Wednesday, October 7, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.5:00 – 5:30 p.m.: Resource tables, community partner networking, and light refreshments5:30 – 6:30 p.m.: Keynote presentation by Dr. Joshua Stein6:30 – 7:00 p.m.: Audience Q&A sessionLocation: South Central Service Cooperative (SCSC), located off Lookout Drive past Taylor Corporation in North Mankato.Admission: Completely 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: Certificates of attendance (1-hour CEU) will be available for educators and professionals needing continuing education verification.
For additional information, contact the Greater Mankato Area United Way directly or visit mankatounitedway.org
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