This is a recording of a Michigan State University Extension webinar that originally aired on February 11, 2015.

Many people are concerned about the amount of time that young people (and adults) spend with their phones and other electronic devices. This is especially true for parents, educators and other adults who are looking for ways to help children and adolescents find a balance between screen time and activities that are essential for their healthy development. In a webinar titled This is your brain online: The impact of digital technology on mental health (which aired December 10, 2015), Scott Becker, Ph.D., shared research findings related to digital technology use, including effects on brain development. In this follow-up webinar, Dr. Becker provides a deeper look at the implications of that research, and he will share a variety of strategies that can be used to promote the healthy use of digital technology.

Webinar presenter Scott Becker is the director of the Michigan State University Counseling Center. Over the past 18 years Dr. Becker has worked in a number of university counseling centers, including Xavier University, the University of Oregon and the University of Rochester. Dr. Becker’s clinical and research interests include trauma, mourning, dreams, depression, men’s issues, multiculturalism, couples and family therapy, existential and spiritual issues, non-Western approaches to psychotherapy, narrative research, and the role of psychotherapy in development of multicultural, political and ecological awareness. Dr. Becker has developed an integrative model that looks at the impact of technology on neurological and psychosocial development. .

This webinar was developed as part of Be SAFE: Safe, Affirming and Fair Environments, a Michigan State University Extension initiative designed to help communities learn about and address issues of bullying, bias and harassment in the lives of young people. Be SAFE taps the wisdom and resiliency of young people and invites youth and adults to work in partnership to create relationships and settings that are physically and emotionally safe. Be SAFE includes a comprehensive curriculum, which is designed for use within out-of-school time settings as well as middle school settings and which includes more than 30 engaging and experiential activities designed for group learning.

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Michigan State University is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting the webinar contact at olsenj@anr.msu.edu.

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Jeff Dwyer, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.