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On Wednesday, May 1st, Polk Vision, in partnership with the Polk County Board of County Commissioners and its Health and Human Services Division, held a conference titled "Conversations in Behavioral Health: Navigating the Digital Age," which was a groundbreaking event tailored to better inform anyone raising or working with children about the challenges and dangers of being surrounded by technology.
The expert lineup of professionals included Keynote Speaker Dr. Lisa Strohman, a technology wellness and behavioral health expert and co-author of “Digital Distress: Growing Up Online.” Dr. Strohman addressed the challenges of raising responsible digital citizens and provided insights on creating a healthy technology balance for children.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd shared “Digital Danger: Parental Awareness Required”, which focused on the dangers of the digital world including real-life Polk County cases where social media and online platforms were used as weapons to victimize and prey on children.
Polk County Public Schools Superintendent Frederick Heid presented “Social Media’s Impact on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)” which covered how the modern digital world shapes children’s relationships and affects their mental health. Cyberbullying, peer pressure, and other online events/behaviors are known to have negative effects on children, leaving impacts that last well into adulthood.
Special thanks to our presenters Dr. Lisa Strohman, Sheriff Grady Judd, Superintendent Frederick Heid, Dana Chandler, Scott Good, and Amanda Wilson.
A grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a program of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, funded 100 percent ($123,672) of costs for this program.
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