Breaking Our Teens' Screen Addiction

One of the main concerns of parents and educators is how the dramatic rise in screen use due to virtual learning has resulted in screen addiction for many youngsters. In Breaking Our Teens' Screen Addiction, we welcome neuropsychologist, Dr. Serena Deutsch, Executive Director of Sutton Place Psychological Services and internet safety expert. In conversation with MAIA Education’s founder and executive director, Sharon Thomas, Dr. Deutsch will address specific issues related to screen addiction and offer effective strategies and interventions that you can use to help your teen. 

Topics discussed will include: 

● The relationship of screen use to anxiety, depression, and general mental health 

● The signs of screen addiction 

● Understanding healthy screen use for learning and socialization 

● Strategies for managing your child's withdrawal symptoms with patience and understanding 

● Educating your child about FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and managing their anxiety

Our Speakers 

Serena L Deutsch, PhD

 Dr.  SerenaDeutsch is a Clinical Psychologist with over twenty years experience in the treatment of children, adolescents, and adults. Dr. Deutsch has created programs that educate children, parents, schools and community groups on Internet Safety, Internet Addiction Disorders, and Cyberbullying. Dr. Deutsch works extensively on friendship issues and provides children and adolescents with skills and strategies to navigate the many challenges of their interpersonal world. She also proactively addresses the significant challenges and stressors that impact the fulfillment, functioning and happiness of children and adults, so they can reach their fullest capacity and potential. 

Sharon Thomas, MSc, MSEd 

Sharon Thomas is a Learning Specialist and Educational Consultant. She is the Founder and Director of MAIA Education Resource Center, an organization started over ten years ago to identify and provide timely educational services. As the leader of MAIA, which is named after her daughter, Sharon guides a team of talented teachers with general and special education training who are invested in the overall development and success of their students. MAIA works with students K-College with and without learning differences through 1:1 tutoring, executive function coaching, test preparation, school placement, and workshops. Sharon is passionate about giving all students access to learning. Her work and advocacy for individual students, families and in schools reflect her belief that healthy learning environments understand and prioritize individual development and best research based teaching practices. She currently serves on the board of Promise Project, a non-for-profit organization that helps at-risk children with learning disabilities obtain the support they need to learn. Sharon completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Georgetown University and earned a master's degree in Child Psychology at University College London as well as a master's degree in General and Special Education at Hunter College.