The Westchester Children’s Association (WCA) will host their Annual Advocacy Breakfast in October with the theme: Mind Over Media: Youth Mental Health in the Digital Age. The Kathryn Wasserman Davis Child Advocacy Lecture will be delivered by keynote speaker Max Stossel, Founder & CEO of Social Awakening. The event will take place on Tuesday, October 22 at 8:00 a.m. at the Harrison Meadows Country Club, located at 123 North St, Harrison. Visit https://tinyurl.com/2024AdvocacyBreakfast to purchase tickets, which are $75 per person.

Every fall, WCA gathers parents, educators, community members, government officials, and other key stakeholders to address a pressing issue affecting children. With 95% of teens ages 13 – 17 using social media on a nearly constant basis, its impact on their mental health has come under increased scrutiny. While social media can offer benefits, such as fostering connections and providing support, it also poses risks, including exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, and other negative effects including depression and anxiety.

The impact of social media is complex and varies based on individual factors, such as brain development and socioeconomic background. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable due to their ongoing brain development, which makes them more susceptible to social pressures and mental health challenges.

In May 2024, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released an advisory on the impact of social media on children’s mental health. The event will explore this urgent matter, featuring keynote speaker Max Stossel, an award-winning poet, filmmaker, and speaker. Recognized by Forbes as one of the top storytellers of the year, Max will lead a discussion on this important topic.

Max Stossel’s expertise and passion for advocating for youth mental health make him the ideal speaker for this event. His work focuses on the intersection of technology and culture, addressing the urgent need to create healthier digital environments for young people. 

Attendees can expect a compelling and insightful discussion, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age, and learn practical strategies to support the mental health of youth in today’s digital landscape. 

Visit www.wca4kids.org for more information about the Westchester Children’s Association.

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