Denver Hosts “Teens & Screens” Summit

Focused on the role played by technology in the mental health crisis

The Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE), in partnership with Aetna, hosted “Teens & Screens,” a summit about technology and its impact on young people’s mental health. The summit brought together Denver-area parents clinicians, educators, and policymakers with a aim of learning about the dangers posed by technology through the voices of young people educators, parents and professionals.

In the half-day event the attendees watched a collection of documentaries that dive into the issues facing youth today–including cyberbullying suicidal ideas, online predators and many more. Following these videos, a panel of experts and politicians from across the country delivered engaging and thoughtful discussions on the topic of the impact of social media on youth. The discussion was focused on cell phones and how much time children spend on the screen, and the best ways to reduce these risks.

The panel was moderated by Jordan Chavez of 9News, the panelists included:

• Titania Jordan, Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Parenting Officer, Bark Technology
• Marc Berkman, CEO, Organization for Social Media Safety (OFSMS)
• Matt Vogl, CEO, National Mental Health Innovation Center (NMHIC)
• Jane Lineman, PhD, Nationally Certified School Psychologist, Student Safety Coordinator, Denver Public Schools
• Mary Anderson, MD, Behavioral Health Medical Director, Aetna
• Nathan Demers, Psy.D., Grit Digital Health

 

We hope that the attendees as they left the summit was that they are better equipped to chart a path towards the future. With an knowledge of the significance of social media technology, we need to come together as neighbors, friends communities, communities, and a society to make the mental well-being of our young people an important issue for the public and our political leaders.

 

DDPHE’s suicide prevention intervention is a mission to eliminate barriers, improve systems, and promote change while promoting equity in the health system. If you are, or someone you know is, in need of confidential and immediate mental health, substance use, or emotional help, please go to Colorado Crisis Services online, contact 1-844-493-TALK (8255) or text “TALK” to 38255 to be connected to an experienced crisis counselor or professional with a master’s or doctoral degree. read more: Cherry Creek