Effects of Social Media on Teens
Source: Newport Academy
How does social media affect teenagers? Like any form of technology, social media has both an upside and a downside. And when it comes to the social media effects on teens, there are significant pros and cons to take into account.
On the plus side, platforms like TikTok, X (Twitter), Instagram, and Snapchat can be lifesavers for teens who feel isolated or marginalized, particularly LGBTQ teens. In addition, social media helped teens feel more connected and not as lonely during the pandemic.
But the impact of social media on youth can also be significantly detrimental to mental health. In particular, social media and teen depression are closely linked. Furthermore, overuse of the apps exposes teens to cyberbullying, body image issues, and tech addiction, and results in less time spent doing healthy, real-world activities. And while the majority of parents believe they know what their child is posting on social media, according to a Pew Research poll, a survey of teens found that 70 percent of them are hiding their online behavior from their parents.
ASK is proud to curate the virtual Save A Life Wellness Fair which will connect you to resources that support Substance Misuse Prevention, Treatment and Recovery; Mental Health and Opportunities for Thoughtful Service.
Click here to view the virtual Save A Life Wellness Fair and download the application on your phone. You never know when you, a friend, neighbor or loved one may need this vital information and by having it readily available it truly may be the most important gift you have ever given yourself or shared.
Life is hard, let’s be prepared to take good care of ourselves and one another.
Volunteer Opportunities
There are a variety of volunteer opportunities at awesome nonprofits throughout Westchester and Putnam Counties. To view these opportunities, please check out Volunteer New York!
The John C. Hart Memorial Library in Shrub Oak can always use some volunteers! To find out about their Teen Volunteer Program, click here.
Yorktown Leos Club
Leadership, Experience, Opportunity! The Yorktown Leos are a community service club for people ages 12-25 willing to help others in the community. They host and participate in a variety of fun and collaborative events. The Yorktown Leos Club has been helping the Yorktown community for over 25 years and to learn how to get involved, click here.
Weekly Spotlight Family Support Groups
From our partners at Drug Crisis in Our Backyard, weekly Spotlight Family Support Groups, held virtually every Tuesday and Wednesday via Zoom. Spotlight on Recovery is a Family Educational and Support Group for families struggling with a loved one misusing substances. For more information, click here.
Virtual Naloxone Training
Naloxone is a prescription medicine that reverses an overdose by blocking heroin or other opioids in the nervous system for 30-90 minutes. Naloxone is administered by injection or intranasal. Following training, participants receive a kit by mail. Presented by our partners at Drug Crisis in Our Backyard. Please inquire about setting up a virtual training by contacting Susan Salomone at: ssal@drugcrisisinourbackyard.com.
Virtual Grief Support Group
There will be a new group forming for parents who have lost a child to drug overdose. This group honors the deep grief, strong emotions, and complex feelings that follow such a tragic loss. The group will be facilitated by Phyllis Elliott, LCSW, who has personally experienced this loss and brings both professional guidance and heartfelt understanding. For more information, please contract Phyllis at 845-234-3928.
Feeling overwhelmed? Join Us for Nervous System Regulation and Gentle Movement
This will be a safe space where we may connect and come home to ourselves. Practice may be done from a seated position, with options to stand for moving meditations. For more information, click here.
Student Assistance Services Corner
“Helping Students Enhance Their Well Being by Making Healthy Decisions and Remaining Substance Free”
A partnership between a parent/guardian and Student Assistance Counselor best supports the nurturing of the social and emotional wellbeing of students. We encourage you to contact the SAC at your child’s school for a confidential consultation. Click here to learn more.
| Lakeland High School Sasha Meyer Porco, LMSW, CASAC smeyerporco@lakelandschools.org | Lakeland Copper Beech Middle School Ms. Finan, MS lfinan@lakelandschools.org | Yorktown High School Kiara Loughran, MS sacounselor@yorktown.org |
Upcoming Events
March 10 – The State of Modern Youth: Navigating Screens, Substances & Pressures
Hosted by Operation Parent, Dr. Crystal Collier explains how youth make decisions and why their brains respond differently under stress. With insights from her teen interns, you’ll hear real perspectives on gambling, marijuana, pornography, technology overuse, and mental health. Parents and caregivers will leave with practical ways to respond with clarity, connection, and purpose. Register here.
March 16 – Captain Kenneth Sgroi Act of Kindness Day
Captain Kenneth Sgroi of the Yorktown Police Department passed away on January 2, 2023. In recognition of his service, Yorktown designated March 16 as Captain Kenneth Sgroi Act of Kindness Day. From now through March 16, the department is accepting donations in his name at police headquarters. Contributions will be given to United For The Troops, which provides care packages to deployed U.S. service members, and the DiNoia family, who lost their home in a fire earlier this year. Gift cards to local stores, restaurants, or clothing vendors are suggested.
March 19 – Cannabis and Mental Health
With expanded legalization and use of cannabis, it is crucial to explore the potential impacts it can have on mental well-being. This webinar provides evidence-based insights to promote a better understanding of the topic. Register here.
March 23 – Understanding Depression in Young People
Depression in children and teenagers is often undiagnosed and untreated because symptoms are mistaken for normal emotional changes. Learn what factors contribute to youth depression, common signs and symptoms to watch for, and practical ways caregivers, educators, and professionals can support young people and promote mental well-being. Register here.
March 31 – AI & Youth Safety: What Happens When Tech Talks Back
Hosted by Operation Parent, explore how kids use AI, from chatbots to digital companions, and what it means for their safety, emotions, and development. Dr. Michael Robb of Common Sense Media shares research and practical tips for talking with kids about AI in honest, age-appropriate ways that build critical thinking instead of fear. Register here.
NAMI Westchester
The families and members of NAMI Westchester are here to help! They offer understanding to anyone concerned about mental illnesses and the treatment of mental illness. To view their calendar, click here.
Westchester Breathes is an ongoing program offered by the Westchester Library System offering an experience of gentle movement, breathing and relaxation exercises that reduce stress and anxiety and increase a sense of calm and well-being. These exercises are simple and evidence-based – which is to say…they work! They are free and on Zoom. Register here.