Is There an App for That? Growing Up in the Digital Age

Thursday, December 5, 2019

*Registration: 11:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Program: 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

Location: MPA's Office (The Harrington Company)
4248 Park Glen Road, Minneapolis, MN 55416

Parking is free.

Please note: when driving down Park Glen Road, go past the Park Glen and Walden Woods apartments until you come to the cul-de-sac. Drive through the cul-de-sac and The Harrington Company office will be on your left, you will see the teal trim on the sign and doors.

About the program:

Young people today spend an average of 53 hours a week watching TV, browsing their phones, playing video games and using the computer. Students flock to Instagram and YouTube, and spend more time texting than talking on the phone. While media headlines scream that the impacts will lead to nirvana or disaster, the research evidence is more nuanced. What is clear is that the ever-changing technology is powerful. The benefit or harm depends upon how they are used. Dr. Dave Walsh will discuss the powerful role of digital technologies in shaping child and adolescent development. Combining the latest discoveries in brain science with up-to-date research and data, Dr. Walsh will pay particular attention to the impact of media on attention, mental health issues like depression and anxiety, social skills, addiction, family interaction and more. He will describe the three pillars of digital wellness and outline strategies to teach young people how to maximize the benefits while minimizing the harm technology can have in their lives. Much of the time will be spent in discussion with Lunch & Learn participants.

Please note: You must attend the full program to get continuing education credit for the event.

This program qualifies for 1.0 continuing education credit. 

Lunch & Learns are informal programs for psychologists and other mental health professionals and are at the introductory level (information comparable to that covered in a psychology doctoral program).

Participants will be able to:

1. Explain the power of technology based on the brain research on the "seeking circuits" of the brain.
2. List and explain the three pillars of digital wellness.
3. Explain how multitasking interferes with both speed and accuracy in problem solving.

About the presenter:

David Walsh, Ph.D., is an award winning psychologist, best selling author, and international speaker. Dr. Walsh has written ten books including the national best sellers Why Do They Act That Way? A Survival Guide to the Adolescent Brain for You and Your Teen and No: Why Kids – of All Ages – Need to Hear It and Ways Parents Can Say It. His books have been translated into eight languages. He has also authored scores of papers for professional and general publications. He has been a frequent guest on national radio and television programs. He received his BA from Mt. Carmel College, his Masters from the University of St. Thomas and his Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. 

The speaker has reported no potential conflicts of interest.

The Minnesota Psychological Association is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Minnesota Psychological Association maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

ACCESSIBILITY ACCOMMODATIONS:  If you need disability related accommodations, including parking, to make this event accessible, please contact Katie Benson, 952-928-4657, or [email protected].

To Register: