Social media gets a bad wrap, and sometimes that’s fair (hello “Text Neck Syndrome” and ties to loneliness, depression and body image issues). But social media isn’t going anywhere, and we think it’s time for a more balanced discussion. There is no one better to guide us than Dr. Devorah Heitner, author of Growing Up in Public. She has researched this topic relentlessly, drawing on hundreds of interviews with not only parents and educators, but kids, teenagers and young adults. 

Dr. Heitner isn’t here to shake her finger but to instead provide a roadmap for how to grow up with constant cameras, posts and likes. We know the choices you’re facing are complicated, and we want you to have some gentle guidance as you face them. So put on DND for a few minutes and listen to Dr. Heitner share:

• Common misunderstandings between college students and parents regarding digital media
• Rules of thumb for knowing what to post online
• Tips for safe sexting
• How to decide when/whether to post about controversial topics
• Oops posts - what to do next

Resources:

Dr. Devorah Heitner's Website
https://devorahheitner.com/

Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World
https://www.amazon.com/Growing-Up-Public-Coming-Digital/dp/0593420969#:~:text=Devorah%20Heitner%20is%20the%20author,with%20kids%20can%20be%20overwhelming.

If you want some specific tips on how to navigate current events:
https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/column/aisha-sultan/sultan-what-can-college-students-post-about-war/article_5b388588-88f9-11ee-995a-b70d52953e24.html

Want to share your story, give us feedback or offer up an episode idea? Reach out! We'd love to hear from you.

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Music is Deadbeats by Rex Banner