Dr. Anne Marie Albano discusses the mental health challenges faced by today's youth, particularly due to social media exposure and societal pressures with TEDMED's Director, Scientific Content, Kelly Thomas, Phd. 

She emphasizes the importance of:

• open communication
• building trust
• modeling healthy coping skills

Together parents, caregivers and educators need to create supportive environments that foster independence and resilience. We can do this by:

• setting boundaries around social media use
• promoting empathy
• encouraging lifelong learning

Dr. Albano stresses the significance of addressing anxiety early, listening to children, and gradually increasing their independence. She advocates for a balanced approach to technology to supports rather not prevent skill development.

How does the culture of a school transform when the teachers, students, and staff are no longer on their phones? How does communication improve? How does the community come together? In this TEDMED Conversation, our Director, Scientific Content, Kelly Thomas, PhD, sits down with Bill Knauer, Head of The Harvey School, to find out what’s happening on campus since they’ve transitioned to a phone free environment. So far, it’s been transformational.