Wilton Public Schools, Wilton Youth Council, Newport Healthcare, Insight Counseling and Thrive with a Guide have joined together to host an evening discussion for parents of all students in Wilton, on “Parents, Schools and Technology: Conquering Mean Behavior Together.” The event is on Thursday, March 7, from 6-9 p.m. in Wilton High School’s Little Theatre.
Parent struggling to manage their children’s screen time and social stress, and who are concerned about how to work with other parents, educators, youth experts and mental health professionals are invited to join for an evening of useful information.
Experts and school leaders will share hands-on knowledge of how children are being affected by over-exposure to screens and smartphones and also provide practical, usable information for parents on how to intervene and help their children cope. The evening will focus on school and parent collaboration and partnership. Dinner from The Wilton Deli will be provided so parents can relax and enjoy the evening.
Superintendent Dr. Kevin Smith said that a strong parent-school partnership is vital to the well-being of children, “now more than ever.”
“We are reaching out to families to provide information and tools to raise awareness about the negative impact social media and mobile technology can have on children,” he said.
Smith and the other organizers are leading the charge to empower parents to make a difference and partner with the school and other community resources to address what is an international issue — children’s mental health and behavior and how it is impacted by over-exposure to screens.
“We have organized this event to foster engagement and collaboration among parents and community partners regarding this issue. Our aim is for parents to feel empowered, listened to, and equipped with new skills to better support their children. Given the current challenges, it is crucial for schools and parents to unite in promoting the well-being of all children”, said Wilton District Safe School Climate Coordinator Kim Zemo, LCSW.
Smith will lead an expert panel discussion and attendees will have a choice of several breakout workshops covering several aspects of the skills parents need to increase connection and set and maintain healthy boundaries.
“Parents are the strongest influence on their children overall even in the adolescent years,” said Liz Jorgensen, Owner of Insight Counseling and a consultant to Newport Healthcare. “Just because your child is angry at limits regarding screen use does not mean that they don’t need these limits. Many kids are struggling to manage technology and need their parents’ help knowing the ‘how to’ of managing this new frontier of parenting.”
Parents can read more about the event and register for this evening online.