The impact social media can have on children’s mental health has made news headlines. Despite data on how harmful too much tech can be, families often struggle with finding the right balance in their own homes. Wilton Youth Council is bringing Claudia Erickson, BSW MPH and co-founder of the Unplugged Collaborative, to deliver the keynote address for this year’s Mental Health Action Month to present “Unplug and Reconnect: Digital Wellness and Increasing Family Connections” on Thursday, May 2 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Wilton Library.
Community members will learn more about the current technology landscape and what kids want adults to know about their relationship with social media. The talk will cover some of the greatest concerns around technology, and using the latest research, Erickson will provide practical, creative ideas on how families can to encourage healthier digital habits.
With a bachelor’s degree in social work and master’s in public health, Erickson has over 20 years of experience working in maternal child health for organizations such as San Diego State University, Scripps, Children’s Hospital, the San Diego Police Foundation and the San Diego Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Her work experience spans various public health issues including STD prevention, immunization education, breastfeeding, cybersafety and literacy. She is the founder of the Unplugged Village, a digital wellness company that helps people spend less time with technology and more time increasing authentic human connection and community. Activities and events she has introduced have included everything from craft and trivia nights and pop-up comedy shows to the Unplugged Dining network and a farmer’s market scavenger hunt for kids.
Erickson will share how to find greater tech-life balance in a distracted world.
This program is presented by Wilton Youth Council in partnership with the Wilton Library, Middlebrook PTA, Thrive with a Guide, Wilton High School PTSA and Wilton SEPTA. Registration is open online and space is limited.