Friend Not Foe: Teens, Tweens, And Their Adults Mastering Social Tech Impacts

PETALUMA, CA — The series offers guidance and practical tools for navigating technology at different stages in the lives of young people — from elementary school recommendations, to setting healthy cell phone boundaries in middle school, to helping high school students think critically about technology as they gain independence, according to Healthy Petaluma.

Organizers will also hold peer-to-peer sessions at Petaluma high schools, including Casa Grande, Petaluma, and St. Vincent de Paul.

The focus of the peer-led high school sessions will be the impact of social media and why digital literacy is essential.

Technology and social media are part of today's world, but they bring real risks for young people, Healthy Petaluma CEO Ramona Faith said in a statement. “Families and educators are asking for guidance in a safe space, because how kids use technology affects their health, well-being, and relationships."

The sessions are available in-person and online.

Spanish translation services will be provided during online sessions.

Light snacks and free childcare will also be provided at the in-person events.

Registration is encouraged. An email address is required, but personal information will not be collected.

The three-part series created for elementary, middle and high school audiences includes:

SESSION 1 - ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Taking Phones Slowly. Together.
Designed to support parents and guardians as they navigate when and how to introduce technology to children. Attendees will learn practical strategies for setting a healthy foundation for kids’ tech use from a young age.

When: October 15, 2025, 5:00 refreshments; 5:30-6:30 pm program
Where: Blue Zones Project Petaluma, 8 Fourth St., Petaluma, CA
Who Should Attend: Elementary school parents and caregivers
RSVP: in-person or Zoom: tinyurl.com/HPP-Events

SESSION 2 - MIDDLE SCHOOL
Social Media — What It Is and How to Reel It In.
Features strategies to help set healthier boundaries around social media and reduce potential harm, including ways for adults to work together to ease peer pressure. Middle school students will have the opportunity to participate in breakout groups led by high school students.

When: October 22, 2025, 5:00 refreshments; 5:30-6:30 pm program
Where: Blue Zones Project Petaluma, 8 4th St, Petaluma, CA 94952
Who Should Attend: Middle school parents, caregivers and students
RSVP: in-person or Zoom: tinyurl.com/HPP-Events

SESSION 3 - HIGH SCHOOL
Digital Literacy — Learning From Each Other
Peer-led sessions will help high school students think critically about technology, social media and digital balance as they gain independence. With support from Generation Remix, students will participate in youth-led assemblies and classroom discussions on campus during the school day. Programming will address how social media impacts mental health, relationships and school life, while also offering practical tools for balancing screen time with real-world connections.

When: Sessions to be held on campus during the school day (Fall 2025/Winter 2026)
Where: Petaluma City Schools high schools and St. Vincent de Paul High School
Who Should Attend: High school students