Discussion Scheduled In Westport On Social Media Influence

News Release from Westport Together and Westport Human Services:

WESTPORT, CT — Westport Together, a program of Westport Human Services, invites parents and professionals to continue the conversation about social media influence with local Westport psychotherapists Vince Benevento, LPC Founder and CEO of Causeway Collaborative, and Mary Dobson, LMFT CEDS Founder and CEO of Lift Wellness Group and Liftwell Health on Tuesday, October 22nd, at 6:30 p.m. at the Westport Library.

In today's increasingly digital world, social media can play a significant role in the health and wellness of teens. According to the Pew Research Center, “many teens are on social media daily – if not constantly,” and “more than half surveyed say it would be difficult to give up.”

Today's youth and their parents are navigating an ever-changing digital landscape that can be difficult to traverse without continuously educating ourselves about the risks and benefits of use and monitoring how our children are affected by the constant barrage of connectivity.

“There continues to be a big difference between boys and girls in terms of enjoyment and use of social media,” according to Common Sense Media. “Among teens, where social media use is most common, seventy percent of teen girls say they use it 'every day,' compared to 56% of boys. Teen girls average an hour and a half (1:30) daily on social media, compared to 51 minutes a day among teen boys. As parents try to guide and support, it can be challenging to keep up.”

The October 22nd discussion offers actionable information and strategies for parents who will leave with a better understanding of social media's influence on boys and girls.

To register for this program, please visit www.Westporttogether.org.

For questions and more information about Westport Together or upcoming programs, please contact Youth Services Program Director Kevin Godburn at 203-341-1155 or westporttogether@westportct.gov.