Heads, deputies and pastoral leads from schools across the South East gathered at Cranleigh on March 8th to hear experts from the fields of neuroscience, mental wellness and adolescent psychology discuss the impact of technology on the mental health of teenagers. The conference brought together experts and educators with an interest in the impact of technology on teenage mental health, to share ideas and experiences, to learn from pioneering work going on in this area and to create a network of links. Held in partnership with leading mental health charity, The Charlie Waller Trust, the one-day conference featured keynote speeches and workshops. Further Information at: https://www.cranleigh.org/our-school/academics/resources/cranleigh-training/technology-teenage-mental-health-conference/

1. Creating a healthy
headspace for
teenagers

2. CLAIRE EASTHAM
Award winning mental health blogger
and bestselling author of the book;
‘We’re All Mad Here.’
Mental health advocate, keynote
speaker, and anxiety expert.

3. When you hear the term social
media, what apps/platforms do
you think of?

5. ADDICTION
NEED PHONE!!
• Statistics indicate that 14-19 year olds
spend at least 3 hours a day on the
social media.
• Users unable to go more than 2 hours
without checking apps such as
facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
• Social media triggers the release of
Dopamine. The same chemical triggered
when we drink alcohol, smoke or
gamble.

6. STUNTED COMMUNICATION SKILLS
• Increase in social media usage = decrease in
communication skills.
• Communication forms close relationships.
We create our own support networks.
• Social media networks don’t have the same
impact. They only offer temporary relief.
• Users report that friendships are often
fleeting.

7. SELF ESTEEM ISSUES
• The ‘Like’ culture.
• The horror of being unfollowed. This is unique
to life online.
• FOMO – not able to enjoy the present. Feeling
bad about your plans.
• SM only shows the positives – looking at
someone’s highlight reel and feeling as though
your life isn’t good enough.

8. EDUCATE THEN ACT!

9. WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT?
• Social media lessons – including CBT technique.
• Plan a phone free hour – a reward NOT a
punishment. Create a ‘time off box.’
• Trolls – report abuse.
• Unfollow or mute people that make you feel bad.
• Save your SM posts until the day is over.
• Do a sponsored ‘leave your phone at home day.’

10. Blog: www.allmadhere.co.uk
Email: claireeastham@gmail.com
CONTACT ME @ClaireyLove
@allmadhereuk_