Local counselor gives ‘Teens and Technology’ talk – Traverse City Record Eagle

TRAVERSE CITY The age when kids start carrying cellphones is dropping, and FOMO increasing.

But in a busy teenage world reliant on smart phones, tablets and computers, how much is too much?

Joseph Sanok, owner and licensed counselor at Mental Wellness Counseling, will give a free community talk titled Teens and Technology on Thursday at Eat Learn Frolic, or ELF.

Sanok will cover video game addiction, screen-time solutions and social media as well as how technology can negatively affect the brain.

Its important when we live lives that are go, go, go, he said. We dont have time to step back and reflect. Our best ideas come when our brains turn off.

Parents often ask Sanok what behavior is normal and what is considered an obsession or an addiction in this constantly plugged-in generation.

Setting boundaries and limiting screen time at home especially before bedtime is a good start, but Sanok said it is also necessary to work with children.

We want to teach them to have control, he said. They have a responsibility to use technology appropriately. Its not a right you get to do but something you choose to do.

Sanok said he hopes his presentation will spark further discussion between parents and their children and anyone who works with teens.

Technology becomes a way to have a conversation about things much bigger than tech, he said. Its so dynamic. It has to be an ongoing process.

ELF Chief Marketing Officer Kim Marian said this event is the fourth in their Elf Talks series, which is similar to TED Talks but more focused on family and child-centric topics.

Though her daughter is only 6 months old, Marian said she already enacted a no screen-time rule at her house due, in part, to the recent media use recommendation released by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Personally, I think theres an over-reliance on tech, she said. Lets actually talk to each other and enjoy time together.

She said she looks forward to learning the facts from Sanok.

This is a great opportunity to get expert insight into benefits and challenges to technology and how to safely incorporate it for your teens, she said. The ultimate goal is to have a dialogue, not only about todays tech but also whats coming down the road.

The ELF Talk Teens and Technology starts at 6 p.m. Feb. 23 at 1371 Gray Dr., Suite 400, in the Village at Grand Traverse Commons. There will be time for questions following Sanoks presentation.

Advanced registration is appreciated. Contact 231-943-2272 or elf@eatlearnfrolic.com with questions.

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Local counselor gives 'Teens and Technology' talk - Traverse City Record Eagle