Community Training
A Digital World: Youth, Technology, Social Media, Drugs, & Mental Health
Details
This training is designed for adults and led by licensed and nationally certified counselor and founder of Shape the Sky, Ryan Klingensmith. The goal of this presentation is to shape your understanding of why we must raise our children differently in the digital world.
We’ll identify the categories of social networking that adults should be aware of. We’ll also provide you with the tools and skills to get started on creating responsible children on smartphones in your community.
Description
"Kids have the knowledge to use the technology, but sometimes lack the wisdom to use it. Adults have the wisdom to use the technology, but sometimes lack the knowledge to use it. My goal is to connect knowledge with wisdom.” -Founder Ryan Klingensmith
In this training, we’re connecting knowledge with wisdom. Adults have the wisdom to be responsible online, but they may not be aware of the latest social media trends and the negative effects of social media. We’ll provide you with the most up-to-date information regarding the current digital climate, so you know what to look out for and how to ensure children are using smartphones responsibly.
Note: this training doesn’t fulfill NBCC Credit Hours.
Learning Goals
- Participants will be able to identify how children explore and share information about mental health through technology and social media.
- Participants will learn what resources are available when discussing mental health in a digital age.
- Participants will learn how to set smartphone expectations and understand when to monitor a child’s device.
- Participants will understand how parenting youth has changed.
- Participants will learn how youth can be exposed to sexualized content on apps popular with elementary aged youth.
- Participants will understand social media trends and apps, and how they could negatively impact mental health.
- Participants will learn how to use Shape the Sky tools to create healthy and safe social media behaviors and practices.
Learning Topics
- How growing up has changed
- Why kids don’t talk to adults about technology
- Understanding current youth culture
- Accessing the Dark Web through apps and web browsers
- Online grooming
- Age restrictions
- Cyberbullying resources
- Fake text messages
- “Parasite” websites
- Common mistakes
- Sharing private information & identity theft
- Hidden photo vaults
- Social media and drugs
- Mental health concerns such as eating disorders, self-harm and suicide
- Suicide prevention resources
- Digital Dating & Abuse
- Untraceable texting
- “Anonymous” apps
- Sexualized content on popular apps
- How to start the conversation
- Prevention steps
- Monitoring services
- Using a Technology Contract
- Taking a social media pledge
- How to set expectations
- Access to online resources

Learn More About Ryan & Shape The Sky
Shape the Sky’s Founder, Ryan Klingensmith, is a parent and licensed counselor who works regularly with K-12 kids. Through his work, he gains first-hand experience of how social media can impact kids’ and teenagers’ mental health. His expertise and experience allow Shape the Sky to provide relevant, reliable information.
Questions? We're Here To Help.
Do you have questions about our community training or other Shape the Sky training sessions. If so, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re readily available to answer any questions.