Professional Training (Half Day)
Working with Youth in the Digital and Artificial Intelligence Age: Technology, Social Media, and Mental Health
Details
This training is designed for professionals who work with children and is led by licensed and nationally certified counselor and founder of Shape the Sky, Ryan Klingensmith. The goal of this presentation is to help professionals better understand how youth navigate social media, digital platforms, and artificial intelligence—and how to provide informed guidance around responsible online behavior.
During the training, participants will identify categories of social networking, commonly used apps, and emerging AI-driven tools that professionals should be aware of when working with youth.
Description
Life for youth is different now than it was just a few years ago. Teens, tweens, and children have unlimited access to information, apps, websites—and increasingly, artificial intelligence tools. While the internet and AI can be helpful and creative, they can also expose youth to concerning content and behaviors that may impact their mental health.
This is where Shape the Sky comes into play. We are dedicated to helping create responsible digital citizens in a world shaped by smartphones, devices, and artificial intelligence. We provide professionals with up-to-date information on social media, online trends, and emerging AI tools so they can deliver informed, relevant services in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Note: this training doesn’t fulfill NBCC Credit Hours.
Learning Goals
- Participants will be able to identify how children explore, consume, and share mental health–related information through technology, social media, and digital platforms influenced by artificial intelligence.
- Participants will learn how working with youth has changed in a world shaped by smartphones, social media, and emerging AI tools.
- Participants will learn about potential dangers associated with risky behaviors on social media, the internet, apps, and AI-driven platforms.
- Participants will learn how to use Shape the Sky resources and tools to support healthy, safe, and responsible digital behaviors among youth.
- Participants will learn how youth may be exposed to sexualized or developmentally inappropriate content and behaviors on apps popular with elementary-aged children, including content amplified by algorithms and AI features.
- Participants will learn about resources available for addressing mental health concerns and suicide prevention when these issues arise in digital or online contexts.
Learning Topics
- How the world has changed when working with youth
- Understanding current youth digital culture
- How artificial intelligence is influencing youth behavior, communication, creativity, and decision-making
- Age restrictions and developmental mismatches across apps, platforms, and AI-powered tools
- How algorithms and AI-driven recommendations shape what youth see online
- AI-generated content and the challenge of determining what is real
- Exposure to sexualized or developmentally inappropriate content on youth-accessible platforms
- How youth navigate apps, platforms, and digital spaces adults may not be familiar with
- Creating clear guidelines and expectations for technology and artificial intelligence use
- Helping youth develop safe, responsible, and informed digital habits in an AI-influenced world
- How digital environments influence youth emotions, self-image, and stress
- The impact of algorithm-driven content on comparison, validation, and attention
- How artificial intelligence tools can shape identity, creativity, and problem-solving
- How to start practical, age-appropriate conversations about technology and artificial intelligence
- Monitoring services and tools that support transparency and accountability
- Using a Technology Contract to clarify expectations and boundaries
- Taking a social media pledge to reinforce responsible online behavior
- How to set clear expectations for device use and AI engagement
- Access to reliable online resources for continued learning and support
Learn More About Ryan & Shape The Sky
Shape the Sky’s founder, Ryan Klingensmith, is a parent and licensed mental health professional who works regularly with children, adolescents, and young adults. Through his work, he gains firsthand insight into how smartphones, social media, and artificial intelligence influence youth behavior, development, and well-being. His experience and expertise allow Shape the Sky to provide relevant, reliable, and practical information in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Questions? We're Here To Help.
Do you have questions about our professional training or other Shape the Sky training sessions. If so, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re readily available to answer any questions.