A panel of nine “experts” on social media — from the district technology director and school administrators to psychologists, a school resource officer and students themselves — will present the pros and cons of social media from their individual viewpoints on Monday, Dec. 7. Entitled “Friended/Unfriended: Social Media — A Balanced Perspective,” the panel discussion will be held in the Scotts Ridge auditorium from 7 to 8 p.m.
“Social media has gotten a bad rap,” said event chairperson Barb Jennes. “It has been criticized and even villainized as a blight among young people.”
But she notes there are two sides to every story, and the event’s panelists will also explore the real and potential benefits of what is now an unstoppable social platform among teens and adults. Other topics will include pros and cons of the newest apps, setting reasonable limits on device usage, and understanding the difference between use and abuse.
Panelists for the evening include Dr. Robert Miller, Ridgefield Public Schools director of technology; Timothy Salem, Scotts Ridge principal; Michael Yagid, Ridgefield High School dean/teacher; Jeff Swiatowicz, East Ridge assistant principal; Chris Daly, school resource officer; psychologist Dr. Carol Mahlstedt; Ashley Adamson, Kids in Crisis counselor at RHS; Ian Locascio, RHS senior/student government president; and Emilia Daly, Scotts Ridge eighth grader.
Two recommended books — Media Moms & Digital Dads and It’s Complicated: the Social Lives of Networked Teens — are available at Books on the Common at a 15% discount.
This free event is part of the “Parenting the Selfie Generation” series of presentations and workshops co-sponsored by Ridgefield Public Schools, Ridgefield Council of PTAs, Ridgefield Library, Ridgefield Youth Commission, Project Resilience, Silver Hill Hospital, Town Vibe, and Books on the Common.
Admission is free, but registration is requested at www.ridgefieldlibrary.org or by calling 203-438-2282.
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