Overview

Social media and smartphones are reshaping adolescent development, but at what cost? The growing influence of social media on children and adolescents has sparked urgent conversations about its effects on mental health. With public health authorities raising alarms about the potential psychological harm, this webinar dives into the intricate balance between the benefits and risks of social media use.

Join Dr. Mariela Posolski, a leading Functional Psychiatrist specializing in pediatric mental health care, to explore the latest research on social media’s impact on anxiety and overall mental well-being in youth. This webinar examines the growing evidence of linking screen time, social media use, and cell phone dependence to rising rates of anxiety, depression, and social isolation in teens. She’ll explore what clinicians and parents need to know to protect adolescent mental health in a hyper-connected world. Attendees will gain insights into current data, practical strategies, and tools to help children navigate the digital landscape with resilience and balance.


Instructor

Mariela Podolski, MD

Mariela Podolski is a psychiatrist with board certifications from ABPN in both Adult Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She is originally from Costa Rica, where she completed medical school at the Universidad de Costa Rica. She completed her residency training at the Institute of Living in Hartford, CT, and a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Milwaukee, WI. Dr. Podolski has dedicated most of her career to working with eating disorder individuals. She currently works in private practice and provides consulting services to Walden Behavioral Care.