Elementary school families in the Lynbrook community recently gathered for PTA Connected: Ready, Tech, Go!, an event designed to equip families with strategies for fostering healthy digital habits and understanding the impact of screens and social media on children's mental health. Organized by Marion Street PTA and Waverly Park PTA, parents and children in grades 1-5 across the school district were invited to attend. The event featured hands-on activities for children and informative discussions for parents, creating an engaging and educational evening for all.
Interactive Learning for Children
While parents attended discussions, children participated in hands-on learning stations designed to promote digital awareness and balance. They explored the basics of digital communication by creating binary code bracelets, engaged in games to encourage face-to-face interaction and learned about online safety through activities that highlighted digital footprints and cybersecurity.
Expert Insights for Parents
Parents attended presentations by expert speakers on the effects of screen time and social media use. The evening began with a welcome message from Lynbrook Guidance and Support Staff, including Ms. Nathalie Chery (School Social Worker from Marion Street Elementary), Mrs. Carol Woehr (School Social Worker from Waverly Park Elementary) and Mrs. Natacha Boyce, Director of School Counseling and Social Work. They provided an overview of trends they are seeing in our elementary schools related to children's technology use and social media habits.
Next, Dr. Vera Feuer, Northwell Medical Director of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, delivered a presentation titled Healthy Screen Habits: Navigating Internet Use, Social Media, and Screen Time and Its Impact on Mental Health. She shared insights and engaged parents in discussion on digital habits, screen time and mental health.
Following Dr. Feuer, Matt Silverman, Producer and Technology Journalist, presented Profits Over Safety: How Social Media Companies Monetize Our Kids' Addiction and Anxiety. He provided eye-opening insights into how digital platforms capture young users' attention and offered strategies for caregivers to counteract these influences.
Supporting Families Beyond the Event
At the end of the night, parents received a resource folder with additional materials, tips and strategies to continue the conversation at home with their children.
This program was a collaborative effort between Marion Street and Waverly Park PTAs, with support from Lynbrook Guidance and Support Staff. The event was made possible by sponsorship from AT&T and National PTA through the Ready, Tech, Go! grant. #OwlProud #OwlLearns
Click here to view the Marion Street and Waverly Park PTAs host ‘Ready, Tech, Go!’ event slideshow.
Date Added: 4/22/2025
