Hooked: Are Our Children’s Minds Being Hijacked by Social Media?

The rapid rise of digital connectivity has had a profound social impact and has contributed to the emergence of what many call the "anxious generation". According to the World Health Organization, children and teens are increasingly struggling with anxiety, depression, and stress, and suggests that 1 in 7 adolescents worldwide experience mental disorders, with anxiety and depression being the most common. Constant exposure to social media and the pressure of being "on" all the time exacerbate these issues. This session examines how we can encourage the safe, balanced use of technology while protecting children’s mental health through digital literacy and healthy boundaries.