About

Social media plays a far-reaching role in shaping mental health, relationships, and public trust. The U.S. Surgeon General warns that social media "poses a profound risk of harm to the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents," while the World Economic Forum has identified misinformation as "one of the greatest threats to democracy and public trust." Excessive social media use, exposure to harmful content, and the rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation contribute to anxiety, fear, division, isolation, and high-risk behavior, disrupting brain development and damaging interpersonal relationships.

This conference brings together leading experts from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada to address these urgent challenges. The day begins with a keynote address on “Social Media, Technology, and Adolescent Mental Health” Subsequent sessions will explore misinformation and disinformation, presenting real-world case studies and highlighting Project Real—an innovative community strategy being implemented in the United Kingdom to protect young minds and create safer digital environments. The day concludes with a session on collaborative solutions to social media-related challenges, equipping participants with actionable tools to foster a more informed and resilient youth.

This conference provides practical, evidence-based strategies for promoting mental health and online safety, making it essential for educators, mental health professionals, parents, and policymakers. Featuring expert-led sessions and interactive discussions, it offers strategic guidance on implementing evidence-based approaches that improve mental health and social media safety, ultimately fostering a safer, healthier, and more informed society.

Learning Objectives:

• Enhance Understanding of Social Media's Impact on Mental Health: Participants will explore the latest research on the effects of social media use on adolescent brain development, mental health, and interpersonal relationships, gaining insights into how excessive use and exposure to harmful content contribute to anxiety, fear, and isolation.
• Equip Professionals with Practical Strategies for Social Media Safety: The conference will provide participants with evidence-based tools and strategies to mitigate the risks of social media on youth, including approaches for combating misinformation and fostering resilience.
• Foster Collaborative Efforts for Safer Digital Environments: Through expert-led discussions and case studies, attendees will learn how to build a collective movement for social media safety and mental health, with a focus on creating safer online spaces and fostering stronger community resilience against the negative effects of digital media.

Keynote Speakers:

• Mitch Prinstein, Ph.D. – John Van Seters Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience and Co-director, The Winston National Center on Technology Use, Brain, and Psychological Development, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill; Chief Science Officer, American Psychological Association (APA). Expert in adolescent mental health, peer relationships, and the psychological effects of social media.
• Yvonne Skipper, Ph.D. – Senior Lecturer in Psychology, University of Glasgow; Melissa Institute Scientific Board Member; Creator of Project Real, an evidence-based program that helps young people detect fake news on social media.

Panel Moderators:

• Debra Pepler, Ph.D. – Distinguished Research Professor of Psychology, York University, Toronto; Melissa Institute Scientific Board Member; Co-director of PREVNet, Canada’s national bullying prevention initiative. International expert on bullying, youth relationships, and violence prevention.
• Annette M. La Greca, Ph.D., ABPP – Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Pediatrics, University of Miami; Melissa Institute Scientific Board Member. Leading expert on trauma, resilience, and the impact of peer relationships on youth mental health. Author of After the Storm and Youth Strong.

Panelists:

• Etiony Aldarondo, Ph.D.- Executive Director and Scientific Board Member, The Melissa Institute; Leading program developer and expert on violence prevention, trauma, and community-based clinical practices.
• Sherry Hamby, Ph.D.- Distinguished Research Professor of Psychology, The University of the South; Director of the Life Paths Research Center; Melissa Institute Scientific Board Member; Founding editor of the APA journal Psychology of Violence; Internationally recognized expert in victimization, trauma, and resilience
• Scott Hunter- Education Officer for Cyber Resilience and Internet Safety at Education Scotland; Expert on enhancing digital literacy and promoting safe online practices among students and educators; Leader in CyberFirst program, which introduces young learners to cybersecurity concepts.
• Donald Meichenbaum, Ph.D.- Founding Scientific Director, The Melissa Institute; Founding figure of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and creator of Stress Inoculation Training, a widely used approach for building resilience and managing stress and trauma.
• Alasdair Penny- Cybercrime Harm Prevention lead at Police Scotland; Contributor to initiatives like the Police CyberAlarm, a tool aimed at helping businesses protect against cyber threats; Dedicated to advancing cybersecurity practices and preventing online harm.