2017 Fall Luncheon in Palo Alto: Are Our Kids Tech Addicts?

More than 170 parents, educators and friends attended the Child Mind Institute’s second annual fall luncheon at the Four Seasons in Palo Alto, CA on September 25. The subject of the luncheon was how technology is affecting our children and family life. Ali Wentworth, comedian, actor and moderator of the event, kicked things off by saying, “I’m a basic, relatable mom. And I have two kids who, I fear, are addicted to social media and their phones.”

Catherine Steiner-Adair, psychologist and author of The Big Disconnect: Protecting Childhood and Family Relationships in the Digital Age, noted that whether or not the addiction model applies to technology, “By the time kids are in high school they are on screens more than they do any other activity, including sleep.” For Dr. David Anderson, a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute and the panel’s other expert, the pace of social media doesn’t help impulsive teens make good choices. “In the midst of the 24-7 news cycle of a teen’s life, we need to slow things down.”

Guests participated in a Q&A and expressed their appreciation for an informative, practical discussion and the opportunity to learn more about the Child Mind Institute.