Presented by Sarah Hessenaur, PhD, LCSW, MSW, MBA

and Kellie A Ruelle, MSW

This presentation will explore how technology impacts children, with a focus on the effects of screen addiction on mental health. Overreliance on screens as a distraction, source of entertainment, or emotional escape has become a hazardous trend among children. Screen addiction can hinder brain development, stifle emotional and social growth, disrupt education, and adversely affect physical health. Additionally, it can jeopardize a child's personal safety, exposing them to cyberbullying and inappropriate content. Practical tips for minimizing screen time will be shared, along with resources to help families seeking support.
Learning Objectives:
- Participants will develop a deeper understanding of how technology use affects younger clients.
- Participants will discuss how to evaluate the impact of technology use on their clients' well-being.
- Participants will identify two practical strategies to help clients mitigate and reverse the negative effects of technology use.
Sarah L Hessenauer, PhD, LCSW, MSW, MBA is an Assistant Professor of social work and MSW program coordinator at Mount Mary University. She earned her BSW degree in 1990 from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, her MSW in 1991 from UW-Milwaukee, and her PhD in 2011 from Loyola University of Chicago. She has authored and co-authored several social work textbooks with Dr. Zastrow.
Kellie Ruelle, MSW is a graduate of Mount Mary University. She earned her BSW (2021) and MSW (2025) from Mount Mary University. She is passionate about foster care, adoption, and the negative impacts of technology.
1 Continuing Education Hour
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Non-Member - $35