HELP! Technology is taking control

Strategies for Leading Young People in Healthy Relationships with Technology

MATTHEW MYERS
Traverse Counseling & Consulting

Technology has become integrated into the fabric of our lives. As humans in the 21st century, we must establish safe, healthy, and balanced relationship with technology. Parents and families frequently feel as though technology is leading their children and family and feel inadequate to parent this technological age. This presentation seeks to educate people in a support role for parents and families on the impact of technology use on children (and us). As well as give identify tools and strategies for equipping parents, families and children with skills to find a healthy relationship with technology.

Learning objectives:

• Present current research on Video Game/Internet Addiction.

• Identify risk factors for the Process Addiction of Video Gaming/Internet Addiction.

• Parenting strategies for leading your children through the new life task of managing technology throughout life.

About the Presenter:

Matt has worked with children, teens, parents and families for over 20 years as a Therapist and Youth Worker. In his work as a therapist, Mathew identified a need for treatment services around internet/video game addiction. He researched and developed the treatment program at Traverse, and now speaks to school and church groups on safe and healthy technology use. In addition, he provides individual, family and couples counseling. He is especially passionate supporting parents that feel stuck or ineffective with their kids and teens who are struggling with difficult behaviors.

Matt says that he is passionate about his work because, “We heal ourselves through our relationships, we become ourselves in relationships, we are who we are because of those we love and are loved by. I can think of no greater honor than to assist families, couples, parents and children in working to repair, heal build and rebuild relationships