Behind the Screens

The impact of social media on young people’s health is a hot topic but the evidence and advice can often be unclear or conflicting. 

Talks and panel discussions

Join us for talks from University of Birmingham academics Professor Ruth Page whose current research focuses on Influencer Stories of Mental Health and Young People and Dr Victoria Goodyear whose project SMART schools studied the impact of smartphone use in schools on the mental wellbeing of young people.

Join a panel discussion about social media and youth mental health led by Lyza Lawal founder of Blacklore as she engages in conversation with Professor Ruth Page Dr. Victoria Goodyear and NHS doctor and mental health speaker Dr. Ally Jaffee.

Get the chance to ask influencers all your questions and pull back the curtain on creating social media content for a large platform. Hear from UoB students and influencers Kieran McRae (@sturdythoughts) and Grace Hyams (@grac3flips) and UoB alumni Andrew Amoako (@andrew_kwabena).

Other activities include:

Make a Pledge

Embark on a new journey of self-reflection and discovery by thinking about the ways this event has made an impact on you and what difference you would like to see in your own life. Will you challenge yourself to limit your social media and phone use or will you stay “plugged in”?

How much editing it too much?

Find out at our interactive photobooth! Capture a photo and experience the magic of influencer-style photo editing. Smooth out imperfections reshape features and discover the power of a filter.

Screen Time Surveys

Are you in control of your screen time or is it controlling you? Can social media be a force for good? Take part in our interactive visual surveys and uncover the truth about your digital habits. Place your stickers flip the cards and share your thoughts.

Creative Corner

Get creative with an art activity that explores the theme of being overexposed and desensitised by technology reflecting on how constant digital stimulation affects our emotions and perceptions. Reconnect reflect and find balance beyond social media and the digital world.

Content notice: This event will include information and discussions relating to mental health and wellbeing.

This event has been produced organised and delivered by the Public Programme Student Panel at The Exchange.

Host or Publisher Dario Bellai