Connected & Resilient: A Community Conversation on Youth Mental Health

A powerful story can open the door to conversations we’ve been waiting to have. This community event begins with a film exploring youth mental health in today’s technology-shaped world — where connection, identity, and belonging often unfold online as much as offline. A panel discussion and keynote featuring experts working at the intersections of youth mental health, technology, and storytelling will explore and build on the themes surfaced during the film.

The evening is designed not just to inform, but to reduce stigma, spark honest dialogue, and leave attendees with tools, perspective, and ideas to implement and maintain healthy relationships with technology. Whether you are a caregiver, professional, student, or community member, you are invited to watch, listen, ask questions, and be part of a supportive conversation about helping young people thrive.

Info: "Disconnected" shares how being so always-connected is a particular challenge facing youth today. Through the story of a high school student struggling to maintain connection in his everyday relationships after a personal loss, the film shows the ease with which technology can supplant IRL connections. The film is the result of a statewide script competition asking students to reflect on their relationship with technology. It was written by a high school junior from Auburn, Nebraska--who then was flown to Los Angeles to watch his script turn into film form.

Info: Following the screening, a live panel will bring together clinicians, educators, and youth voices to reflect on what the film reveals and what we can do about it.

Together we’ll discuss technology’s impact, ways to support young people, and practical steps families and communities can take to build healthier digital habits and stronger relationships.

Info: UC Berkeley student, advocate, and policymaker who has been working with Project Reboot to help people all over the world regain their time and improve their relationship with technology. Key learnings from Dawson's talk include:
--The hidden price of social media: time, attention, and energy
--How screen habits shape how we think, feel, and form beliefs so we can use technology intentionally to support joy and fulfillment
--Four keys to healthy tech use: intentions, mindset, environment, and habits
--Why social connection is essential to mental and physical well-being
--Practical strategies for behavior change and healthier self-talk around screens

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Clarkson Institute