Coping with a Social Media Ban: Online Workshop for Parents

Managing technology use is one of the biggest challenges faced by parents today. With the Australian government passing an under-16 social media ban, parents will have to adjust to support the mental health and wellbeing of their kids. While computers, devices, gaming consoles, and social media platforms can offer fun learning and social experiences, they can also give rise to strong negative emotions and arguments in families. This workshop will guide you through practical strategies to support your children and teenagers in coping with a ban on social media.

Dr David Bakker is a clinical psychologist who specialises in working with children, teenagers, and their families. In this workshop for parents, he will cover ways of:
- encouraging offline relationships and activities
- reducing frustrations and anger triggered by technology use, especially getting off or limiting use of devices
- reducing "pestering" for technology use
- setting and maintaining rules
- improving independence and development of life skills
- teaching children and teenagers emotion regulation skills
- encouraging self-esteem and self-efficacy
- managing your own emotional reactions

There are many potential benefits of reducing or eliminating social media use by children and teenagers. This workshop will help you capitalise on this opportunity to improve the resilience, initiative, social skills, emotion regulation, and independence of your child or teen.

The workshop will conclude with an opportunity for questions, and recommended further reading/resources.