Cell phone, social media assemblies set for Carson City schools

Cell phones and social media are connecting communities and impacting lives in so many ways. Among all the positives, studies are now showing some damaging affects these social media and screentime might have on the mental and physical health of children.

A group of concerned parents in Carson City, supported by community partners including the Carson City School District, have organized a series of meetings and assemblies for parents and students to learn more about how to deal with or what to do about screen time and the negative effects of social media.

This “Parent Only” event will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday inside the Carson Middle School cafeteria. Keynote speaker Collin Kartchner is a social activist and youth advocate who started a movement to #SAVETHEKIDS. His goal is to speak to children, parents and educators across the country to spread awareness about social media’s impact on teen anxiety, depression and suicide.

Additionally, Katey McPherson will provide insights. She is an educational consultant and speaker who has spent the past 23 years advocating for children as an educator and school administrator. She speaks extensively about internet safety, social media responsibility, brain-based teaching and parenting strategies. The event on Thursday evening is for adults only (no children or students).

On Friday, the Carson City School District will host three school assemblies for secondary school students focusing on rising above social media’s negative influence on “Mind, Heart and Souls.” Kartchner described the assemblies as entertaining but also extremely informative. Assemblies on Friday are for students only.

“Be ready to laugh and learn how living IRL (in real life) beats a screen every time,” he said. “Students will learn how excessive device use is preventing them from really connecting to those they love. They’ll also learn how to overcome these obstacles and improve their overall mental health.”

The locations and times of each assembly are detailed below.

8 to 9 a.m. Friday, Carson Middle School

9:45 to 10:45 a.m. Friday, Carson High School

1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Friday, Eagle Valley Middle School