Author and psychotherapist Tom Kersting will be speaking here in Pine Bush to students, parents and staff about technology and how it is impacting teaching, learning and our kids’ mental health. It is an important message all should consider.

 

 

Kersting, who is based in New Jersey and lectures throughout the country on raising kids and the effects of electronic devices on them, will speak to the impact of cell phone use on teaching and learning. His presentation will address how much screen time is too much, strategies to help your child reduce anxiety, creating leaders, the connection between technology and mental health, and much more.

Kersting’s in-person presentations include:

• Tuesday, Jan. 30, 7-8:30 p.m. – Presentation for all district parents/guardians at Pine Bush High School
• Tuesday, Feb. 6, 7:15 p.m. – Presentation to the school board and the public at Circleville Middle School
• Thursday, Feb. 8, 7-8:30 p.m. – Presentation for all district parents/guardians at Circleville Middle School

Kersting’s virtual presentation:

• POSTPONED – Monday, Jan. 29, 6-6:45 p.m. – Special guest on Superintendent Brian Dunn’s Virtually Speaking. Kersting will give an overview of the parent/guardian presentations scheduled for Jan. 30 and Feb. 8.

Kersting will also present during the school day to all middle school and high school students in the district: on Jan. 30 to Pine Bush High School and Crispell Middle School students, and on Feb. 6 to Circleville Middle School students.

“It takes a lot for a brain to change its wiring – typically three of more hours per day of consistent stimulating activity,” Kersting wrote in his book, Disconnected: How to Protect Your Kids From the Harmful Effects of Device Dependency. “Three hours per day might sound like a lot of stimulation, and it is. But according to a 2015 survey conducted by CNN, the typical 13-year-old spends a lot more than three hours per day engaged in highly stimulating brain activities. The result: a new brain. A brain that is lit up like a Christmas tree; a brain that has literally grown new branches in order to adapt to the environment of cyberspace; a brain that is hyper focused on tweets, snaps and likes and not very focused on…classroom lectures.”

“As a parent and an educator, I too struggle with how to balance appropriate access to devices and social media for my own children, our Pine Bush students, and honestly, my own self,” said Superintendent Brian Dunn.

Kersting doesn’t just outline the effects of technology and the issues facing parents/guardians and kids, he offers viable, well-founded solutions based on research and experience. No matter your child’s age, Kersting has powerful advice to make sure you and your children have a healthy balance in your lives.

Parents and guardians throughout the district are invited and encouraged to attend one of Kersting’s presentations. It may be some of the most important parenting information you will receive.