How can we support our boys’ well-being during a youth mental health crisis? How can we help them navigate life in this digital age?

Katey McPherson has been working on these issues for years. Since we last talked in 2019, she and others have helped the state of Arizona pass a bundle of laws intended to decrease youth suicide. She’s also helped countless schools, communities, and families learn how they can support youth mental health in the current digital age.

In this episode, Janet & Katey discuss:

• How to keep kids safe (safer?) when using school-issued computers & other digital devices
• Targeting of kids on social media and online gaming platforms
• Kids’ online relationships
• Tech tools to help you monitor your kids’ online activities
• School shootings (and how we can prevent them)
• Talking to kids about suicidal thoughts
• Increasing the likelihood that your child will talk to you about tough things
• Supporting youth mental health

Takeaways:

• We are facing significant challenges affecting our youth’s mental health.
• Legislative changes can lead to improved suicide prevention resources.
• Parents must understand the limitations of school-issued devices at home.
• Social media can exacerbate feelings of exclusion and anxiety in youth.
• Community support is crucial in preventing school violence.
• Suicidal ideation often precedes violent actions in youth.
• Open communication about mental health is essential for parents.
• AI is becoming a critical tool in monitoring student safety.
• It’s never too late to implement changes in parenting strategies.
• Youth need coping strategies to deal with emotional pain.

Links we mentioned (or should have) in this episode:

The Hope Institute

What You Need to Know About Boys & Suicide (w Katey McPherson) — ON BOYS episode

Red Flags, Safety Nets, & School Shootings — BuildingBoys post

Katey's website is currently under construction. If you'd like to reach her, you can email her at Katey.mcpherson@bark.us

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