LAC LA BICHE - The effects of screens on children and youth will be the focus of a workshop being held on Jan. 14 in Lac La Biche.
The workshop is part of the Lac La Biche County FCSS ‘It Starts with Hope’ parent support group. The session will be taking place at Portage College in room 233 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Cornelia Fechner, a community outreach worker with FCSS, says the use of technology in homes has increased rapidly over the past decade.
“Although helpful in many ways, it has also triggered many questions,” Fechner says.
During the workshop, research-based strategies to help children and teens manage screen use will be discussed.
“In this particular session, we will also explore technology addiction and the neurological impact of it,” she says.
The program is being led by the Leduc-based Institute of Child Psychology (ICP). The ICP was founded to educate parents and professionals on issues pertaining to the mental health of children, and to promote the emotional and well-being of children and adolescents.
The ‘It Starts with Hope’ parent support group meets once a month at Portage College and gives caregivers with children aged 7-18 the chance to learn about different topics that are relevant to youth development.
“We are helping to create a safe space for caregivers to get together and to share their experiences and to learn from each other, as well as from professionals, because there is always hope,” she says.
To register for the upcoming session, or for additional information, call 780-623-3829.
Lac La Biche County residents wanting to find out more about the ‘It Starts with Hope’ parent group are asked to contact Nahida Fayad at 780-623-6745.
