In Person Event - MRC - What Counsellors and Psychotherapists need to know about the influence of technology on adolescent growth and development

Presenter's Bio:

Paula O'Connor grew up in Finglas, Dublin and began teaching in St. Kevin's College, Ballygall in 1995. In 2011 she developed a workshop called 'Don't Be Mean Behind Your Screen', as part of her teaching plan for ‘CSPE’ and ‘SPHE’, the intention was to specifically address the issue of Internet Safety and Cyberbullying among young people and the negative effect bad behaviour had online. Paula is in Clinical Practice as a Psychotherapist with the Finglas Youth Resource Centre, and at present, she divides her time, traveling across the country and facilitating workshops to Teachers, Parents, Children and adolescents.

She has witnessed first-hand the extreme challenges young people are under, just to fit in and get a sense of belonging in their groups.as they become influenced and guided by their peers with little or no support or guidance from caregivers as they follow the digital trends, having no clue of the potential risks and dangers. As a child Paula was targeted online, and has witnessed the devastating and lasting effects of this cruel, nasty cycle of behaviour has had, and still has, many years later. She aims to drive her initiative forward, educating young people, parents, and professionals across the country, then hopefully things will get easier, and more importantly, people’s attitudes will change and our society will then become a safer place with each person’s online interaction being a positive and happy one.

Event Outline:

This workshop will provide psychoeducation to help develop a greater understanding of how complexed the online world is for a growing, developing adolescent. The workshop will provide an in-depth account of the online influences that are relevant and on trend in their lives as well as how these influences can negatively effect their sense and their way of being in the world. The content will include, A Personal Introduction, Psychoeducation concerning Adolescent Growth and Development,

• Positive Aspects of technology
• Wellbeing and Mental Health
• Influence of Online Gaming
• Influence of Social Media
• Cyberbullying
• Coco's Law
• Image Based Abuse
• Pornography Use
• Q&A

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  CPD Certs will be emailed to participants after attendance at the Event.

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