Tech Addiction Webinar Available for Parents Through Jan 31

The general public may view: "Screen Time and Tech Addiction during Covid-19 and Beyond: What Every Parent Needs to Know." This FREE webinar recording is available through Sunday, January 31, 2021.

Hosted by Montville Township Public Schools Counseling Department, the recording of "Screen Time and Tech Addiction during Covid-19 and Beyond: What Every Parent Needs to Know" is available on the “Therapy With Lauren” YouTube Channel. The video includes questions that parents and educators submitted during the Thursday, January 21 event.

Presenter Lauren Muriello, MA LPC, is the founder of the Well Being Therapy Center. A licensed psychotherapist, who specializes in teen counseling, Muriello offered practical tips and essential guidance on how to use screens and tech to promote creativity and connection, while avoiding screen-addiction and low moods.

During the pandemic and beyond, all parents continue to face the big question: “How much screen time is too much?”

“The Global pandemic that we are living through has affected nearly every aspect of our daily lives, “said Montville Township Public Schools Student Assistance Counselor (SAC) Catherine Lomauro when introducing presenter Lauren Muriello. “Our hope is that, by bringing relevant, timely topics to our parent and guardian community we can offer support and guidance that will help us all get through these challenges…We are here and we are ready to help.”

Muriello’s presentation helps parents recognize when tech is supporting productivity, creativity and critical thinking, as opposed to when tech is a habit, escape or addiction.

Muriello provides real options and a roadmap for helping parents and guardians guide their children through the technology landscape. She also shares techniques for discussing technology with children in ways that will help build critical thinking skills.

“Parents need to get in there with kids to help find a balance,” Muriello explained. “Parents have to spend time living in their world a little bit.”

She encourages families to explore technology together and to set family goals with regard to the use, and the limited use, of technology.

“Don’t ask: ‘Do you like it?’ Ask: ‘How do you feel while you are using the technology? And how do you feel after you use the technology?’”

Muriello, explained that she herself enjoys the benefits of technology. However, she also acknowledges that parents need to set rules, boundaries and guidelines with regard to tech, noting that while technology can be an important tool, it can also be harmful.

“Parents need to stand up and make new trends, Muriello encouraged. “Sometimes it is hard, but as parents it’s really up to us to take control.”

This program boils the tech issue down to the key research and highlights the most important take-aways from the ongoing screen-time debate.

Muriello wants every parent and guardian to watch the Netflix documentary “The Social Dilemma.”

The Well Being Therapy Center has locations in Montville and Short Hills, NJ. Muriello and her staff provide individual, family, and group therapy to children, adolescents, and families. Muriello’s specialty has always been teen issues – including teen depression, social anxiety, and addressing how family dynamics impact adolescent development. In the past several years, she has expanded her role in communities by providing essential educational presentations to parents, students, and school professionals on important topics trending in the 21st century. Muriello received her Bachelor’s Degree from Cornell University, and her Master’s Degree from Montclair State University.

“To say that I was impressed is an understatement,” said Matt Mignanelli, a Principal in the Wayne School District, about one of Muriello’s recent presentations. “Lauren’s presentation was fantastic and of great value to any audience.”

This event is designed for parents, guardians, educators, administrators and community adults who provide care to school-age students from pre-school to grade 12. To view this free recorded webinar video please access the “Therapy With Lauren” YouTube Channel.