With social media playing a big role in the lives of children and teens, the City of Lloydminster is offering a new opportunity for adults to better understand the digital world young people navigate every day.
Beginning October 8, the City’s Mental Health Working Group will host Social Media in a Digital Age, a free five-part educational series designed for parents, grandparents, teachers, caregivers, service providers and anyone who works with youth.
The sessions will explore how social media and online technology can influence mental health, relationships, learning, behaviour and overall well-being. Organizers say the goal is to give adults practical tools and knowledge to help children and teens develop healthy and safe online habits.
The series will run Thursday evenings from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the Legacy Centre.
Topics: health, brain development and online safety
Each session will focus on a different aspect of digital life and social media:
- October 8: Social Media and the Effect on Health and Wellness
- Speaker Ariel Haubrich will discuss how technology and social media can affect physical and mental health, relationships, thinking patterns and behaviour.
- October 15: The Connected Brain
- The MHCB LPSD Team will examine how social media, emotions and stress can impact brain development, learning and overall well-being.
- October 22: Online Safety
- Constable Sims will share information about common online risks, digital boundaries and ways adults can help keep children and teens safe online.
- October 29: Swipe, Scroll and Repeat
- Rhonda Braun will explore how social media platforms are designed to influence behaviour and offer strategies for developing healthier online habits.
- November 5: Helping Kids Thrive in a Connected World
- Lana Lane will provide practical advice on building healthy digital habits, encouraging positive online experiences and promoting responsible digital citizenship.
Free registration
Registration for the entire five-part series is free.
Organizers say support may be available for those facing barriers to participation, including transportation or childcare needs. Residents are encouraged to contact Family and Community Support Services to discuss available options.
More information and registration details are available through the City’s Family and Community Support Services events page.
Why it matters
For many families, social media can be both a valuable tool and a source of concern. From online safety and screen time to mental health and cyberbullying, parents and caregivers are often looking for reliable information on how to support young people in a rapidly changing digital environment.
This series aims to provide that guidance while creating opportunities for community conversations about healthy technology use and positive online experiences.
