Parent Education Webinar Information
Cell Phones, Online Safety, & Teen Mental Health
Oak Park Unified School District hosted an informational webinar on February 10 focused on cell phone use, online safety, and student mental health. The session was part of the district’s ongoing webinar series for families and featured presenters with clinical and public safety experience working directly with children, teens, and families.
The presentation addressed the impact of cell phone and social media use on attention, sleep, anxiety, and emotional regulation. Presenters shared research on digital overuse and its effects on learning and well being, along with information about online safety risks across social media, gaming, and communication platforms. The session also reviewed how unsafe situations can develop online and outlined practical strategies families can use to set expectations, support healthy technology habits, and promote student safety.
Presenters included Melyssa Zive, LCSW, Director of Clinical Operations at ROWI Teen and Parent Wellness Centers, and Special Agent Victoria Scott of Homeland Security Investigations. The webinar concluded with a moderated question and answer segment featuring Brad Benioff, Director of Student Support and School Safety, Mat McClenahan, Principal of Oak Park High School, Gia Jantz, Principal of Medea Creek Middle School, Fatima Hernandez, Wellness Counselor at Oak Park High School, and Carleigh Cooper, Wellness Counselor at Medea Creek Middle School.
