Engaging speakers

Welcome to our SPEAK community. We are a coalition of 18 different K-8 independent schools in San Francisco working together to provide parent education to our school communities. We're here to support each other in creating a nurturing and insightful environment for our children's growth and learning. By joining SPEAK, you become part of a network that brings together renowned speakers from fields as diverse as parenting, diversity, children's mental health, and digital citizenship.

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At SPEAK, we believe in the power of shared knowledge and collective growth. Our community is more than just a platform; it's a collaborative space filled with insights, support, and warmth.

Whether you're looking to understand the complexities of digital citizenship, navigate the path of inclusive parenting, or explore strategies to foster your child's mental health, SPEAK is here for you. Let's empower each other in our parenting journey and foster a supportive environment for our children.

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The Impact of Technology on Children’s Mental Health

Featuring Jim Steyer and Dr. Catherine Steiner-Adair

March 19th, 2024 from 7:00 - 8:15 PM

Town School for Boys

SPEAK is thrilled to welcome two of the most respected experts on issues related to technology, education and children in the United States today. Please join us for a fireside chat with Jim Steyer (Founder and CEO of Common Sense Media) and Dr. Catherine Steiner-Adair (Clinical Psychologist and Author of The Big Disconnect) on Tuesday, March 19th at 7pm at Town School for Boys.

We have seen the recent headlines. The U.S. Surgeon General has issued an advisory about social media's impact on youth mental health. In response, the President of the American Academy of Pediatrics said “Today’s children and teens do not know a world without digital technology, but the digital world wasn’t built with children’s healthy mental development in mind.”

As concerns arise regarding the effects of technology and social media usage on children’s mental health, state legislators are introducing measures to protect children while using the internet and internet-based forms of communication. We will learn about how pending legislation in 30 states and Puerto Rico may impact our children.

You don’t want to miss our third and final event of the year. This discussion will equip you with the latest research on social media as it pertains to our children, insight into how to support our children and teenagers as they navigate this technology landscape, and tips on helping them use technology with awareness and mindfulness.

About the Speakers

Dr. Catherine Steiner-Adair is a renowned clinical psychologist, author of the award-winning book "The Big Disconnect," and an international consultant on integrating humanity's tools—empathy, ethics, and emotional intelligence—into our technology-driven world. With over three decades of experience, she focuses on enhancing family and childhood relationships amid digital challenges, consulting for educational and corporate entities worldwide on mindful tech use and community resilience.

Jim Steyer, founder and CEO of Common Sense Media, is a distinguished expert in children's education and digital media. With a prolific career spanning law, civil rights advocacy, and education, he has authored significant works like "Talking Back to Facebook" and founded organizations aimed at enhancing the media's impact on children. A revered Stanford professor and advocate for equitable education, Jim's contributions to improving family lives in the digital age are unparalleled.