Keep Kids Safe: Navigating Addiction Online and Beyond

Trigger Warning: Suicidal Ideation, Suicide, Substance Use, Addiction and Mental Health Disorders are discussed in today's episode. 

In this important conversation, Dr. Shafer and Dr. Yunyu Xiao, PhD, M Phil, discuss the challenges young people face in the digital age, particularly regarding mental health, substance use, and the impact of social media. Dr Yunyu Xiao, Assistant Professor at Weill Cornell Medicine, shares her research findings and expertise in the field of Population Health Sciences and Mental Health. Listen in as the doctors explore the importance of parental involvement, the role of stigma in seeking help, and the need for regulations in the digital world to help protect young users. The discussion emphasizes actionable strategies for parents to support their children and the importance of fostering open conversations about mental health.

Takeaways

• Social media can have both positive and negative impacts on youth.
• Parental involvement is crucial in protecting adolescents from mental health issues.
• Substance use among youth is a growing concern and can have deadly consequences.
• Building strong relationships with children can help mitigate risks.
• Regulations are needed to protect young people from harmful online content.
• Advocacy for mental health awareness is essential in combating stigma.
• Parents should model healthy technology use for their children.
• Open conversations about mental health can save lives.
• Seeking professional help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
• Creating a supportive environment is key to youth mental health.

Thank you to Dr Yunyu Xiao for being a guest on Talks with Dr Shafer.

Connect with Dr Xiao's team on Linked In: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/x-plore-lab⁠

Dr Xiao's latest research can be found here ⁠https://vivo.weill.cornell.edu/display/cwid-yux4008⁠988

References Shared by Dr Xiao will be available in this week's blog!

What did you take away from today's show? Dr Shafer wants to know!

If you or someone you love is struggling with your mental health, please get help. If you have an emergency, call 9-1-1. 

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

https://988lifeline.org/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=onebox

Subscribe to Talks with Dr Shafer where you enjoy podcasts for more inspiring short talks to help you master your mindset, and weekly inspiring guest episodes with people who have reclaimed their stories and are living life to the fullest.

Dr Shafer Stedron, MD is a musician turned Neurologist, a mom, a Jay Shetty-Certified Life Coach, an Author, Publisher, and so much more. She is passionate about helping others reclaim their stories and build their most beautiful future, unlocking their fullest potential informed by her background in neurology, psychology, business and entertainment.

Released January 2025, Dr Shafer co-authors the Cracking the Rich Code 16th Edition, endorsed by Tony Robbins. Order your copy at ⁠⁠www.drshaferstedronova.com⁠⁠!

Connect with Dr. Shafer: ⁠⁠https://drshaferstedronova.com/⁠⁠

To watch inspiring and informative Talks with Dr Shafer head to her YouTube Channel: / @talkswithdrshafer

This episode does not offer individualized medical advice. Opinions discussed are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice.

Little House Of Dreams Entertainment, LLC, 2025.

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