NEVADA CITY, Calif. April 5, 2017 – Many parents report major struggles over the amount of “screen time” their children spend on cellphones, tablets, and computers. Recreational screen media use is quickly replacing family time. Teachers see sleepdeprived children who are unable to focus and aren’t keeping up in class. Some experts now describe the digital code in online games as an addictive substance like heroin, in the way it acts on the developing human brain. Worldwide revenues from creation of these “substances” now tops $100 billion. What are parents to do?

On April 18, in one of a series of Town Hall Meetings on important issues facing the community, KVMR Community Radio brings Bellevue, Washington author and child psychology expert George Lynn to Nevada County for a public discussion of the problem and its solutions. Lynn is co-author of the popular new book Breaking the Trance: A Practical Guide for Parenting the Screen-Dependent Child. The program will take place at the historic Nevada Theater from 6p to 8p and will be broadcast live on KVMR, 89.5PM. Admission is free.

Talk show host Thom Hartmann says of Lynn’s book: “Screen dependence is real and destructive to developing personalities and brains. With wit, grace, and startling science, George and Cynthia bring you the facts you need to know, along with practical solutions for every parent.”

George Lynn will be joined on a panel by Ron Charles, Director of Yuba River Charter School; Lorrie Fredrickson, Grass Valley School District psychologist; Annie Keeling, parent educator; and Jennifer Sale, Clinical Social Worker at the Western Sierra Medical Clinic, to discuss the impacts of over-use (and abuse) of computers, tablets and smartphones on young people’s mental health, identity-development, selfconcept and social organization.

Lynn and his fellow panelists will discuss practical solutions any parent can undertake to protect their children and assist teachers in bringing out the best in their students.

Support for this event has been provided by the Rotary Club of Nevada City and Yuba River Charter School. KVMR Town Hall Forums are a free, community service to the public.

Panelist Bios:

George Lynn: MA, LMHC, Author “Breaking the Trance”

George is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor from Bellevue, Washington who has pioneered the use of psychotherapy for adults and children with neuropsychological issues. He has lectured internationally on the subject and is the author of four popular books on parenting children with extreme behavior challenges. “Breaking the Trance” was published in October of 2016.

Ron Charles: Director, Yuba River Charter School, Nevada City, the 1st Waldorf Charter School in the country

Ron has been Waldorf charter educator since 2003 and has served as the school director since 2015. As a Waldorf-inspired school, YRCS institutes refrain from use of technology and “screens” for students, as it interferes with their developmental processes and curiosity and love of learning.

Lorrie Fredrickson: School Psychologist, Grass Valley School District & A New Day, Board Member

Lorrie’s has worked in education for almost 30 years receiving a Masters Degree in educational counseling and educational psychology. She has worked in the capacities of school counselor and school psychologist for the Grass Valley School, supporting children pre-K through high school. She currently also serves as a case manager for the Adolescent Family Life Program.

Annie Keeling: MFA, Parent Educator, Founder of Start Small Parenting, NEO Youth Center Board Member

Annie Keeling is a parent educator, writer, music teacher, and founder of Start Small Parenting. She has degrees from UCLA, Goddard College, and UW-Madison. Since 1998, she has brought her expertise in early childhood and behavior education to family programs locally and on-line, as well as private coaching.

Jennifer Sale: Behavioral Health Director, LCSW, Western Sierra Medical Clinic.

Jennifer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been providing counseling services for 25 years in Nevada County. She received her BA in Psychology from UC Santa Cruz and Masters in Social Work from San Diego State