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What's one app on your phone you know is bad for your mental health? Would you try deleting that app, even for just one week?

Students in grades 6-12 wrestled with those questions and other ways that technology manipulates all of us during presentations September 24 from Max Stossel, an expert on social media and founder of Social Awakening. In two interactive presentations, he showed that he knows where teens live their digital lives, discussing apps like TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, and Instagram, and our addiction to them.

His main message: Social media companies are masterful at getting people hooked on their products. He challenged students and faculty: Start with yourself; delete apps that create mental and emotional harm. Then support your friends and do the same as a group.

Stossel also spoke earlier in the day to a group of Lower School parents, providing them tips on how to help their children navigate this topic. Among his pieces of advice: Having a conversation is better than shaming if you want your child to stop using harmful apps; lead by example; and device-free meals are beneficial. He also noted that, if you are successful in cutting down on screen time, you'll need some ideas on how to fill that time. “Trust your instincts," he said.

Stossel previously ran social media for big brands and later worked for a social media company. He then switched gears, founding Social Awakening, an organization dedicated to helping young people thrive. An award-winning filmmaker and speaker, he travels around the world sharing his insights.