Jake Ernst

Today's parents and educators are faced with an unprecedented challenge: to parent and help kids grow in the age of the internet. Many of today’s kids are constantly online and many of us are growing concerned about the impact this is having on kids and their wellbeing. In this informative keynote, we’ll talk about the number one factor that impacts whether or not kids get hooked by their device, what apps and websites we should know about, how to avoid common digital parenting and educator mistakes, and how to strike a balance between digital safety and digital freedom. Participants will come away with tips and tools for raising and teaching resilient and responsible kids in the age of the internet.

In recent years, we have seen a marked increase in stress-related health conditions, prompting a well-deserved focus on mental and emotional health. Our cultural narrative has heavily emphasized the use of mental health language, the importance of talking about our feelings, and practicing individual self-care strategies. However, this intense focus on the individual has led us to an unintended consequence: we are losing our minds and we are losing each other in the process. This keynote highlights a critical oversight in our current approach to wellbeing, which is that we have overlooked the fundamental truth that humans are inherently social beings. Our intrinsic need for community, connection, and relational safety has been overshadowed by an emphasis on the self. We are witnessing a breakdown in relationships, exacerbated by the prioritization of individualism over collective wellbeing. In short, we don’t need more self-focus. We need a roadmap back to each other. This talk explores the vital importance of social health that provides us with a blueprint for addressing both individual wellbeing and the collective needs of a group to thrive and succeed. These concepts help us reimagine our approach to wellbeing, ensuring that we do not forget our essential nature as social creatures who, at our best, thrive in relationship with others. Participants will learn how to: • Navigate social connection in the age of distraction, disconnection, and distress. • Build a community-wide approach to wellbeing, one that is focused on helping others instead of being fuelled by competition and comparison. • Create Social Spaces rather than Safe Spaces in order to prioritize what matters most. • Apply the three key skillsets that are essential for the social health of a community.