In this powerful episode of the Prevention Leaders Podcast, Dave Closson is joined by Rikki Barton—prevention strategist, national trainer, and founder of Onward Consulting—to explore one of today’s most pressing topics: youth, social media, and mental health.

Rikki shares her insights from training thousands of youth, parents, and prevention professionals across the country on how to navigate the digital world with awareness, intention, and prevention science. Together, they unpack the latest research on screen time, online risks like sextortion, the dopamine effect of algorithms, and the physical and mental toll of excessive device use.

But this conversation isn’t just about the risks—it’s about solutions.

You’ll learn:

• How to have meaningful conversations with youth about their online experiences
• What parents and caregivers can do to model healthy digital habits
• How prevention professionals can apply the Strategic Prevention Framework to digital wellness
• Resources and tools for building family media plans and creating positive online spaces
• Ways to engage youth as collaborators in shaping safe, supportive digital environments

Whether you’re a parent, prevention leader, or passionate advocate for youth well-being, this episode is packed with actionable ideas and real-world examples you can use right away.

LINKS

• https://www.onwardconsulting.biz/
• https://www.facebook.com/onwardconsultingllc
• http://www.linkedin.com/in/rikki-onward
• https://www.instagram.com/onward_consulting/
• https://www.daveclosson.com/links