On Thursday, Oct. 25, Katey McPherson, the executive director of The Gurian Institute, will offer two one-hour keynotes on the effects of social media on tweens and teens.

McPherson, who has spent 23 years at K-12 schools as a teacher, counselor and administrator, will give the keynotes in the District Learning Center. The first one starts at 7:45 a.m. and is for high school parents.

The second keynote is for elementary and middle school parents and begins at 8:45 a.m.

In her presentation, McPherson will cover both the positive and negative effects that social media has on a child.

“I will be covering the hidden impact on kids' brains of social media and screen time use,” McPherson said. “Some of it, for academics, can be a great tool. But extended use and lack of sleep continues to be a concern for our tweens and teens, specifically. I will also speak on the flip side of that by showcasing what geniuses kids are at using social media and technology for good to brand, market and promote themselves.”

The keynote is being presented by the Fountain Hills Unified School District, the FHUSD PTO and the Fountain Hills Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition,