Submitted by Alli Behnke, HKYFS
(September 20, 2025) — A large study conducted by the Pew Research Center found that two-thirds of parents in the U.S. say parenting is harder today than it was twenty years ago, with many citing technologies. When the question of why parenting is harder now, some of the most common responses tend to stress the impact of digital technology (26%), the rise of social media (21%) and the way access to technology exposes children to developmentally inappropriate content at a young age (14%). Other commonly cited reasons include changing morals, values, and the costs associated with raising a child (Auxier, 2021).
Haddam-Killingworth Youth and Family Services serves as a hub of education, prevention, and intervention for youth and families in the Haddam and Killingworth community, specifically interested in providing social/emotional and behavioral health support. “There is a growing consensus that parenting right now is incredibly challenging with varied experiences, challenges, and opportunity impacting any one child or any one family in our community. Parents reach out for support, our kids reach out for help, and we try to wrap around them all with a variety of programs, resources, and events,” says Alli Behnke, HKYFS Director of Programming.
HKYFS is proud to bring two opportunities for Haddam-Killingworth parents, caregivers and families to receive much needed support and evidence-based guidance. The community is invited to a virtual workshop led by Dr. Alicia Farrell, a nationally recognized, local child psychologist, parenting expert and public speaker. On October 9, 2025 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., please join HKYFS and Dr. Farrell for a program called “How to Help Motivate Your Kids to Perform Academically While Building Their Grit and Resilience.”
Webinar/On Point Parenting
Do you feel responsible for your child’s academic performance? Do you step in and take over at times because you’re afraid your child will not perform well enough to be a success in life? Are you tired of the conflict it causes between you and your child? If so, this webinar is for you! You will learn how to let go of the responsibility for your kid’s academic performance without sacrificing your expectations. You also will learn how to mentor them to make their own choices, and experience the consequences of those choices while becoming more confident and self-reliant. This webinar is for parents with children and teenagers of any age. It is also for grandparents, teachers, counselors and school administrators.
This event will also provide more information about Dr. Farrell’s new On Point Parenting opportunity exclusively offered to Haddam and Killingworth. This on-demand parenting resource allows parents and caregivers to gain access to a rich bank of expert parenting videos, monthly ZOOM calls with Dr. Farrell, a support network of other parents, and so much more. Topics will include: parenting around stress and anxiety, healthy use of screen time and social media, how to communicate and discipline kids to build grit and resilience, and more. Please consider attending the virtual workshop to learn more. Register for the link at www.hkyfs.org/event/
HK Youth Unplugged
Social media use among young people is nearly universal, with up to 95% of teenagers, and even 40% of children ages 8 to 12, on social media. (US Surgeon General Report, 2023)
HK Youth Unplugged is a parent-led group that promotes reducing screen time and encouraging technology-free activities for the youth of Haddam and Killingworth. This new group is dedicated to providing information, resources and support to families who are working to increase the amount of time they unplug from devices, increase play/connection, and enhance their kids’ positive mental health while maintaining healthy digital habits and skills. Lauren Roby, one of the group’s founders, says “”Our group hopes to spread awareness about the dangers of overuse and early use of technology and social media and to galvanize the community in this effort to protect our children.” Their hope is that parents and caregivers will work together to shift the needle to extend play-based childhood and offer support to each other in this digital age of decision-making.
HK Youth and Family Services is partnering with HK Youth Unplugged to provide opportunities for families to learn and work together for healthy childhoods and positive youth development. Right now, the best way to connect with HK Youth Unplugged is by following their Facebook page and accessing information and resources on the HKYFS website.
As part of this collaborative work, both groups have teamed up with Madison Youth Services, Guilford Youth Services, and their UnPlugged partners to offer a unique opportunity to view the film, Can’t Look Away. This is an award-winning, gripping documentary that exposes the dark side of social media and its devastating impact on young users. Based on investigative reporting by Bloomberg News reporter Olivia Carville, the film follows the Social Media Victims Law Center fighting for justice for families whose children suffered tragic consequences linked to social media use. As families seek justice, Can’t Look Away underscores the urgent need for industry reform and serves as both a wake-up call about the dangers of social media and as a call to action to protect future generations.
The film will be shown on October 15, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Madison Cinema. Following the film, there will be a 30–45 minute panel conversation with Claudia Califano, M.D., a child psychiatrist and professor at the Yale Child Study Center, as well as other local leaders. This is a call to action for caregivers to work together to shift the needle and improve our kids’ mental health. Joining together to learn and create change is critical. Please sign up for a free seat in the theater at www.hkyfs.org/event/
