Past One Day Workshop

This Professional Development focused on the current research that has identified specific factors known to contribute to young people's dependence on screens and explored evidence based psychological practices and effective treatment plans that could be adapted to treating young people and supporting families. A number of field experts presented on topics relating to screen addiction in youth. Suitable for Psychologists, School Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Mental Health Workers and School Principals. Eligible participants may accrue 6.5 CPD Points. We are currently under the process of uploading a recording of the workshop which participants can access for a fee. 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Using a newly developed screener, identify levels of screen use and impact on functioning, for the purpose of a diagnosis of over screen use as per criteria outlined in the OCD-11. 
• Develop an awareness and understanding of factors identified by research that lead to screen addiction or high screen use in young people. This would be achieved by identifying the early warning signs that impact on the psychosocial and educational functioning of young people.
• Learn to appraise and formulate a case in one’s own clinical practice. 
• Gain clinical skills as considered best psychological practice in the treatment of screen addiction in young people.​

PROGRAM

Download Program as PDF

SESSION 1

Presenter: Ms Julie Inman Grant

Online Safety Engagement - Starting Early and Talking Often

In this opening keynote, eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant will set the scene of the current online safety landscape. She will share insights about how children as young as 2-years-old are using technology and the strategies parents and professionals can use to help young people have healthy and positive interactions online, from the very beginning.  

SESSION 1

Presenter: Prof John Saunders

An Outline of Global Developments in the Field of Gaming Disorder

Participants will be informed on the impact of high screen use in today’s global society and the need for community awareness in managing its impact on young people’s overall functioning. The key developments in the WHO's decision to classify Gaming Disorder as a legitimate mental disorder will also be outlined.

SESSION 2

Presenters: Prof Wayne Warburton & Dr Philip Tam

Defining Screen Addiction

Participants will be notified of the current research which defines screen addiction. Further, they will be educated on the early warning signs of addictions including risk factors and comorbidity, problematic family dynamic, functioning problems such as academic, social, self-care and health problems such as insomnia, vision problems, eating problems and other physical problems as a result of high screen use.

Following a comprehensive overview of high screen indicators, participants will be competent in making a diagnosis with the use of the OCD 11 classification system, hence deriving a diagnosis of screen addiction.

SESSION 3

Presenter: Mrs Louisa Carlini

Introduction to Pilot Program

The presenter will introduce a pilot program: “Developing a clinical treatment plan of high screen use of young people between 11 years to 18 years of age”.
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In this session, participants will be educated on the development of a new psychosocial theory to best explain best psychological practice in treating young people with high screen use.  Participants will be informed on how this new proposed theory can inform best psychological practice when working with young people with a high screen use.

SESSION 4

Presenter: Mr Benjamin Congedi

Case Study Presentation

Participants will explore a case formulation process through the presentation of a case study. During the case formulation process, the theoretical model will be reviewed for the purpose of developing a comprehensive case formulation plan.

SESSION 5

Presenters: Dr Rose Cantali & Dr Philip Tam

Strategies and Interventions

Participants will be introduced to strategies when working with clients who present with comorbidity and those who may deviate from the treatment plan due to other issues that may surface during therapy. Participants will become knowledgeable of the pharmacological interventions such as types of medication often recommended and the side effects.​

SESSION 6

All Participants

Case Study Activity

In the workshop component of this event, participants will work actively within their table group on a case study which will be discussed and develop a treatment plan that will be presented and shared amongst others.​

SESSION 7

All Presenters

Q&A Panel and Closing Statement

Participants will be provided with an opportunity to discuss issues that have emerged from the day’s workshop. Presenters will be available to provide closing statements and/or answer questions.​

Speakers

Ms Julie Inman Grant

Ms Julie Inman Grant is Australia’s e-Safety Commissioner. In her role, she leads the world’s first government agency committed to keeping its citizens safer online. Ms Julie Inman Grant has extensive experience in the non-profit and government sectors and spent two decades working in senior public policy and safety roles in the tech industry at Microsoft, Twitter and Adobe. The Commissioner’s career began in Washington DC, working in the US Congress and the non-profit sector before taking on a role at Microsoft. Ms Julie Inman Grant’s experience at Microsoft spanned 17 years, serving as one of the company’s first and longest-standing government relations professionals, ultimately in the role of Global Safety Director for safety policy and outreach. At Twitter, she set up and drove the company’s policy, safety and philanthropy programs across Australia, New Zealand & Southeast Asia. As Commissioner, Ms Jane Inman Grant plays an important global role as Chair of the Child Dignity Alliance’s Technical Working Group and as a Board Member of the WePROTECT Global Alliance. She was designated one of Australia’s most influential women by the Australian Financial Review in 2019.​

Professor John Saunders

John Saunders is a professor and consultant physician in internal medicine and addiction medicine, with appointments at the University of Queensland and University of Sydney. His career as a clinician, service director, researcher and academic in addictive disorders extends back 40 years. He has worked with the World Health Organization throughout his career and was responsible for the development of the AUDIT questionnaire, and in the past decade has been a member of the WHO advisory group spearheading WHO’s response to excessive gaming and gaming addiction.

Mr Benjamin Congedi

Mr Benjamin Congedi is a provisionally registered psychologist who has been part of the Screen Smart Kids team for the past 12 months. He is enthusiastic about the cause and has been involved in developing and trialling the screening tool and treatment program. Mr Benjamin Congedi states “I am astounded by the number of children, adolescents, and young adults, who are affected by this issue. I am particularly concerned about young males who are assessing increasingly violent content and displaying aggressive behaviour.” Mr Benjamin Congedi is motivated to spread his newly acquired knowledge and skills to his community and tackle the issue on the front line.

Mrs Louisa Carlini

Mrs Louisa Carlini has a Master of Professional Psychology and is a provisionally registered psychologist. Mrs Louisa Carlini is part of the Screen Smart Kids research team and was involved in the development of the Screen Smart Kids program and screener. She is currently co heading the piloting of the Screen Smart Kids program and screeners. Mrs Louisa Carlini is one of the senior therapists who is delivering the pilot program in schools. Mrs Louisa Carlini is passionate about her research into young peoples’ screen addiction and will be enrolling in a PhD to further explore factors that contribute to screen addiction in youth.

Dr Rose Cantali

Dr Rose Cantali is an Australian Psychological Society (APS) Fellow, an educational and developmental psychologist and fellow members of the APS College of Developmental Psychologists, The APS College of Counselling Psychologists and is an associate member of the APS College of Clinical psychologists. Dr Rose Cantali’s research into “school connectedness of  Muslim boys in Australia” and “disengaged youth”  is recognised by media, government bodies, parent organisations, professional national and international institutions, universities and professional colleagues. Dr Cantali’s current and prior appointment to various Boards over the years demonstrates her professional reputation. Dr Cantali's involvement in key professional Boards include: former Board Director of SPELD NSW, current board member of Australia Parent Council, current President of NSW Parent Council, former Chair Sydney Branch of the  APS, former Board Director Australia Council of the Arts – Cultural Community Board, and former Board Member NSW of NESA. Her appointment as Associate fellow to numerous Australian universities and Clinical supervisor of provisional psychologists and registered psychologists demonstrates her highly regarded expertise in issues related to the field.

Dr Philip Tam

Dr Philip Tam is a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist with more than 15 years’ experience in both the public and private sector. Dr Philip Tam is an acknowledged Australian and global pioneer in the field of internet related psychology (dubbed as "Internet addiction”) and is currently involved in many local and international research projects in this area. He has written numerous articles and book chapters on this topic for general and professional audiences, presents lectures and workshops, and regularly comments in the local and international media. He co-presents a free series on iTunes podcasts on this topic “The Healthy Digital Diet”, and in 2011 helped set up Australia’s first public service information and website to assist families.

Professor Wayne Warburton

Professor Wayne Warburton is an Associate Professor of Developmental Psychology at Macquarie University and a registered psychologist. He is Deputy Director of the Children and Families Research Centre and has a strong interest in the fields of aggressive behaviour, media psychology and parenting. His publications in scientific journals and books are primarily on topics around aggressive behaviour and the impact of violent and pro social media. Professor Wayne Warburton is a co author of the International Society for Research on Aggression Statement on Media Violence and the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues Research Summary on Media Violence.