Our fast-paced world of constant "connection", digital distractions, and increased stress can be overwhelming for people of all ages and contribute to a myriad of issues.
Since the rise of smartphones and related digital technologies, indicators of mental “wellness” such as happiness, self-esteem, and life satisfaction have decreased while serious mental health issues like anxiety, depression, loneliness, and suicide have increased significantly, especially among children, adolescents, and young adults.
While there are helpful uses for technology that may enhance life in important ways, when left unchecked, high screen use can expose individuals to increased cognitive, social, and emotional stress, and inhibit key factors needed for resilience, well-being, and personal success.
However, change is possible, and empowerment is key!
EMPOWERMENT
As a speaker and consultant for nearly a decade, Nina seeks to educate, encourage, and empower individuals, families, professionals, communities, and organizations to "RESET" their mindset and approach to screen use, resilience, and well-being.
Understanding a framework for how to consider key factors for resilience and well-being and the risks high screen use can pose to these factors can provide a sense empowerment and direction as individuals navigate the challenges of living in a screen-saturated digital culture.
Drawing upon her research efforts, clinical experience, personal experience navigating screen use for many years with her two sons, as well as insights gathered from students, parents, and professionals in mental health, education, medicine, law, and business, Nina provides a resilience-based framework and practical strategies for practicing mindful screen use and creating a new mindset and habits to promote and safeguard key factors for resilience, well-being, and personal success.
"Nina is a true expert on digital media issues and a dynamic presenter. She is one of those rare individuals who combines research knowledge with practical solutions that appeal to people. Audiences of all ages are engaged by her relatable presentation style and leave with a sense of hope and direction for positive change.
- Linda Hancock, FNP, PhD
Retired, Director, Virginia Commonwealth University Wellness Center
National Speaker, www.LindaGivesBack.com
"Nina was a regular presenter in our Science of Happiness class at Virginia Commonwealth University. Students regularly considered her presentations among the most significant to them, as they recognized themselves in the hazards of screen saturation and deeply appreciated the ways Nina provided to reflect on their relationship to screens. Crucially, students left her presentations not feeling defeated, but rather invigorated to change."
- Mark Meier Assistant Professor, Dept of Focused Inquiry
Virginia Commonwealth University
"I've found a new commitment to make sure that I don't miss out on great opportunities because of screens any longer."
- Science of Happiness Student
Virginia Commonwealth University
"Nina Schroder's research is incredibly timely for this generation of students and families. Her presentation is engaging and grounded in eye-opening research. She provides practical strategies for developing greater resilience in a digital age. I would highly recommend her for a variety of audiences."
- James Gahagan, PhD
Director, LEAD Program
Virginia Commonwealth University
"I wish every parent could hear Nina's talk before making decisions about their child's screen time and cell phone usage. Using her unique combination of research, common sense, and insight into what makes a whole person, Nina clearly outlines the temptations and pitfalls of rushing head-first into the digital age without thoughtfully shaping our own habits and those of our children. Although she is very careful to present her material without judgment, I was personally convicted to change my own patterns of behavior so that I am a better model for my daughters. Nina's presentation goes beyond science and fits hand-in-hand with spiritual and philosophical consideration of these issues, and I hope that a wide variety of audiences are able to hear and benefit from her insight."
- Paula Gibbs, Parent
"Nina Schroder spoke to a group of about 75-100 parents, most of whom had elementary school-aged children. Her talk was research-based, informative and relevant to every person in the room who as access to technology of any kind, including televisions. The research she has done was so eye opening about our children and what the effects of too much screen time does to our little ones, including the behavior modeled by their parents. Her message was not punitive, scary, or threatening, but presented in a graceful way that everyone could related to. I would love to see her back at our school talking to older children to help give them strategies on turning the technology off at times and enjoying life without it."
- Catherine Gregory
Chair of Lower School Academics, Collegiate School
"We brought Nina in to speak to our middle and high school students as well as parents and were encouraged, challenged, and moved by what she presented. No matter the age, everyone came away affected by the data shared by Nina. Her anecdotes were personally touching and the facts shared left little room for doubt about the current science on screen time and the consequences of where we as a society are headed with our technology. Bringing Nina to our school community has resulted in more aware children and parents and an increased push to be wise about our screens. I strongly recommend bringing Nina in if you would like your community to think anew about the impact and place of technology in your community."
- Jon McCord
Head of School, Veritas Preparatory School
Greenville, SC
"Nina Schroder's parent presentation at my school's Back-to-School Night set the perfect tone for the school year. She has a wonderful command of the issues confronting us all in this digital age of screens, distractions, and anxieties, and her presentation connected with the parents of my students. These are important topics for families, and months later, I still have parents wanting to talk with me about Nina's presentation."
- Hal Waller
Head of School, Riverside School
"Nina was so powerful and effective in helping our families to think well about these important issues that I had her speak five separate times - just so everyone could hear her! I consider it almost mandatory parent training for our school community. Her common sense, research-based approach, along with her gracious and winsome style, make her a perfect person for audiences like ours. I believe her message is critical in helping our generation and the next begin to deal with habits and addictions that are truly devastating."
- Keith Nix
Head of School, Veritas School
"Nina's talk to our 5th-8th grade student and faculty was riveting and established further proof that rethinking screens and how they are being utilized in Middle School years should be priorities for individuals and schools. The presentation addressed increased use of technology in the last 10 years, mental health changes, the positive/negative effects of cell phones in our everyday lives, tips on how to limit technology screen time and ideas of fun/exciting things to do with friends and family when unplugged!"
- Linda Stoller
School Counselor, St. Catherine's School
Nina was amazing! In addition to her presentation, I was able to speak with her after as well, and she is just so wonderful! She is so personable and able to provide information and guidance in a way that does not threaten people’s current beliefs and actions, but rather to validate that there are alternatives that could help as well. She also did an amazing job of separating out strategies for children vs adults, in multiple scenarios. Could not recommend Nina more highly!!!!!
American Association for Justice, Women Trial Lawyers Caucus
Conference Attendee, Austin, TX
"You are my hero! Thank for the work to prove what I have known in my heart."
- A VAIS (Virginia Association of Independent Schools) Health & Well-being Conference Attendee
- American Association for Justice, Women Trial Lawyers Caucus
Conference Attendee, Austin, TX
Nina is an informed clinician who has a passion for helping us recognize and combat the many potential ill social effects of our technology tools. She draws attention to effects I already sensed, but some that I didn't even necessarily realize. I appreciate how she brings these dynamics to light for consideration and then offers insightful methods for managing our tools, such as 'The 3Gs' that are strong guiding principles. Nina is a talented and warm communicator that I highly recommend."
- All Saints Church Attendee
" Truly a mind-opening presentation. Definitely makes me approach my phone and social media differently. I am particularly mindful now of screentime and social media for my young children."
-American Association for Justice, Women Trial Lawyers Caucus
Conference Attendee, Austin, TX
" Nina, you have a wonderful conversational style of presenting which makes listening very easy. The content is fascinating and important. You are a wonderful communicator who exudes understanding and empathy."
- Educational Professional
Reset Resilience Attendee
"I have an extreme, lifelong form of anxiety and the presentation felt empowering because it reminded me that even though there isn’t likely anything I can do to “cure” my anxiety, I can still do things to reduce/manage symptoms and improve quality of life."
- College Student
"I’ve decided to pull back heavily from Instagram, have already taken steps, and I have an accountability partner."
- College Student
"Nina Schroder's 'Reboot' presentation was informative, thorough, and challenging. I left the talk more aware of the effects of excessive use of digital media and the havoc it is wreaking on our mental health, especially in young people. I was challenged personally, regarding my own screen habits, as well as a mother and minister as I rear my children and help people in my community in the digital age."
- Sarah Sheaffer
Grace Community Church