Back to School with NASW: 2026-2027 School Year

NASW is committed to providing resources that help social workers keep children safe online. This 2026 back to school season, NASW is hosting a live event to discuss online harms. This event will equip social workers with the knowledge and practical tools needed to address the growing impact of online harms on children, youth, and families. As digital environments increasingly shape social interactions and development, social workers must be prepared to identify and respond to risks such as cyberbullying, online exploitation and harmful content exposure.

Hear from experts at Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development, the School Social Work Association of America, and The Social Media Victims Law Center as they share research, resources, and strategies to help social workers support youth safety, well-being, and healthy technology use.

Thursday, August 6, 2026
7:00–8:00 p.m. ET
Watch live on NASW’s Facebook page and YouTube channels
YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gRCbQxnV

See below for additional resources that provide an overview of current trends in online harm and explore the intersection between digital experiences and mental health, safety, and overall well-being.

NASW Resources

NASW Podcast: Teens and Social Media

Social Work Advocates: Digital Devices and Social Media: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Social Work Online CE Institute:

• Technology and Social Media: Helping Children, Teens and their Caregivers Navigate the Impacts and Implications
• The Screen Age: Helping Tweens Navigate Digital Media

Tips and Tools:

• Child Abuse Prevention Month: Online Safety and Exploitation Prevention Resources
• Tackling Substance Use in Schools: Current Challenges and Social Work Solutions

Organization Resources

Children and Screens: Institute for Digital Media and Child Development

• Online Safety for Youth: A tip sheet for parents and caregivers
• Social Media and Youth Mental Health 
• Body Image and Media Use: A Guide for Parents
• Cyberbullying, Sexting, and Building Resilience in Youth | Elizabeth Englander, PhD - Screen Deep podcast
• Join the Chldren and Screens mailing list to receive the latest evidence-based guidance, parenting resources, webinar, podcasts, and research updates

School Social Work Association of America

• SSWAA Back to School Resources

Social Media Victims Law Center

• Social Media Addiction Resources for Parents - Social Media Victims Law Center