Description
Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1. Describe key aspects of adolescent brain development and explain how changes in neurobiology influence behaviour, decision-making, emotional regulation, and relationships.
2. Recognize the difference between typical adolescent development and signs of emerging mental health concerns, supporting earlier identification and intervention when needed.
3. Understand the role of relationships, belonging, and co-regulation in promoting adolescent mental health, resilience, and healthy development.
4. Examine the impact of digital technologies and social media on adolescent well-being, including their influence on sleep, attention, identity formation, peer relationships, and emotional health.
5. Apply brain-informed and relationship-based approaches to support adolescents in clinical, educational, community, and family settings.
Description:
The adolescent brain isn’t just a larger child’s brain or an immature adult brain—it is uniquely wired for exploration, peer connection, and high emotional reactivity. So what IS actually happening inside the adolescent brain? The teenage years are a period of profound neurobiological remodeling – making it a window of incredible vulnerability, but also immense opportunity for resilience. Today, this development is unfolding in a digital ecosystem that reshapes how young people sleep, socialize, and form their identities. For clinicians and educators, understanding this specific neurobiological window is key to effective intervention and interaction.
Join us for an evidence-based exploration into the adolescent mind. Moving beyond the cliché of the “hormonal teenager,” this webinar bridges the gap between hard neuroscience and actionable, relationship-driven strategies. Participants will leave with a framework to better identify any emerging mental health concerns on the teen, ways to mitigate digital fatigue and reward, and how to use the power of “co-regulation” to foster genuine connection. We’re pleased that renowned Canadian child psychiatrist, Dr. Jean Clinton will be teaching this valuable webinar.
Who Should Attend?:
• Nurses, Educators, Clinical Psychologists, Social Workers & Counsellors who work in child, adolescent & pediatric settings
• Intake and front line staff in youth mental health & addictions settings
• Occupational Health Therapists & Recreational Therapists
• Staff who work in Youth Mental Health Settings & Juvenile Correctional settings
• Justice personnel who work with youth
• Mental health and addictions Managers & Educators
Dr. Jean Clinton, MD, FRCP(C) is a Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University, division of Child Psychiatry. She is on staff at McMaster Children’s Hospital with cross appointments in Pediatrics and Family Medicine, and an Associate in the Department of Child Psychiatry at Sick Children’s Hospital. She is a Fellow of the Child Trauma Academy, as well as a Zero to Three Academy Fellow since 2013. She has been a consultant to children and youth mental health programs, child welfare, and primary care for over 30 years. Dr. Clinton was appointed as an education advisor to the Premier of Ontario and the Minister of Education 2014 – 2018.
Dr. Clinton is renowned nationally and internationally as an advocate for children’s issues. Her special interest lies in brain development, and the crucial role relationships and connectedness play. Jean champions the development of a national, comprehensive child well-being strategy including a system of early learning and care for all young children and their families. She is equally committed to ensuring that children’s and youths’ needs and voices are heard and respected.
Dr. Clinton has also authored her first book, “Love Builds Brains” which can be ordered online through Tall Pines Press, on Amazon and in book stores everywhere.
