Samantha brings over a decade of research experience on how screens affect children and relationships, alongside numerous media appearances discussing this topic. She has crafted a unique approach to addressing this pressing issue facing NZ parents.

This research-backed talk is designed to help parents, caregivers, and educators better understand how social media and excessive screen use affect the developing brain, emotional well-being, and social skills of children and teenagers. It provides practical, evidence-based strategies for supporting healthy screen habits. Rather than focusing solely on cyber safety, the talk aims to empower families with actionable steps that help young people not just survive but truly thrive in today’s digital environment.

Bio

Dr Samantha Marsh is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Auckland’s School of Population Health, Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, where her work focuses on child and adolescent wellbeing, with a particular interest on the impact of screen use and social media. Her research has explored parent and teen experiences around social media use, and what support families need in New Zealand. She is particularly interested in how digital technologies affect wellbeing, parent-child relationships, and healthy development in young people. Dr Marsh advocates for evidence-based policies and multi-layered approaches to protect children from online harms. She regularly engages with parents, school children, and communities through talks and educational initiatives, aiming to empower families to navigate the digital world safely. Dr Marsh is also an academic advisor to advocacy groups such as Smartphone Free Childhood NZ and Before16, reflecting her commitment to supporting youth wellbeing in the face of rapidly evolving digital environments.

Tickets

Ticket information for this evening will be sent via EdSmart, so please look out for the invitation in your inbox.