Discussion Board #4

Pick one of the questions to share your thoughts on this topic. Read colleagues perspectives and respond as you feel inclined. 

Partnering with Families and Communities

Theme: Working with parents and caregivers to support healthy childhood development.

Discussion Prompts:

• What challenges do you face when talking with families about screen time, technology, or mental health?

• How can we build stronger partnerships with families to support students’ emotional and social well-being?

• What kind of parent education or outreach could help bridge the gap between home and school on these issues?

• What messages about childhood and technology do we want to reinforce together with parents?

Discussion Board #3

Pick one of the questions to share your thoughts on this topic. Read colleagues perspectives and respond as you feel inclined. 

The Role of School Policy and Culture

Theme: Institutional responses to the challenges raised in the book.

Discussion Prompts:

• Are there current school or district policies that unintentionally contribute to student stress or digital overuse?

• How can school culture support the development of resilience, independence, and emotional intelligence?

• In what ways might school routines and classroom management be adapted to promote a healthier, less anxious learning environment?

• How do you anticipate HB 1160 to apply to Ben Franklin? What things will need to be changed? What things will stay the same?

Discussion Board #2

 Pick one of the questions to share your thoughts on this topic. Read colleagues perspectives and respond as you feel inclined.

Mental Health and Student Wellbeing

Theme: The increase in anxiety and depression among youth and the factors contributing to it.

Discussion Prompts:

• How have you seen changes in student mental health over the last 5–10 years?

• What are some signs of anxiety or emotional distress you commonly observe in your students?

• How can we as educators balance academic expectations with the growing need for emotional and mental health support?

• What supports or professional development would help you feel more prepared to respond to students' mental health needs?

 

Course Syllabus

 Professional Development Course: The Anxious Generation and Implementing HB 1160: Summer 2025 

Credit: 1 CEU 
Duration: 4 weeks (approximately 15 hours total) 
Target Audience: Middle school educators, counselors, and administrators in North Dakota 
Delivery Mode: ONLINE 

Instructor on Record: Jake Snyder 

 

Course Objectives 

By the end of this course, participants will be able to: 

1. Analyze the key arguments and evidence presented in The Anxious Generation regarding the impact of smartphones and social media on adolescent mental health. 

2. Understand the requirements and implications of North Dakota’s House Bill 1160 concerning phone usage in schools. 

3. Develop strategies to implement and support a phone-free school environment in compliance with HB 1160. 

4. Design classroom activities and school policies that promote student well-being and reduce reliance on personal electronic devices. 

 

Weekly Breakdown 

Week 1 (June 17th - 20th): Introduction to The Anxious Generation 

• Reading: Chapters 1–3 

• Topics: 

• Overview of the “Great Rewiring” of childhood 

• Trends in adolescent mental health since 2010 

• Gender differences in social media impact 

• Activities: 

• Reading: Chapters 1 - 3

• Discussion Board #1

Week 2 (June 24th - 27th) : Deep Dive into HB 1160 

• Topics: 

• Detailed analysis of House Bill 1160 

• Statewide expectations for device storage and accessibility 

• Exceptions for medical and special education needs 

• Activities: 

                Reading: Chapters 4–6 

                Discussion Board #2

-------------------------- ---Break--------------------------------

Week 3 (July 8th - 11th) : Strategies for Implementation 

• Topics: 

• Developing school-wide policies that align with HB 1160 

• Engaging stakeholders: Students, parents, and staff 

• Addressing challenges and resistance 

• Activities: 

• Reading: Chapters 7 - 9

• Discussion Board #3

• 
  

Week 4 (July 15th - 18th): Promoting a Healthy School Culture 

• Reading: Chapters 10–Conclusion 

• Topics: 

• Alternatives to screen time during breaks and free periods 

• Integrating social-emotional learning to support mental health 

• Monitoring and evaluating the impact of phone-free policies 

• Activities: 

• Reading: Chapters 10 - Conclusion

• Discussion Board #4

• 1hour in-person discussion at Ben Franklin Middle School before school begins. Date TBD

 

Assessment and Certification 

• Participation: Active engagement in discussions and activities 

• Assignments: Completion of weekly readings and discussion boards

• Certification: Upon successful completion, participants will receive a certificate for 1 CEU, recognized by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction. 

 

Required Materials 

• Haidt, J. (2024). The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness. 

• Access to HB 1160 documentation and related policy resources. 

 

Additional Resources 

• North Dakota Department of Public Instruction: HB 1160 Overview 

• Phone-Free Schools Movement: Anxious Generation Initiative 

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