Webinar Description

Depictions of substance use are widespread in current media, including TV shows popular with kids and teens. Given that research indicates that exposure to these messages increases teenage substance use, what can public health advocates do to protect youth?

Join VFHY and Dr. Aaron Weiner for an exploration of the psychological impact of substance use in media, as well as actionable strategies for public health professionals and youth advocates to help teenagers navigate this complicated social and cultural terrain.

Key Learning Objectives:

• Understand the psychological effects of seeing substance use in popular media and how it impacts teens’ attitudes toward substance use.  
• Learn talking points for approaching the subject of substance use in media with youth.  
• Gain strategies to help youth understand the realities of substance use.  

Webinar Keynote Speaker

Dr. Aaron Weiner is a board-certified Psychologist and addiction specialist who speaks nationally on addiction, behavioral health, and drug policy’s impact on public health. His expertise stems from directing hospital addiction services and observations from private practice, combining clinical experience with current research. A past president of the Society of Addiction Psychology, Dr. Weiner serves as an addiction policy advisor for the American Psychological Association and on the Science Advisory Board for the Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions. His insights have been featured in Newsweek, USA Today, The Chicago Tribune, The Guardian, Psychology Today, and The New York Times.

Free Registration

Moderated by

C.J. Stermer, MBA is a longstanding host and emcee for various VFHY programs including the Empower Series and the Champions for Youth Summit. His experience within public health spans across various topics and audiences, such as Tobacco and Vaping prevention, Substance use education and prevention, Nutrition and Physical Activity, Maternal Health, ACEs, and other topics.