In this episode of Shrinking it Down: Mental Health Made Simple, Gene and Khadijah take a hard look at cyberbullying — how it differs from the schoolyard bullying of decades past, why it's harder to escape, and which kids face the highest risk. They walk through the Clay Center's three W's: what to look for, when to worry, and what to do, covering everything from documenting evidence the right way to rallying "upstanders" instead of bystanders. Practical, direct guidance for any parent, caregiver, or educator raising a kid in today's always-on digital world. Tune in now!

Media List

• Cyberbullying: A Serious, Often Dangerous Form of Harm and Ways to Support Your Teen (MGH Clay Center)
• Teens and Cyberbullying 2022 (Pew Research Center)
• StopBullying.gov
• Common Sense Media
• The Cyberbullying Research Center
• The Bullying Prevention Program (Mass.gov)
• Who Is at Risk for Bullying (StopBullying.gov)
• Cyberbullying: What to Know (MGH Clay Center PDF)
• Cyberbullying: What to Do (MGH Clay Center PDF)
• What to Look for, When to Worry, What to Do (MGH Clay Center)

Episode music by Gene Beresin

Episode produced by Masha Mesyef

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Pride Month episode of Shrinking it Down: Mental Health Made Simple, Gene and Khadijah are joined by Dr. Alex Keuroghlian for a wide-ranging, candid conversation about supporting LGBTQ+ youth. As Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at MaineHealth and former founding director of the MGH Psychiatry Gender Identity Program, Dr. Keuroghlian draws on nearly a decade leading the National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center and his own published research to discuss the environments and policy climate that put LGBTQ+ young people at risk, what it actually looks like when a child comes out, and how families can repair when a conversation doesn't go as hoped. Citing research showing that strong family support is the greatest predictor of good mental health, academic performance, and housing security for youth down the road, Dr. Keuroghlian makes a compelling case for the power of family acceptance. This episode explores that power, the value of parents sharing their own stories, and the warning signs caregivers should watch for — offering insight, hope, and practical guidance for anyone who wants the LGBTQ+ kids in their life to feel loved, supported, and free to be who they are. Tune in now!

Media List

• Dr. Alex Keuroghlian (MaineHealth)
• PFLAG (National advocacy group for friends and family of LGBTQIA+ people)
• The Trevor Project
• Human Rights Campaign
• What to Look for, When to Worry, What to Do (MGH Clay Center)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can parents, mentors, and communities help young Black men feel safe, seen, and supported in today’s world?

In this powerful episode of Shrinking it Down: Mental Health Made Simple, Gene and Khadijah are joined by Dr. Nadia Ward for an important conversation about the mental health and well-being of young Black men. Together, they discuss the impact of racial trauma, toxic stress, and racial profiling, while highlighting the importance of mentorship, identity, and community support. They offer insight, hope, and practical guidance for parents, mentors, educators, and anyone committed to creating safe spaces where young Black men can heal, grow, and thrive. Tune in now!

• Nadia Ward (Clark University)
• Mosakowski Institute (Clark University)
• What Is Resilience? (MGH Clay Center)
• What to Look for, When to Worry, What to Do (MGH Clay Center)

Episode music by Gene Beresin

Episode produced by Spenser Egnatz

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.