Paramsten Hartounian, Ed.D., M.A., AMFT        

Paramsten Hartounian, Ed.D., M.A., AMFT, is a School Counselor at Rose and Alex Pilibos School, where she supports students from transitional kindergarten through 12th grade. With over 18 years of experience in education, student services, and counseling, she specializes in social-emotional learning, restorative practices, and trauma-informed care. Dr. Hartounian is a creator of the first Wellness Center at an Armenian school and provides individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, and mental health programing. She is dedicated to equity, wellness, and community-based healing through evidence-based, culturally responsive practices.

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Filtered Reality: Unmasking Social Media’s Grip on Youth and Reclaiming Emotional Wellness         

Description:

This workshop explores the emotional and psychological effects of social media use among adolescents, with a focus on TikTok and Snapchat. The session integrates literature-based research with school-based interventions such as the "ONE Love, ONE Heart" SEL campaign to promote mental wellness, empathy, and digital literacy. Designed for school counselors, educators, and mental health professionals, this training provides actionable strategies and tools to support youth in navigating the digital world with emotional intelligence.  

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to:

• Identify at least three psychological impacts of social media overuse on youth.   
• Differentiate how gender influences adolescent social media experiences and behavior.    
• Demonstrate an understanding of the "sick role" phenomenon on TikTok and its implications on adolescent identity and mental health.
• Apply at least three SEL-based intervention strategies to support student wellness in educational settings.