Navigating the Digital Age: A Mental Health Perspective for Young People
Why should I attend?
With so much information available online, the internet's impact on young people's mental health has become a growing concern worldwide. Join Mariana Bolivar, Tawanada Murepa, and Dr John Torous as they reflect upon MQ’s latest report on the mental health impact of internet use on young people. This webinar will provide a thorough review of what is currently known about the internet's effects on young people's mental health, and also identify gaps for future research to create a safer, healthier, and empowering digital world for young people everywhere.
Mariana Bolivar, MSc
Mariana has 14 years of experience in global health and development, focusing on program design, management, and evaluation. At MQ, she leads research on mental health determinants and digital technology. Previously, she managed a $13M global health project at BMJ, enhancing clinical skills through digital learning. In Colombia, she co-led MASUNO, a mental health initiative supporting pandemic-affected individuals. Mariana is also a member of the WARMI Mental Health network, supporting women's mental health in the Americas. She holds an MSc in Population and Development from the LSE and has professional certifications in RCTs and program management.
Tawanda Murepa, BSc
Tawanda Murepa, Founder of Young People Mental Health Trust and Co-Founder of wEvolve Consultancy, is a mental health advocate with a BSc in Psychology from Midlands State University and certifications in mental health and human rights. He co-directs Zimbabwe’s DASS project for primary students and has five years of experience in anti-drug campaigns and wellness workshops. An international advocate, he supports over 60,000 people via YO-PETALTH WhatsApp platforms. His work has earned him multiple awards, including the 2022 Top Social Entrepreneur 30 under 30 and the 2023 Mental Health Advocacy in Educational Institutions award.
John Torous, MD, MBI
Dr. Torous directs the Digital Psychiatry division at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, affiliated with Harvard Medical School. He's a psychiatrist and faculty member, with a background in engineering and computer science. He completed his education at UC Berkeley and UC San Diego before pursuing residency and fellowships at Harvard. He's a leading figure in exploring mobile mental health technologies, with numerous publications and leadership roles in psychiatric associations and research programs. Additionally, he serves as the editor-in-chief of JMIR Mental Health.