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2025 Washburn Community Forums

August 2025 Washburn Community Forum


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About

The Internet is Here to Stay: Positives and Pitfalls for our Children

The Internet is Here to Stay: Positives and Pitfalls for our Children is a timely and informative training designed to help parents, educators, and caregivers navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape. As children and teens increasingly turn to the internet for entertainment, connection, and information, understanding how and why they access online spaces is essential. This presentation explores current trends in youth internet usage, including video gaming and social media, while highlighting the impact of these activities on mental health and overall well-being. Participants will gain insight into the benefits of digital engagement, as well as the hidden risks that come with constant connectivity.

Special attention will be given to more serious online threats such as sextortion and other forms of digital exploitation. The training also offers practical, evidence-based strategies for guiding children toward healthier digital habits. By discussing the scope of internet use, this session equips caregivers and providers with the tools they need to support young people in building a safe, balanced relationship with technology. Whether you're concerned about screen time, online safety, or emotional wellness, this training provides the knowledge and resources to make a meaningful difference.

Objectives:

  • Learn how and why children and teens access the internet, including statistics.
  • Learn about video gaming and common concerns seen in this area.
  • Learn about online exploitation in the form of sextortion.
  • Understand how children’s internet usage can impact mental health.
  • Learn practical intervention strategies for kids and teens who use the internet.

 

Details

Date: Friday, August 1st, 2025

Time: 9:30am-12:15pm CT

Location: Training Institute at Washburn Center for Children

                                            1100 Glenwood Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55405

  Sign-In/Check-In: 9:15am CT

                          Price: $50

                          Credits: 2.5 CEUs*

                          *Approved by MN Board of Social Work || Pending approval by MN Board of

                                      Behavioral Health and Therapy, MN Board of Marriage and Family Therapy, MN Board of Psychology

 

 

Trainers

Bonnie Brunette, MSW, LICSW                                                                                                                                Dr. Max Utterberg, LPCC, Ph.D

                                                                                                                               

 

Bonnie (she/her) joined Washburn Center for Children in 2023. With over 25 years experience in the field of childhood trauma and mental health, Bonnie has worked as a forensic interviewer, clinical supervisor, internship coordinator, individual and group therapist, and advocate. She is trained in various treatment modalities including EMDR, TF-CBT, and play therapy. 
Bonnie received her Bachelor of Social Work degree in 1998 from Illinois State University and Master of Social Work degree in 2001 from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Prior to her current position, Bonnie worked in the Victim Services Division of the FBI for 7 years. Bonnie has taught national and international trainings on various topics related to abuse, neglect, exploitation, human trafficking, and sextortion and has testified as an expert witness for entities including the United States Attorney’s Office and the United States Army. 
Bonnie is also a huge Jeopardy! fan and was even selected to try out for College Jeopardy! in 1998, but sadly was not selected because she couldn’t get the timing of the buzzer thing right. 
Max (he/him/his) owns a private practice where he conducts individual, group, and family therapy. He is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and an approved clinical supervisor in Minnesota, and earned his PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision in 2024. He spent many years doing school-based mental health, and is certified in Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. He is currently an adjunct faculty at St. Mary's University of Minnesota, where he teaches developmental psychology and statistics. In 2024, he also published a textbook chapter, "Counseling School-aged Boys: Influences and Interventions". Max has presented for both teachers and mental health professionals on a variety of topics, including technology and kids, suicide prevention, advocacy, and masculinity. 

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