Cheyenne Regional Medical Center’s Community Discussion on Technology and Youth Mental Health

As concerns continue to grow about the impact of smartphones, social media and technology on children and teens, Cheyenne Regional Medical Center is inviting parents, caregivers, educators and community members to join a conversation about one of today’s most pressing youth mental health issues.

Cheyenne Regional will host a free community discussion Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Cottonwood Room at Laramie County Library. The discussion will be led by Dr. Justin Romano, child and adolescent psychiatrist at Cheyenne Regional Children’s Clinic, and Alex Kane, child and adolescent therapist with Cheyenne Regional Behavioral Health Services Outpatient.

For Romano and Kane, the discussion is rooted in what they experience every day while caring for children, adolescents and families in southeast Wyoming. Questions about smartphones, social media and screen time have become a routine part of patient visits as more families seek guidance on navigating technology and its impact on children’s mental health. Romano says concerns about excessive screen time, social isolation and difficulty setting healthy boundaries are among the most common challenges parents bring to his clinic.

Using Jonathan Haidt’s best-selling book, “The Anxious Generation,” as a framework, Romano and Kane will connect current research with their firsthand experiences caring for young patients. The discussion will explore the relationship between technology use and anxiety, depression and loneliness while offering practical strategies families can use to build healthier technology habits at home. Topics will also include balancing screen time with face-to-face relationships, encouraging healthy childhood development and creating realistic boundaries around technology use.

“Parents ask us about smartphones and social media every day,” Romano said. “They want practical guidance on helping their children build healthy relationships with technology. This discussion gives families a chance to learn, ask questions and have an open conversation about an issue affecting nearly every household.”

The event is free and open to the public, and reading “The Anxious Generation” is not required to participate. Ample time will be reserved for questions and discussion, giving attendees the opportunity to engage directly with Romano and Kane.