Washington County NY Youth Bureau

09/02/2026

Social Media Challenges:
Why are teens drawn in by social media challenges?
Teens’ brains are still developing. The part of the brain that handles rational thought, the prefrontal cortex, is not fully developed until the mid-20s. This means teens are naturally more impulsive and likely to act before thinking through all the ramifications.
The role of social media - rewarding outrageous behavior
Social media rewards outrageous behavior, and the more outrageous, the bigger the bragging rights. It’s a quick moving, impulsive environment, and the fear of losing out is real for teens. That environment plays into a teen’s underdeveloped ability to think through their actions and possible consequences.
Kids won’t necessarily stop to consider that laundry detergent is a poison that can burn their throats and damage their airways. Or that misusing medications like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and similar medicines can cause serious heart problems, seizures and coma. What they will focus on is that a popular kid in class did this and got hundreds of likes and comments.
The role of parents – building a better brain
As a parent, you can help your teen build intellectual muscle. Here's how:
• To start a conversation, ask your kids about the biggest challenges they’ve heard about in their circle of friends. Ask them (calmly and without judgment) what they think about the challenge. This helps build the skill of judging risk by talking about what could happen to someone who takes the challenge. You can still exercise your parental options such as limiting contact with certain kids or making specific activities off limits.

• If your child seems interested in participating in a challenge, use open-ended questions to encourage them to think through each step of the challenge. Ask them to consider the worst outcome. Ask them to think about why they would do it, and if it’s worth it. Are likes and comments worth hours in the emergency department?

• Be sure to "friend" your kids on social media. Staying in touch on their preferred communication platforms can help you keep in touch with what goes on in their day-to-day lives. Watch their stories for clues about what is going on in school and with their friends. Let your children know that if you pay for the device and the wireless network, they have to friend you in exchange.

• Sometimes kids are more willing to talk about their peers than themselves. Asking questions about school trends, friends and fads may yield more answers than direct questions about their own activities. No matter what, it is important to keep the lines of communication open and avoid passing judgment. Instead, calmly discuss the dangers in those choices.
For more information, please visit: Media - HealthyChildren.org

09/02/2026

How to Build a family media plan

Ask questions like:
• What do you like about social media platforms?
• How do you feel when you're on social media? And when I'm on social media?
• Have you seen anything concerning?

Help children understand:
• What's real and what's edited or fake.
• How to recognize ads or inappropriate content.
• How media and emotions connect.
• Make sure your kids know they can come to you about their experiences online.
Set a good example:
• Include your own habits in discussions about social media usage.
• When your attention is on your device, tell your kids what you're doing.
• Be kind to others online and talk to your kids about how you are using media for good.
• Know which platforms are age- and content-appropriate for your children.
• Set and follow safety rules for who we can chat with online.
• Set privacy settings at the most secure level.
Watch for warning signs, like if your child is:
• Withdrawing from social interaction and hobbies.
• Letting screen time interfere with physical activity, healthy eating or bedtime.

For More information on Social Media please visit: How to Build Healthy Digital Habits: 5 Tips for Families - HealthyChildren.org

07/20/2026

07/20/2026

Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to process payments

06/05/2026

06/03/2026

Is your child safe in their car seat? Find out! Washington County Public Health will be holding a Free Car Seat Check in partnership with Fort Ann Volunteer Fire Company, 11289 NY-149, Fort Ann NY 12827 on Wednesday, June 17th from 3-5pm.

Certified Car Seat Technicians will be on hand to check car seats for proper fit, use, possible recall and to help parents and caregivers on how to use the seat right. If a car seat is found to be unsafe, a limited number of car seats may be available for donation.

The car seat check is sponsored by New York State Governor's Traffic Safety Committee, Washington County Public Health, and the Cambridge Volunteer Fire Department.

Public Health also does checks by appointment at our office!

For more information, contact Elizabeth St. John, Washington County Public Health, at 746-2400 x3478.

06/02/2026

Village of Granville seeks Summer Swim Program Director for July youth program. Lifeguard & CPR certifications required. Apply now.

06/01/2026

How to Build a family media plan.
Want to Build a Family Media Plan? Where do we start?
• Work together to set rules about social media use so you and your children agree on how devices fit into your lives. Use our Family Media Plan tool to customize these rules for your family. A couple of hints below:
• Balance family time & screen time.
• Create screen-free times and places in your home (such as meals and bedtime).
• Set do-not-disturb times on devices and media time limits.
• Track online activities and talk about which ones may be problematic.
• Plan regular screen-free activities your family enjoys.
• Make a habit of turning off media that isn't in use. Try music if you need ambient noise.
• Talk about social media.
• Start regular, open-minded conversations with your children (even the youngest ones!) about their social media use, and yours.

For More information on Social Media please visit: How to Build Healthy Digital Habits: 5 Tips for Families - HealthyChildren.org