VENTURA — On Wednesday, Feb. 5, Ventura Charter School welcomed Dr. Tracy Bennett, nationally recognized screen safety expert, clinical psychologist, and author, to host an exclusive session to help parents and educators navigate the risks and benefits of screen time for children and teens. Dr. Bennett, founder and CEO of GetKidsInternetSafe (GKIS) and author of Screen Time in the Mean Time: A Parenting Guide to Get Kids and Teens Internet Safe, provided science-backed, actionable strategies to help families prevent digital addiction, cyberbullying, and online exploitation. Dr. Bennet was invited to offer students and parents customized presentations for grades 5 & 6 and 7 & 8, recognizing that different aged students tend to have different concerns and insights.
“In 30 years of clinical practice, I’ve seen childhood change dramatically due to screen time. With kids spending more time in online neighborhoods than offline neighborhoods, digital injuries increasingly contribute to child distress,” said Dr. Bennet. “The key to prevention is awareness, information, and a strong parent-child connection. That’s the mission behind GetKidsInternetSafe. I’m so grateful to community leaders like Ventura Charter School for supporting their families during difficult times.”
Dr. Tracy Bennett is a clinical psychologist, founder/CEO of GKIS, and screen safety expert dedicated to helping families navigate the digital world safely. She has over 30 years of experience, working extensively with children, teens, and families to prevent and treat screen addiction, cyberbullying, and online exploitation. She is the author of “Screen Time in the Mean Time: A Parenting Guide to Get Kids and Teens Internet Safe” and an adjunct faculty member at CSU Channel Islands. Dr. Bennett has consulted for Facebook Messenger Kids, served as Global Ambassador for TeenSafe, and appeared on Access Hollywood Live, national radio, and major media outlets. Through keynote speaking, corporate consulting, and expert media appearances, she equips parents and educators with science-backed, actionable strategies to foster healthy digital habits and stronger family connections.
“We strive to provide a learning environment that not only supports academic success but also fosters emotional and social well-being,” said Lisa Hildebrand, Executive Director of Ventura Charter School. “Bringing Dr. Bennett to speak with our community is just one of the many ways we go beyond traditional academics to prepare our students for the realities of today’s world. We are committed to equipping families with the resources they need to navigate digital safety, ensuring our students grow into resilient and thoughtful individuals.”
As part of Ventura Charter School’s ongoing commitment to fostering resilient, socially intelligent, and well-educated students, the school recognizes the importance of addressing digital well-being as a key component of modern childhood development. The decision to host Dr. Bennett aligns with Ventura Charter School’s mission of engaging students in meaningful learning experiences and providing parents with the resources necessary to navigate today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. Parents who attended expressed their appreciation for Ventura Charter School’s proactive approach in addressing these pressing issues. By prioritizing holistic education that extends beyond the classroom, Ventura Charter School continues to distinguish itself as a forward-thinking institution that values the overall well-being of its students and their families.
Digital ailments are on the rise for teens and tweens nationwide and it is essential that parents stay informed and connected to their student’s screen usage. Research shows:
- More than 1 in 4 students have been cyberbullied within the past 30 days. –Cyberbullying Research Center
- In a 2024 study, researchers found that 33% of children had first contact with mobile devices between the age of 5 and 9. It was also found that 18.4% of respondents had problematic internet use and 7.2% had internet addiction.
Ventura Charter School – Starting as Open Classroom in the 1970’s, Ventura Charter School of Global Arts & Education launched in 2006 as a tuition-free public charter school within the Ventura County Office of Education. The school currently serves over 400 K-8th grade students on its campus located within the larger DATA middle school property. Ventura Charter School is an expeditionary learning school in partnership with EL Education. It is guided by 10 founding principles and its mission to, “engage every student in meaningful and supportive learning experiences to grow resilient, educated, and socially intelligent human beings.”