It'sTime2!'s Be Kind All the Time

Episode 4: Bullying is Real - A Conversation with Jessica Pricci

Bullying is real. And it is real for students, parents, and school professionals. In this episode of Kind All the Time, Dr. Brian Ceccarelli — founder of It'sTime2! — sits down with Jessica Pricci for a powerful, honest conversation about the impact of bullying in schools and how it affects youth mental health and emotional wellbeing. From the hallways to social media, bullying takes many forms and leaves lasting scars. Jessica shares her own story about bullying and what she learned from the struggle through to the strength.  This episode of Kind All the Time explores the realities facing students today, the warning signs parents and educators need to know, and the critical importance of getting help with mental health support when bullying occurs. Discover how we can build cultures of kindness, foster resilience, and create safe spaces where every young person can thrive. 💡 What You'll Learn: * The real impact of bullying on youth mental health and emotional wellbeing * Warning signs that a child may be experiencing or perpetrating bullying * How to respond effectively as a parent, educator, or school professional * Resources for getting mental health help and support * Strategies to build resilience and mental wellness in young people * Creating a culture of empathy and inclusion in schools and communities Tune in for an analytical, inspiring, and educational conversation that blends real stories with practical guidance and compassion. Together, we can end bullying and support the mental wellness of every student. #Bullying #MentalHealth #ItsTime2 #YouthMentalHealth #StudentWellbeing #EmotionalWellbeing #Resilience #MentalWellness #BullyingPrevention #SchoolSafety #ParentingSupport #EducationPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #YouthEmpowerment Support the show [https://www.daytonfoundation.org/donate-credit-card?fund=ItsTime2!_Charitable_Fund_8490] That's a wrap on another episode of It'sTime2!_____ [https://www.itstime2.org/]. Thank you for joining us as we work together to shape young lives and build resilience for growing generations. Your commitment to understanding and supporting youth makes all the difference. You can find additional mental wellness resources and support at itstime2.org [https://www.itstime2.org/]. Keep doing the important work, and remember – be kind all the time.

Episode 3: Mental Health in Schools with a Licensed School Counselor

In this episode of It’sTime2! — a podcast dedicated to mental health and emotional wellbeing for young people — Dr. Brian Ceccarelli talks with a school counselor about the growing mental health crisis in schools. Together, they unpack the daily challenges faced by students, the emotional weight on teachers, and the power of early intervention and open conversations. With a balance of analysis, storytelling, and compassion, this episode offers practical insight for educators, parents, and anyone passionate about supporting youth mental health. Learn more at itstime2.org [https://www.itstime2.org]. Support the show [https://www.daytonfoundation.org/donate-credit-card?fund=ItsTime2!_Charitable_Fund_8490] That's a wrap on another episode of It'sTime2!_____ [https://www.itstime2.org/]. Thank you for joining us as we work together to shape young lives and build resilience for growing generations. Your commitment to understanding and supporting youth makes all the difference. You can find additional mental wellness resources and support at itstime2.org [https://www.itstime2.org/]. Keep doing the important work, and remember – be kind all the time.

Episode 2: A Parent's Journey Through Crisis - When Your Child's Mental Health Becomes a Family Emergency Guest: Kelsey, Parent and School Professional

We sit down with Kelsey, a parent who found herself navigating every family's worst nightmare: watching her son spiral into a severe mental health crisis. As both a mother and someone who works in schools, Kelsey brings a unique dual perspective to one of the most challenging experiences a family can face. The Breaking Point Kelsey shares the raw, unfiltered story of her family's journey from noticing early warning signs to facing a full-blown crisis that threatened to tear her family apart. She walks us through the moment she realized this wasn't typical teenage behavior and how quickly everything escalated beyond what any parent preparation could have anticipated. Recognizing the Signs Before It's Too Late Learn to distinguish between normal adolescent struggles and serious mental health red flags. Kelsey reveals the subtle changes in her son's behavior that she initially dismissed, and how those early warning signs evolved into unmistakable cries for help. Navigating the Complex Support System From pediatricians to psychiatrists, Kelsey details the overwhelming process of finding appropriate help. She shares which resources proved invaluable and which fell short, providing a roadmap for other families facing similar challenges. The Family Ripple Effect Mental health crises don't happen in isolation. Kelsey honestly discusses how her son's struggle affected every family member, strained relationships, and forced difficult decisions about daily life, work, and priorities. She reveals both the devastating lows and the unexpected sources of strength that emerged. School and Home Partnership Drawing from her experience on both sides of the equation, Kelsey explores the crucial role schools can play in supporting families through mental health crises. She addresses when and how to involve educators, what information to share, and how to build a collaborative support network. Essential Resources Every Parent Should Know: * Warning signs that demand immediate attention * Key professionals and organizations that can help, especially those who specialize in crisis intervention * The importance of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and other support networks Insights for Families: * Why early intervention is absolutely critical * The power of communication with your child and their entire support network * Why there are no quick fixes and why that's okay * How to advocate effectively for your child's needs * Building resilience as a family unit Hope Through the Darkness While Kelsey's story includes some of the most difficult moments a parent can face, it's ultimately one of hope and healing. She shares how her family is rebuilding, what they've learned about themselves, and how they're moving forward together. Who Should Listen: This episode is vital for parents who are currently worried about their child's mental health, educators who want to better support struggling families, and anyone who wants to understand the realities of adolescent mental health crises. Kelsey's bravery in sharing her story provides both validation for those in similar situations and crucial education for those who hope to help. Support the show [https://www.daytonfoundation.org/donate-credit-card?fund=ItsTime2!_Charitable_Fund_8490] That's a wrap on another episode of It'sTime2!_____ [https://www.itstime2.org/]. Thank you for joining us as we work together to shape young lives and build resilience for growing generations. Your commitment to understanding and supporting youth makes all the difference. You can find additional mental wellness resources and support at itstime2.org [https://www.itstime2.org/]. Keep doing the important work, and remember – be kind all the time.

Episode 1: How Social Media Hijacked a Generation's Happiness with Stephen Smith of A Wired Family

Dive deep into one of the most pressing issues facing families today: the devastating impact of social media on young people's mental health. Our guest, Stephen Smith from A Wired Family, brings years of expertise in digital wellness and family technology balance to unpack the hidden dangers lurking behind every scroll, like, and notification. The Mental Health Crisis Unfolding Online Stephen reveals alarming statistics about rising anxiety, depression, and self-harm rates among teens directly correlated with social media usage. We explore how platforms designed to connect us are actually isolating our children and creating unprecedented levels of psychological distress. The Comparison Trap Destroying Self-Worth We examine how curated online personas create impossible standards, leading to chronic comparison syndrome. From body image issues to FOMO (fear of missing out), learn how constant exposure to others' highlight reels is eroding young people's self-esteem and authentic identity formation. Family Relationships Under Attack Stephen shares how social media is fragmenting family bonds, creating digital walls between parents and children. We discuss the rise of "continuous partial attention" and how screen-mediated relationships are replacing face-to-face connection, empathy, and genuine communication. Sleep, Focus, and Academic Performance Explore the cascading effects of social media on sleep quality, attention spans, and academic achievement. Stephen provides concrete data on how late-night scrolling and constant notifications are literally rewiring young brains for distraction and anxiety. Red Flags Parents Should Know: * Warning signs that social media use has become problematic * The difference between healthy and toxic online engagement * How to recognize when your child needs immediate intervention * Platform-specific dangers parents often miss Solutions A Wried Family doesn't just identify problems – he provides actionable strategies families can implement immediately: * Setting boundaries that kids will actually respect * Creating tech-free zones and times that strengthen family bonds * Teaching digital literacy and critical thinking skills * Building real-world activities that compete with screen time * Having conversations about online experiences without judgment Hope for Healing While the challenges are real, Stephen shares inspiring stories of families who have successfully reclaimed their relationships and their children's mental health through "digital minimalism". Who Should Listen This episode is essential for parents, educators, mental health professionals, and anyone who cares about young people's wellbeing. Whether you're dealing with a child's social media struggles right now or want to prevent future problems, Stephen's insights will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need. Stephen Smith is the founder of A Wired Family. Stephen has helped thousands of families create healthier relationships with technology. Join us for this crucial conversation about protecting our children's mental health in the digital age. Support the show [https://www.daytonfoundation.org/donate-credit-card?fund=ItsTime2!_Charitable_Fund_8490] That's a wrap on another episode of It'sTime2!_____ [https://www.itstime2.org/]. Thank you for joining us as we work together to shape young lives and build resilience for growing generations. Your commitment to understanding and supporting youth makes all the difference. You can find additional mental wellness resources and support at itstime2.org [https://www.itstime2.org/]. Keep doing the important work, and remember – be kind all the time.