Public Seminar: Social Media and Mental Health – an Abrahamic perspective (now with audio)


Audio from this event is now available!

Abi Buchhalter (Jewish) – download, or listen here:

Kitty McKinley (Christian) – download, or listen here:

Rafat Najm (Muslim) – download, or listen here:


The Wellington Abrahamic Council is pleased to invite you to an event which explores religious perspectives on dealing with the mental health implications of social media.

WhenWednesday 28 September, 7pm
WhereSalvation Army Newtown Centre
4 Normanby St, Newtown
SpeakersAbi Buchhalter – Youth Counsellor (Jewish)
Kitty McKinley – Founder, Challenge 2000 (Christian)
Rafat Najm – Chaplain, AUT Mosque (Muslim)

Free event, all welcome, no RSVP necessary. If you are able, please bring a can or two of food which will reach people in need via DCM.

What is so much time on devices doing to our young people?

Research from America has worrying implications for New Zealand parents. It shows that since 2010, adolescents have been spending more and more time on their devices. It is believed this may account for significant increases in depression and suicide that we are seeing in our young people, especially girls.

In contrast, the research shows that youngsters who spend more time on non-screen activities are less likely to have mental health issues.

Come to this seminar to hear approaches this problem from Jewish, Christian, and Muslim speakers.

How do we prepare our youngsters for an increasingly digital world? What skills could we give them to make their use of tech a positive experience? How do we help them deal with the negative stuff? And what can our religions offer?

There will be a Q&A session, tea and biscuits, and plenty of time for discussion. We look forward to seeing you there!

You can help us with publicity by inviting your friends to come along to this event with you or downloading our attractive flyer, printing it out, and posting it in your place of worship.

For more information, contact Dave Moskovitz, dave@abrahamic.nz, 027 220 2202