What Causes Addictive Behaviours in Teens? | Brain Development, Risk & Intervention

Addictive Behaviours in Adolescence: School-Based Prevention & Intervention Strategies | Masterclass with Dr. Amanda Giordano Addictive behaviours such as internet gaming, social media overuse, cybersex, and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) often emerge during adolescence — making schools a critical setting for early identification and intervention. In this clinically grounded masterclass, Dr. Amanda Giordano explores the prevalence, developmental drivers, and real-world impact of behavioural addictions among young people. Designed primarily for educators & teachers, but also widely beneficial to mental health professionals and school-based practitioners, this session provides evidence-informed insights into how adolescent brain development shapes risk, and how professionals can respond with effective, ethical, and developmentally appropriate strategies. Whether you are asking “How can schools identify behavioural addictions early?” or “What are effective intervention strategies for adolescents engaging in NSSI or problematic digital use?”, this training offers practical guidance to support safer, more responsive care pathways. The session concludes with an extended Q&A, addressing common clinical and educational challenges in working with youth experiencing addictive behaviours. About the presenter Dr. Amanda L. Giordano, Ph.D., LPC, is an Associate Professor at the University of Georgia and a recognised expert in addictions counselling. She is the author of A Clinical Guide to Treating Behavioral Addictions and co-author of Addiction Counseling: A Practical Approach. Dr. Giordano has published over 60 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, contributing significantly to the evidence base in behavioural addictions and counselling practice. In 2024, she was awarded the Garry R. Waltz Trailblazer Award by the American Counseling Association in recognition of her impact on the field. She regularly delivers training to school districts, supporting educators and mental health professionals to better understand and respond to addictive behaviours among youth. In this video, you’ll learn: How common behavioural addictions develop during adolescence Key risk factors linked to gaming, social media, cybersex, and NSSI The role of adolescent brain development in impulsivity and reward-seeking The impact of addictive behaviours on academic performance and school engagement Evidence-informed prevention strategies in school settings Practical intervention approaches for educators and mental health professionals How to support early identification and appropriate referral pathways Who this video is for: Teachers, school leaders, and administrators Psychologists, counsellors, and psychotherapists School counsellors and wellbeing staff Social workers and youth workers Mental health nurses and allied health professionals Students and trainees in mental health and education fields Clinical & Professional Relevance: Understanding behavioural addictions in adolescence is increasingly important in contemporary mental health and educational practice. This masterclass supports professionals to: Recognise early warning signs of problematic behaviours in school environments Respond using developmentally informed, trauma-aware approaches Strengthen prevention frameworks within educational systems Improve interdisciplinary collaboration between schools and mental health services By integrating these insights, practitioners can contribute to safer, more supportive environments that promote engagement, wellbeing, and long-term developmental outcomes for young people.