What Does It Mean to Be an Upstander While Being Aware of Social Media Issues?

Written By Ellen Marrs

This podcast explores the importance of being an upstander and why speaking up, supporting others, and taking action matters in today’s world. The conversation dives into the powerful influence social media and online platforms have on both youth and parents, including the growing pressures surrounding clicks, clout, popularity, and the real-life consequences that can follow harmful online behavior. The episode also highlights how parents can recognize warning signs, intervene early, and begin crucial conversations with their children about accountability, mental health, peer pressure, and online influence. Through honest discussion and practical insight, the podcast focuses on navigating a child’s life in a positive, supportive, and proactive way while encouraging healthier communication and stronger family connections.

About Katey McPherson:

With over 27 years of experience as a teacher, counselor, and school administrator, Katie has dedicated her career to student and teacher social and emotional wellness. She currently leads professional development for Bark for Schools, protecting over 5 million children, and actively serves on youth mental health initiatives and advisory boards. Her work empowers families and educators to tackle digital challenges head-on.

For more information or to connect with Katey, please go to her website.

Ellen Marrs

Ellen is a successful entrepreneur, author, homeschooling mom of seven, and three-time Boston Marathon finisher. She is the author of “Lessons from the Finish Line”, her personal story of faith, passion, and perseverance in the pursuit to run 12 races in 12 consecutive months. She is also a compilation author in "Women Who Rock", a book highlighting the stories and successes of women from various backgrounds and stages of life.

The focus of Ellen's business and her personal goal in life is to make a positive impact on the world with those who choose to join her in “The Kindness Revolution”. She teaches individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations the importance of expressing gratitude through relationship marketing, as well as her signature class, “Gratitude: The Missing Link”. In a span of just three years, the students in her classes impacted over 10,000 people with compassion, gratitude, and kindness.

Ellen was most recently featured by FOX 10 TV, the Boston Athletic Association, Boston University News Service, Voyage Phoenix, and Networking Times magazine, a global publication for the network marketing profession.

Ellen fuels her passion to help others and make a difference in the world by sharing her story with abuse victims, foster children, and potential foster parents. As a motivational speaker, trainer, and mentor, she inspires others to overcome difficult circumstances, pursue their dreams and achieve their goals with unbridled passion. She has mentored countless individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations in relationship marketing and "acceleration through appreciation".

To relax, Ellen enjoys running, riding motorcycles, and spending as much time as possible outdoors with her family. She currently travels the United States with her husband, Rick, and their seven children.

To connect with Ellen, reach out via social media or the Life on Planet Marrs website.

https://lifeonplanetmarrs.com
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