The Annual State of the Child was held this week in west Michigan. The event in Grand Rapids addresses some of the biggest challenges facing kids and families, including mental health, substance abuse, life online, and healthy relationships.

Wedgwood Christian Services organized the event. CEO Dan Gowdy said this will focus on what’s best for those teens.

“This is not adults getting together talking about kids,” Gowdy said. “This is adults coming together and listening to youth about where we need to align ourselves and come alongside and help develop those youth’s internal resources and external support systems.”

Gowdy says despite making connections online teens see a lot of isolation in today’s world. He’s also calling on Michigan lawmakers to address social media use and the dangers it presents.