David Walsh, Ph.D.

President, National Institute on Media and the Family

David Walsh, Ph.D. has emerged as one of the world's leading authorities on parenting and the impact of media on children's health and development. He spent 10 years teaching and coaching high school students before joining Fairview Health Services in Minneapolis to develop and direct innovative counseling programs for youth and families. In 1995, he founded the internationally renowned National Institute on Media and the Family. As president, Dr. Walsh spearheads the Institute's efforts to provide parents, teachers, and other concerned adults information about media through education, research, and advocacy.

Dr. Walsh has presented workshops to parents, educators, and other professionals throughout the world. A consultant to the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Education of Japan, he has testified before congressional committees on numerous occasions. Dr. Walsh presents workshops that blend humor, warmth, scientific substance, and practical advice.

Author of nine books, including the national best seller Why Do They Act That Way? A Survival Guide to the Adolescent Brain for You and Your Teen. In January 2007, he released his latest book, No: Why Kids - of All Ages - Need to Hear It and Ways Parents Can Say It. The book serves as the focal point of the Say Yes to No campaign which teaches parents and educators how to instill self-discipline in America's children and ensure our kids our successful in school and life.

Dr. Walsh has authored columns on numerous topics, including Internet addiction and the dangers of MySpace.com. His columns have appeared in newspapers across the country, including the Washington Post and the San Jose Mercury News.

A frequent guest on national radio and television, Dr. Walsh has appeared on NBC's Today Show, Good Morning America, The CBS Early Show, The News Hour with Jim Lehrer, Dateline NBC, ABC's 20/20, National Public Radio's All Things Considered and Morning Edition, and has been featured on three nationally broadcast PBS specials. He has been the recipient of numerous awards including the Council on Family Relation's Friend of the Family Award.

Dr. Walsh is on the faculty of the University of Minnesota, and has published many articles in the professional and general press. He is active in many professional associations and is a licensed psychologist in the State of Minnesota. Dr. Walsh is a lifetime member of the Parent Teacher Association in Minnesota, Ohio, Utah and Washington.

He received his B.A. degree from Mt. Carmel College, his M.A. degree from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, and his Ph.D. in educational psychology from the University of Minnesota. He and his wife Monica live in Minneapolis and have three adult children-Dan, Brian, and Erin.

Comments and Evaluations

"Dr. Walsh made a compelling presentation-one of the best we've ever had at our annual meeting."
- John F. Eisberg
Senior Partner
Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi, L.L.P.

"Our business leaders were taking notes on David's eye-opening revelations as he was one of our most interesting and dynamic series speakers! We will definitely invite him back!"
- Barbara Obershaw
President
Burnsville, MN Chamber of Commerce

"We've had people calling asking when we are going to bring him back!"
- Jamie Langlois
3M

"Dr. Walsh had our entire group of managers talking for weeks after his presentation."
- Gary Strong
Chief Information Officer
Fairview Health Services

"Just when you think Dr. Walsh has covered all the ground possible, he comes through with more information that connects with a wide range of audiences."
- Mary Harp- Jirschele
Vice President, Communications
AAL

"David combined the humor of Bill Cosby with the teaching wisdom of Socrates to keep our teaching staff spellbound for five hours. He was a marvelous inspiration to all of us. Rarely has a particular individual been able to incite a feeling of warmth and understanding and so generously offered a personal experience and knowledge as guidance to our staff. The 1200 staff members working in the public schools in Somerville, Massachusetts consider it a great opportunity to have worked with Dr. David Walsh."
- Dr. Albert F. Argenziano
Superintendent, Somerville, MA

"In my thirty-seven years of attending workshops, this is the best I have ever been to."

"Absolutely wonderful. Maybe the best workshop that I've ever attended."

"Fantastic!"

"Powerful presentation! Could have listened to Dr. Dave all day."

"Absolutely outstanding! Only wish we had more time."

"WOW! This was incredible. I could have listened to him for a whole day. Bring him back. EXCELLENT!"

"We want more of what Dr. Walsh can offer - GREAT!"