Youth Connections
Fears abound about how social media, smartphones, and digital games are leading to depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems. What is under-discussed and under-investigated is how such technologies can foster social connection and engagement in ways that can build wellbeing among young people.
Young people are actively seeking information and support for mental health and wellbeing online, and their experiences vary. Online risks mirror offline vulnerabilities. Parents, educators, clinicians, and technology developers need approaches tailored to the needs and strengths of vulnerable youth.
This project dispels murky fears and moves beyond one-size-fits all solutions. Our goal is to identify, support, test, and communicate new digital strategies for tapping young people’s insights, agency, and technology engagements to support wellbeing.
" Much of our existing knowledge related to the core principles of how to promote healthy development among young people should translate into an evolving digital landscape. "
- Social Media and Youth Wellbeing Report
DOWNLOAD THE REPORT
New report provides insights into youth connections for wellbeing. Respected psychologists and scientists identify gaps and opportunities for supporting adolescents in today’s digitally-focused world
BLOG POSTS
These days, it seems impossible to escape the crushing psychological weight of Black death and dying. Everywhere I turn – my social media accounts, local and international news, attendance at protests – the suffocating grasp of Black death and dying – reinforced and substantiated by anti-Black racism – is always there…
After years of being warned about the toxic effects of screens on children, finally we have an evidence-based set of guidelines that may actually help educators, families, and children successfully navigate “screen time” in the digital age.
Young people are growing up in a new era of information abundance where they can google anything and connect with specialized expert communities online.
Shareable Resources
Apps for Youth - Game Your Goals
Apps for Kids
Apps for Youth - Meditation
Apps for Youth - Track Your Thoughts
Apps for Youth - Talk It Through
Self-Care Toolkit
Screen Time for Kids Infographic
In The News
- CNBC -
“Finding an effective therapy app can be like finding a needle in a haystack,” says Stephen Schueller, a UCI assistant professor of psychological sciences…
- The New York Times -
“There doesn’t seem to be an evidence base that would explain the level of panic and consternation around these issues,” said Candice L. Odgers, a professor at the University of California, Irvine…
- NPR -
Parenting in the age of smartphones can be really stressful. There’s a growing push to encourage parents to be media mentors rather than gatekeepers. Mizuko Ito, director of the Connected Learning Lab, talks with NPR’s Anya Kamenetz in the Life Kit parenting podcast.
TEAM
Principal Investigators
Collaborating Faculty
Researchers
Rose O'leary
Graduate Student Researcher
Partners
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