Here are some highlights from the 2024 Summit on Social Media and Youth Mental Health. Thanks, Molly OShea, MD, FAAP, for your request.
Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D, Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, SAMHSA, discussed the Kids Online Health and Safety (KOHS)Task Force, which held nationwide listening sessions and roundtable discussions.
Dr. Jenny Radesky and Dr. Megan Moreno, Co-Medical Directors of the American Academy of Pediatrics Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health, spoke about the role of the center in shifting the public approach to social media from reactive to trauma and community-informed, strength-based, evidence-based, and youth-centered. Youth and families are stressed and should be provided with tools that empower them to successfully navigate the challenges they face in the midst of advancing technology. Collaboration and cross-disciplinary thinking are essential. It’s important to note that there is no evidence that the rise in youth mental health issues is solely caused by social media. We need much more research on social media use and its impact.
The Center of Excellence has an age-based toolkit called the 5 C’s.
Every CHILD is different and responds differently to social media. It’s important to assess and provide appropriate CONTENT. It’s also essential to recognize how your children CALM down and regulate their emotions. Using social media right before bedtime can interfere with sleep, but some teens may be using their phones to access mindfulness/meditation apps which can be beneficial to enhancing well-being. It’s also important to recognize what offline activities social media is CROWDING OUT, e.g., family game night or walks, and consider re-instituting them. Last but not least...COMMUNICATION is key. Parents should talk to their children early and often about social media by having two-way conversations rather than lecturing, and they should model the behavior they want to see. Parental use of social media and technology is a key part of the conversation.
The Youth Advisory Panel is a group of young people who provide their perspectives on social media and give feedback to the center. They participated in a panel discussion with tech industry experts and media advocates for youth and voiced their needs and concerns. The discussion included the ability to reset and revise algorithms, age restrictions, and decreasing the number of notifications.
See the link below for useful resources for clinicians, educators, parents, and teens.
Health Care Executive and Consultant
3moThis is excellent - Thanks Hari Prasad