Events

Adults spend an average of three to four hours per day on their screens, while youth spend an average of seven. Children are getting smartphones earlier than ever – 53% of kids have their one by age 11, and by age 12, 71% do. While devices themselves are not addictive, the social connections they give

In a time where youth are more digitally connected than ever before, rates of loneliness, social isolation and challenges with building meaningful relationships continue to rise. The digital connections that youth make via social media and online platforms are meaningful and important, but they also contribute to social isolation and loneliness. Youth can be left feeling sad, misunderstood, suffering from FOMO and

Sexual harassment and violence perpetrated by youth is a significant and widespread public health issue. It occurs frequent in schools, online, and in our communities with serious, sometimes lifelong, physical, mental and behavioral health consequences for victims. Peer-on-peer sexual harassment and abuse is so common in some settings that youth may regard them as normal.

The CDC cited bullying as a widespread public health issue, referring to research that indicates bullying is common and, in many instances, shares a relationship with trauma, albeit a complex one. Being bullied can significantly impact the physical, emotional, social, academic and behavioral well-being of children and teens. Those who have been exposed to trauma and violence may be more likely to

In an age of instant gratification and constant change, helping youth build perseverance and a belief in their ability to grow is more important than ever. A growth mindset can empower youth to overcome challenges, while the risk factors of trauma and adverse childhood experiences can be mitigated by the protective factors that build resilience

The landscape of youth mental health is rapidly evolving in response to social, technological and environmental changes. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the numbers of children and adolescents experiencing major depressive episodes and anxiety, mood, attention and behavior disorders. One in five of our youth experience mental illness, while nearly

Our youth are facing complex serious social challenges encompassing a range of issues from anxiety and depression to loneliness. Their involvement with technology and social media often amplifies those challenges. In a recent Pew Research Center survey, 7 out of 10 teens say anxiety and depression are major problems they and their peers are facing.

In today’s connected world, the digital environment is a central part of youth identity, relationships and daily life. Social media, gaming and online communities can foster creativity and connection — but they can also lead to stress, anxiety, isolation and self-comparison. The digital environment can have a profound influence on the developing mind and mental

The U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory addressing social media and youth mental health. With the near universal use of social media among youth ages 13 – 17, the Advisory looks at the impact of social media on the mental health of our young people, both positive and negative. Adolescents report that social media connects

Do teens lack empathy for others? Is it possible to “teach” empathy to teens? One study promoted the theory that teens don’t take the feelings of others into account because they are just incapable of doing so. Another study states that involvement in social media has decreased the levels of empathy among youth. The reality

Our youth are connected to each other via social media, and those relationships are meaningful and important. However, youth spending time with peers, in person, is essential to their healthy development. Just published research indicates that youth are experiencing loneliness at higher levels now, especially with the impact of COVID. The research has shown that

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Institutes of Health Youth report that the mental health of U.S. children and teens is in crisis. The crisis is fueled by increasing rates of anxiety, depression and suicidality among adolescents with schools and agencies addressing complex emotional, behavioral and social needs of our youth. The current