A Teen’s View of Social Media in 2025
For our newest installment in our annual series, I’d like to introduce you to my sixteen year-old friend Elly as she sketches out the scene of modern digital life among adolescents these days. Consider this a boots-on-the-ground report covering some really relevant topics – how TikTok’s algorithm sometimes swings wildly, why Snapchat’s “private” stories require […]
The SAFEST Model: Streamlining EU Youth Online Safety Legislation
Research demonstrates that social media offers young people significant benefits while simultaneously presenting notable risks. These services enable vital social connections, foster learning and skill development, provide safe spaces for identity exploration (especially crucial for underrepresented youth), and create opportunities for civic engagement and activism. However, these advantages are accompanied by a variety of potential […]
How Platforms Should Build AI Chatbots to Prioritize Youth Safety
The introduction and adoption of AI chatbots across multiple domains has ushered in many enjoyable and educational possibilities. These conversational agents – accessible via stand-alone apps or built into existing popular social media platforms – can offer companionship and support without the pressures or complications of real-world interactions. They can also provide youth with a […]
Metaverse risks and harms among US youth: Experiences, gender differences, and prevention and response measures
We have a brand new piece just published in New Media and Society! We are excited about this contribution to the literature base based on a nationally-representative sample of 5,005 youth in the United States. Most importantly, we’ve distilled the findings into clear recommendations for platforms, parents and guardians, teen users, content creators, and schools. […]
Instagram Teen Accounts – A Win for Parents and Legislators
Instagram just announced a significant update to the way they safeguard and support teen users on their platform, and I believe that this development is timely, well-constructed, and one that should lead to measurable benefits. These changes will initially be made to all accounts of youth under 18 years of age in the US, UK, […]
Addressing Youth Sexting Through Rational Legislation and Education
Sexting is defined as “the sending or receiving of sexually explicit or sexually suggestive images or videos,” usually via mobile devices. Our research indicates that at least 14% of US middle and high school students report that they have sent explicit images to others, while about 23% have received these kinds of images from their […]
Teens and AI: Virtual Girlfriend and Virtual Boyfriend Bots
A school counselor who works in a private school in California recently emailed me to ask for help as it relates to students and the misuse of specific AI bots. Her concerns, though, did not surround general purpose AI bots like Snapchat’s My AI or Microsoft’s CoPilot, but rather those that are specifically used as […]
Social Media, Youth, and New Legislation: The Most Critical Components
In my last piece, I discussed how some legislation in various US states has been proposed without careful consideration of the contributing factors of internalized and externalized harm among youth. More specifically, I expressed concern that the complexities surrounding why youth struggle emotionally and psychologically demand more than simplistic, largely unenforceable solutions. We recognize that […]
Technology Use Contract
Use this Technology Use Contract to establish an open line of communication regarding the child and parent expectations when it comes to using technology. Download PDF
Cyberbullying Scripts for Parents to Promote Dialog and Discussion
Provides parent/teenager “scripts” to promote dialogue and discussion about cyberbullying.
