Do Cellphone Bans in Middle School Work? It’s Complicated.
KQED September 26, 2024
Filed in: NSCA | Technology
National Scientific Council on Adolescence member Jacqueline Nesi, PhD, was quoted in the recent article published by the Bay Area’s NPR and PBS member station, KQED. Nesi explains that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to smartphones for early adolescence, but research suggests that kids need “increasing independence as they age [and] there’s value in giving them opportunities to solve problems.”
Recent News
May 26, 2026
In this webinar, hosted with Spring Point Partners, NSCA member Candice Odgers explored the real risks and benefits of digital technology use during adolescence, and discussed how we can support young people to develop the skills they need to successfully navigate new and existing technology throughout their lives.
May 22, 2026
NSCA member Candice Odgers was quoted in a New York Times article about the new screen time warning issued by the Surgeon General. Although the warning linked excessive time online to worse sleep issues, anxiety, depression, alcohol use, and other health harms, experts say the research is more nuanced. “Much of the existing research does not suggest that social media use is a major predictor of whether a child will develop mental health issues,” said Candice. Rather, she said, “it suggests that children who are already struggling with mental health or other issues are more likely to spend time online.”
back to top