Don’t Just Blame Social Media for Kids’ Poor Mental Health—Blame a Lack of Sleep
Education Week September 9, 2024
Filed in: Health & Wellbeing | Education | Mental Health | Digital Tech
On September 4, 2024, the Co-Director of the UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent, Andrew Fuligni, spoke to EducationWeek reporters at a webinar and media briefing about the importance of sleep in improving adolescent mental health. At the briefing, Fuligni explained that there is a rich body of research showing that poor sleep leads to poor mental health, and it’s a link that is getting overlooked in the current frenzy over cellphones and social media.
Recent News
December 2, 2024
For students who are having a difficult time excelling in school, building trust with teachers and caring adults can help them cultivate confidence and a sense of belonging in academic settings. In a new KQED article, Co-Executive Director Andrew Fuligni explains that “adolescents are building an identity, which involves discovering things that you are good at,” and “many students mistakenly believe that academic ability is fixed rather than a developed skill.” By cultivating a growth culture in the classroom and providing positive feedback and affirmation, adults can help students cement a sense of belonging that can benefit their academic success and overall wellbeing.
November 22, 2024
Co-Executive Director Adriana Galván answers questions from the Cognitive Neuroscience Society (CNS) about her life and research prior to her upcoming keynote lecture at the 2025 CNS Meeting in Boston. “I hope that the public can gain a more positive perspective about adolescents. This period of life helps propel us into adulthood and the willingness to explore the world is a key attribute of adolescence that helps us learn through trial and error,” says Galván.
back to top