What Research Actually Says about Social Media and Kids’ Health
The Washington Post June 18, 2024
Filed in: Technology
Even as the surgeon general recommends warning labels for parents and kids about social media, there is still debate about whether or to what extent technology may be negative for youth. NSCA member Candice Odgers is cited in this overview of what research tells us about social media and youth mental health.
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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.”
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