This National Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health will serve as a centralized, trusted source for evidence-based education and technical assistance to support the mental health of children and adolescents as they navigate social media.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health is dedicated to creating a healthy digital ecosystem for children and adolescents.
Social media use starts during childhood and can play a significant role in the relationships and experiences that impact children and teens’ growth, development and mental health.
The Center’s work is guided by its co-Medical Directors, Megan Moreno, MD, MPH, MSEd, FAAP and Jenny Radesky, MD, FAAP, who are pediatricians and experts in the field of youth development and media. Internally, Center Director Nicole Owings-Fonner leads a strong team of program, communications and mental health professionals.
The 5 Cs of Media Use
Pediatricians and providers often need quick, simple ways to discuss digital media with families. To help, we developed The 5 Cs of Media Use. The 5 Cs are designed to meet kids, teens and parents where they are, build insight and communication skills, and motivate for healthy behavior change.
Starting the Conversation About Teen Social Media Use
Parents and providers play an important role in guiding how teens use social media. But it can be hard to know where to start! Join us for a webinar on Friday, May 17, 3:30 p.m. ET, Starting the Conversation About Teen’s Social Media Use With Help From the Family Media Plan, as we explore ways health care providers and other adults can talk with teens about healthy social media use habits.
Get Your Questions Answered: Our Q&A Portal on Social Media and Youth Mental Health
Whether you're a parent, teen, educator or clinician, our expert staff and physicians are here to answer your questions. Click on a Q&A Portal audience page below to view our library of submitted questions, related educational resources and tools to help build healthy digital habits.
Tools and Resources
Use these resources to help your family develop healthy digital habits.
Family Tip Sheet - Building Healthy Digital Habits
When it comes to helping your children build healthy digital habits, you may not know where to start. Here are some research-based tips from pediatricians that can make a big difference for your family. Also available in Spanish.
AAP Family Media Plan
Media is everywhere, and managing it all can be tough. Use the AAP Family Media Plan to help you and your children set media priorities that matter most to your family. Create your family media plan here.
Multimedia Resources
AAP Webinars
Social Media Tips for Teens
AAP Podcast: Social Media and Mental Health
Social Media: Enjoy the Upsides and Avoid the Downsides
Stay Up-To-Date on New Resources
The Center of Excellence team is continuously working on developing new resources. Sign up to be added to our monthly newsletter to stay up-to-date on available resources, events and relevant updates regarding social media and youth mental health.
Additional Information
Contact the Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health
Looking for more information about the Center of Excellence? Or seeking a presenter to speak about social media and youth mental health? Please contact us.
Grant Statement
Funding for the Center of Excellence was made possible by Grant No. SM087180 from SAMHSA of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, SAMHSA/HHS or the US Government.
Last Updated
09/15/2023
Source
American Academy of Pediatrics