Navigating Digital Media and Youth Mental Health

Description

This asynchronous professional learning opportunity equips clinicians and health professionals with the knowledge, skills, and practical strategies to understand, assess, and address the impact of digital and social media on youth mental health. 

Through interactive modules, case scenarios, and evidence-based resources, participants will gain practical insights to guide families toward healthy and balanced digital media use. 

Participants will also learn how to integrate prevention and screening practices into clinical workflows and develop confidence in facilitating open, supportive conversations with youth and families about digital behavior and wellbeing. 

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, learners will be able to

1. Describe current research on the impact of digital and social media use across developmental stages, including risks and benefits for youth mental health.
2. Apply the AAP’s Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health resources, including the 5Cs of Media Use,  to assess factors that influence youth digital media use and promote healthy mental, behavioral, and relational health. 
3. Integrate evidence-based prevention, screening, and intervention strategies into clinical workflows to identify and address problematic or risky media use.
4. Demonstrate effective communication techniques, including motivational interviewing and family-centered approaches, to guide youth and caregivers toward healthy and balanced digital media practices.

Course Details

• Start Date: November 5, 2026
• Online Access Expires: November 4, 2029
• Credit Expires: November 4, 2029
• Course ID: 62853

Acknowledgements

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.

Faculty

• Megan A. Moreno, MD, MSEd, MPH, FAAP
• Molly O’Shea MD, FAAP
• Douglas Fagen, PhD
• Tiffany Munzer MD, FAAP
• Julie Gorzkowski-Hamilton, MSW
• Scott Meskimen, MSN, CPNP-PC
• Lisa Brock, LCSW
• Nicole Owings-Fonner