Browse our Q&A Portal Library
Browse our library of all previously submitted questions here. Check back often as we add new questions regularly.
Welcome to the Social Media and Youth Mental Health Q&A Portal! Here you can read our featured Q&A Portal questions, view available resources to help your child build healthier digital habits and browse our library of previously submitted questions and responses to learn more about other topics.
Not finding what you're looking for? Feel free to submit your own question to our Center of Excellence team. Your question will receive an evidence-based response from our expert team and be added to our Q&A Portal library.
Featured Questions
Read our featured Q&A Portal questions and responses
Screen Time Limits for Young Children
Question: Should young children have screen time limits?
Answer: Yes. Boundaries and balance are important so that kids get sleep, play and time with their family. Whether that screen time duration goal is 2-3 hours/day on weekends or at Grandma’s house, and ~1 hour/day at home is up to your family to figure out and will vary based on what’s going on in your life. Read the rest of this answer here.
Social Media & Youth Mental Health Q&A Portal
|February 22, 2024
Parental Controls & Digital Monitoring
Question: I have heard of a variety of programs that can be used to monitor for and block sensitive content online. One example is Bark. Are these types of programs recommended? Is one better than another? Are there any risks to using these apps as another line of defense against inappropriate content online?
Answer: Based on existing research, we recommend alternatives to parental control apps, like online safety plans that rely on parenting strategies that promote better teen self-regulation, incorporate family input in the rule-setting process and facilitate learning. Read the rest of this answer here.
Social Media & Youth Mental Health Q&A Portal
|February 22, 2024
Healthy Parenting and Digital Media Use
Question: What impact does parents’ use of digital media have on children? Why might parents not be aware of this impact?
Answer: It seems that everyone these days is busy, frequently using media for work, relaxation, coordinating family/social activities and more. Sometimes parents can be so focused on managing their child’s digital media use, that they forget about how their own media use contributes to family wellbeing. Read the rest of this answer here.
Social Media & Youth Mental Health Q&A Portal
|February 22, 2024
Submit a New Question
Don't see what you are looking for? Submit your own question below. Your answer will then be added to the Q&A Portal library to help others with similar questions.
Tools and Resources
Use these resources to help 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.
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
02/22/2024
Source
American Academy of Pediatrics