Social Media and Adolescents’ Mental Health

What does the research show in regard to how teens' social media use impacts mental health? How can parents support their teens in using social media in healthier ways? How can teens use social media in healthier ways? Jacqueline (Jackie) Nesi, PhD is an Assistant Professor at Brown University in the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior and a clinical psychologist answers these questions in this podcast about social media and adolescent mental health. Dr. Nesi’s research examines the role of social media in adolescents’ peer relationships and mental health, with a focus on depression and suicidal thoughts and behavior. Her work has been funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), and she is currently funded by a K23 award from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). She has published in numerous peer-reviewed journals, including Journal of Adolescent Health and Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and her work has been featured in popular media outlets such as the Wall Street Journal and Teen Vogue. Dr. Nesi is passionate about understanding how and for whom social media use influences adolescents’ mental health, so as to identify and intervene with youth most at risk.  For useful information on this topic visit the following sites:  Common Sense Media - https://www.commonsensemedia.org; Children and Screens - https://www.childrenandscreens.com/virtual-workshop-series/