MEDIA, TECH & KIDS
95% of US adolescents have at least one mobile device of their own
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
California is home to Hollywood and Silicon Valley, two power centers largely responsible for the media and technology our children consume. The COVID-19 crisis has shown the extent to which media and technology are fully integrated into every aspect of our society, from schools to social connections to the communication of public health. They are public utilities, and social safety nets. This crisis has also opened our eyes to things that may be better done online – opportunities to build platforms and networks for public good. And it has shown us there is no substitute for in-person communication and connection. CPP is dedicated to ensuring that our state’s largest industries help us meet this moment by recognizing their responsibilities and developing platforms and content for the public good.
In partnership with The Center for Humane Technology, The Child Mind Institute, and Common Sense Media, CPP is examining how new content and distribution technologies are affecting adolescent mental health. Through a review of existing research, and a series of community conversations, we bring the concerns and expertise of parents, educators, teens, and health professionals into a statewide discussion, and clarify and communicate the warning signs and best practices around media, technology, and mental health with key audiences and networks.
MEDIA USE BY KIDS
75%
Teens now spend nearly 75% of their waking hours on screens since the start of COVID
1 in 6
Teens have experienced at least one form of abusive behavior online
56%
U.S. adolescents are heavy users of social media
DIG DEEPER
INSPIRATION
Keeping Tech from Taking Over
While we use all available research to support adolescents through their tech-dependent and screen-saturated lives during Covid-19, we offer some tips to avoid full reliance on media and tech as social and educational lifelines.
RESEARCH & INSIGHTS
Children's Mental Health Report
This Child Mind Institute Children’s Mental Health Report focuses on the positive and negative mental health effects of social networking, messaging, photo sharing and multiplayer gaming in young people.
Tweens, Teens, Tech, and Mental Health
"Coming of Age in an Increasingly Digital, Uncertain, and Unequal World 2020" is Common Sense's latest report tackling the adolescent mental health crisis and it's association with digital technology.
EVENTS
The Perfect Storm: Social Media, Isolation & Mental Health
As part of The Social Dilemma virtual tour, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and renowned journalist Lisa Ling will lead a live conversation with teens about how they’re navigating social media in a time of social distancing.
Oct 15, 2020, 4:00 PM PST
