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Policy Institute

Mental Health American Conference | Next Gen Prevention | Policy Institute | June 6, 2023 | Washington, DC and online

In 2023, the National Policy Institute will discuss supporting youth mental health through policy to promote internet-based technology designs and guidelines that facilitate age-appropriate content, support, and other positive activity online while eliminating exploitation of brain development stages and human behavior in algorithms designed for social media, gaming, and virtual reality platforms.

National Policy Institute - Washington, DC

Tweens, Teens, and Technology

In-person and virtual 
Tuesday, June 6, 2023, 1 - 4 p.m. ET   
Networking reception, 4 - 5 p.m. ET

Mental health trends in youth and adolescents over the last five years have shown a decline in wellbeing and increases in isolation and suicidality. Even as access to broadband and telecommunications devices grows awareness of information online about mental health promotion and managing mental health conditions, many youth and young adults face greater rates of depression and suicide, especially LGBTQ+ and BIPOC youth. (Data from MHA, SAMHSA, CDC). This is in contrast with trends in other health conditions for youth such as smoking and pregnancy, which have declined over time.

In 2023, the National Policy Institute will discuss supporting youth mental health through policy to promote internet-based technology designs and guidelines that facilitate age-appropriate content, support, and other positive activity online while eliminating exploitation of brain development stages and human behavior in algorithms designed for social media, gaming, and virtual reality platforms. We will explore research that discusses both the risk factors and protective factors of internet technology use and offer suggestions for policymakers and industry to equip youth for health and wealth. We are again excited to include the voices of young advocates who have been leading efforts locally and nationally to eliminate harmful internet technology practices and will award one young person the 2023 Youth Advocacy Award.

Watch the full Policy Institute recording
A video message from Sen. Blumenthal, sponsor of the Kids' Online Safety Act

Agenda

1 p.m. 
Welcome Remarks

Resources

1:10 p.m.
Youth Voice Empowered

  • Keegan Lee, Author, Public Speaker, and Mental Health Advocate

1:15 p.m.
Research Panel on the Risk Factors and Protective Factors of Technology Usage

Resources

1:55 p.m.
Moderated Discussion and Question and Answer Session

2:10 p.m.
Break

2:20 p.m.
Fireside Chat on Gaming

Resources

2:50 p.m.
Youth Perspectives: Teen Life on Social Media

3:05 p.m.
Policy Panel: Challenges and Innovations

3:45 p.m.
Moderated Discussion and Question and Answer Session

3:55 p.m.
Youth Advocacy Award Presentation

Resources

4 p.m.
Networking Reception

  • 1-hour networking reception
  • 15-minute resilience building activity

About Mental Health America

Mental Health America (MHA) - founded in 1909 - is the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and to promoting the overall mental health of all Americans. Our work is driven by our commitment to promote mental health as a critical part of overall wellness, including prevention services for all; early identification and intervention for those at risk; integrated care, services, and supports for those who need it; with recovery as the goal.

Questions about the program?

Contact MHA's Director of Policy and Advocacy, Caren Howard, at choward@mhanational.org.

Watch Past meetings

2022 Policy Institute: A Bi-Directional Approach to Bring Together Public Health and Mental Health

2021 Policy Institute: Addressing Youth Mental Health Needs in Schools (Read MHA's 2021 Policy Report on education, services, and supports to address the K-12 student mental health crisis.)

2020 Policy Institute Moving Upstream: Prevention and Early Intervention

2019 Agenda: Supporting Digital Innovation in Behavioral Health