Policy Institute
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.
Agenda
1 p.m.
Welcome Remarks
- Caren Howard, Mental Health America
- Schroeder Stribling, Mental Health America
Resources
- Mental Health America screening data
- Center for Public Education and National School Boards Association report
- Common Sense Media annual survey
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
- Moderated by Mitch Prinstein, PhD, ABPP, American Psychological Association
- Monica Anderson, Pew Research Center
- Fred Dillon, Hopelab
- Erlanger Turner, PhD, Pepperdine University
- Yalda Uhls, PhD, Center for Scholars & Storytellers
Resources
- APA Recommendations
- Pew Research Center reports on platform preference and creativity
- Hopelab case study
- Center for Scholars & Storytellers reports on content and social media
1:55 p.m.
Moderated Discussion and Question and Answer Session
2:10 p.m.
Break
2:20 p.m.
Fireside Chat on Gaming
- Nora Volkow, MD, National Institute on Drug Abuse
- Don Mordecai, MD, Kaiser Permanente
Resources
- Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study
- Presence of Mind report and streamer lived experience video
2:50 p.m.
Youth Perspectives: Teen Life on Social Media
- Moderated by Sydney Daniello, Mental Health America
- Juan Acosta, MHA Youth Leadership Council Alumni
- Feh Gana, Our Future in Mind Alumni
3:05 p.m.
Policy Panel: Challenges and Innovations
- Moderated by Caren Howard, MHA
- Nicole Gill, Accountable Tech
- Haley Hinkle, JD, Fairplay
- Megan Moreno, MD, MSEd, MPH, American Academy of Pediatrics
- Amelia Vance, JD, The Superintendents Association
3:45 p.m.
Moderated Discussion and Question and Answer Session
3:55 p.m.
Youth Advocacy Award Presentation
- Presented by Kelly Davis, MHA
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