Digital Media and Child and Adolescent Mental Health

A Practical Guide to Understanding the Evidence

Can moderated screen time have a positive impact on young people’s mental health?

There are varied and mixed opinions about digital media. Often parents worry about issues like online bullying and inappropriate content, but these media can also be used in positive ways by children and adolescents. Digital and social media are a vast spectrum, with many different applications, and it’s important to consider it all: the good, the bad, and the ugly. 

With over 30 expert contributors spanning a range of disciplines including psychology, education and communications, as well as young people's own perspectives, this book dispels some of the myths that surround young people’s use of digital media and covers important topics ranging from safeguarding, to digital citizenship and the fear of missing out.

Using reflective activities, practical tips and evidence-based research, this text suggests informed ways social and digital media can be used beneficially, providing vital understanding to anyone studying child and adolescent mental health.