BEYOND THE SCREEN: Rethinking How We Talk About Teens and Tech

In this timely discussion, Dr. Jennifer Reid listens in as Dr. Megan Moreno, Co-Medical Director for the AAP’s Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health, challenges the outdated "addiction" narrative and reveals a transformative framework that empowers both parents and adolescents. Drawing from 15+ years of research at the intersection of technology and teen health, Dr. Moreno offers a refreshingly nuanced roadmap for families navigating the complex digital landscape—where the goal isn't to simply limit screen time, but to foster healthy, balanced relationships with technology in a world where screens are unavoidable.

Key Points

1. Moving Beyond the "Addiction" Framework

   • Youth have grown weary of the addiction framework for social media use

   • The term "addiction" makes teens feel powerless

   • Focus instead on empowering conversations where teens feel they have control

2. Understanding Problematic Use

   • Three key aspects of problematic technology use:

     • Content: Repeatedly seeking harmful or inaccurate content

     • Crowding Out: When technology displaces important activities (sleep, relationships, schoolwork)

     • Relationship with Technology: Feeling anxious or unable to disconnect

3. The "Digital Native" Challenge

   • Today's adolescents are "digital natives" interacting with screens from a young age

   • Parents need to model healthy online-offline balance

   • Self-imposed limits can be effective role modeling

4. Identity Development Online

   • Teens use social media as part of identity development

   • They often "try out" new identities, hobbies, or friendships online

   • Multiple platforms allow teens to curate different aspects of their identity

5. Vulnerability Factors

   • Some teens are more vulnerable to negative effects of social media

   • Pre-existing mental health conditions can make online experiences more challenging

   • Strong offline support systems help mitigate negative online experiences

6. The Five C's Framework for Healthy Media Use

   • Child: Understanding each child's unique needs and characteristics

   • Content: Focusing on the quality and type of media being consumed

   • Calm: Building diverse tools for emotional regulation beyond screens

   • Crowding Out: Ensuring media doesn't displace essential activities like sleep

   • Communication: Maintaining open dialogue about technology use

7. Parental Guidance Approach

   • Parents can be curious learners alongside their teens

   • Focus on transferable skills: treating others well, maintaining safety, setting boundaries

   • Ask questions from a place of curiosity rather than judgment

Resources Mentioned

• American Academy of Pediatrics Family Media Plan tool (or Google "AAP Family Media Plan")

• Common Sense Media for app and game reviews

• The five C's framework: Child, Content, Calm, Crowding Out, Communication

• American Academy of Pediatrics Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health

Guest: Dr. Megan Moreno - Professor of Pediatrics and Affiliate Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison; Academic Chief for the Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine; Principal Investigator of the Social Media and Adolescent Health Research Team.

Dr. Moreno has authored over 200 research articles as well as written and edited several textbooks. She is particularly interested in incorporation of youth voice in research, dissemination of research to reach teens and families, and the impact of research on clinical practice and policy. Dr. Moreno currently serves as the Co-Medical Director for the AAP’s Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health.

Ongoing Research

Dr. Moreno mentioned a current study examining the impact of social media on adolescent brain development using functional MRI scans to better understand how teen brains process information from social media over time.

Dr. Reid on Instagram: @jenreidmd and LinkedIn

Also check out Dr. Reid's regular contributions to Psychology Today: Think Like a Shrink.

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