In this #AskTheExperts short, panelist Tara Steele explains why #AI companions can feel real to children and teens and how this type of one-sided relationship creates a dangerous power imbalance, putting youth’s safety at risk. Learn more: bit.ly/4984b5A

#YearInReview Looking for a bird's-eye view of the latest research investigating the impacts of #DigitalMedia on youth? Children and Screen’s Research-at-a-Glance printables are visual summaries with key takeaways and insights for parents, educators, and youth. 👉 https://bit.ly/45jQPC0

NEW! Host Kris Perry pulls back the curtain on #AI and child-centered design with AI design expert Sonia Tiwari, PhD, in the latest #ScreenDeep episode. Tune in to learn why AI products often fail at prioritizing #ChildDevelopment and the risks of AI characters to youth. https://bit.ly/4jkaPub

How can families foster optimal social-emotional development for children in "middle childhood" (ages 6-11)? Download the NEW Ages 6-11 Guide for top expert-backed, evidence-based insights for helping children lead healthy lives in the #DigitalAge. 👉 https://bit.ly/48LiUUY #ChildDevelopment

In 2025, Children and Screens continued to equip families with the tools they need to thrive in the #DigitalAge with parenting #TipSheets and guides curated from the latest research and leading experts in the field. Access our free parenting tips: bit.ly/4pZYsWM

⏰ Hours left to double your impact! Your gift helps Children and Screens provide families with free, research-based tools to navigate the #DigitalAge. 👉 Give now: https://bit.ly/4aq2pPt

A new cross-sectional survey study of adolescents found that receiving positive feedback on #SocialMedia was associated with greater cognitive bias. Cognitive bias was linked to more negative emotions which in turn were associated with more health risk behaviors. https://bit.ly/3MU7oyc

18 episodes. Over 14 hours of research-based discussion. In 2025 the Webby-nominated #ScreenDeep podcast went headfirst into the driving forces affecting youth today with leading experts and researchers in the field. Your support makes #ScreenDeep possible. Donate now 🎁 bit.ly/4aq2pPt

From #AskTheExperts: Anne Maheux, PhD, discusses the possible social risks of youth attachment to #AI chatbots, including incomplete social skill development and a reinforcement of avoidance of in-person interactions in youth with social anxiety. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4asjuZd

Healthy cognitive development from the ages of 6 to 11 supports the foundations of attention, learning, and brain health for adolescence and adulthood. 🧠 Lean on the latest research and expert insights by grabbing your copy of the NEW Ages 6-11 Guide today ⏬ bit.ly/48LiUUY

A recent cross-sectional design study of adolescents aged 12-19 found that weekend and weekday screen time, from either a laptop or a TV, was associated with poorer sleep health, and quality of life indicators, including impacted efficiency and daytime dysfunction. Read the abstract: bit.ly/49pI7EA

Learn from top experts across disciplines on how #SocialMedia is impacting youth from social contagion to exposure to online racism through #AskTheExperts shorts in #LearnAndExplore. Browse the video library now: https://bit.ly/3DiMHHH #DigitalMedia #ChildDevelopment

Children and Screens helps families navigate today’s #DigitalWorld through #AskTheExperts webinars — offering trusted, research-based guidance to support children’s development. Help us keep this resource free of charge by donating today! bit.ly/4aq2pPt

What is the impact of school phone bans on students’ academic performance, #MentalHealth, and well-being? ​​ Find out in the NEW Research-at-a-Glance on “Digital Devices in Schools” today! Download your copy of the PDF here: bit.ly/4acPrEI #Education #Research

In this #AskTheExperts short, panelist Andrew Clark, MD, shares new research on leading #AI chatbots that shows they supported various alarming and unhealthy ideas from a fake “troubled teen” a significant amount of the time. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4asjuZd

What are the big "Do's" and "Don'ts" around #DigitalMedia use and healthy development for children 6-11? Learn how to continue building a strong foundation for your child’s well-being in the #DigitalAge by reading the NEW Children and Screens Ages 6-11 Guide today! https://bit.ly/48LiUUY

The Children and Screens Ages 6-11 Guide is the NEW essential publication for parents, educators, & clinicians for fostering healthy development of preadolescent children in the #DigitalAge -- curated from the most up-to-date research findings & expert insights. Download now: https://bit.ly/48LiUUY

What is “Sextortion?” #OnlineSafety The NEW #CommonQuestion in #LearnAndExplore investigates the risks sextortion poses to youth online and actionable steps parents/caregivers can take to protect their young ones from this form of online coercion. 🔗 https://bit.ly/4q6WfrY #Privacy

The must-see #AskTheExperts webinar recording of “AI Companions and Kids” is now available for streaming. This important and timely watch will help parents and caregivers understand the risks of social #AI on youth #MentalHealth, #OnlineSafety, and identity development. 🔗 https://bit.ly/4asjuZd

📣 New @ucsfchildrens.bsky.social evidence review in Academic Pediatrics! 📱 Adolescents exposed to cyberbullying may experience sleep disturbances, with problematic social media use central to both 🔗 Read here: tinyurl.com/cybersleep @ucsf-ihps.bsky.social @ucsfhealth.bsky.social

A recent longitudinal study of adolescents found that participants who reported experiencing #ADHD traits of “hyperactivity” and “inattention” were more likely to display signs of excessive internet use six months later. Read the abstract: https://bit.ly/4pEvFqg #Study #DigitalMedia

A new longitudinal study has found that smartphone ownership at age 12 was linked to an increased risk for depression, obesity, & poor sleep. At 13, acquiring a smartphone was associated with reports of clinical mental disorders & poor sleep. 🔗 bit.ly/3KaQFWs

Researchers are increasingly examining the effects of short form videos on cognition. bit.ly/4iRDUwP Listen to the NEW #ScreenDeep episode to learn more about "brain rot" & how short form content facilitates addictive behaviors: bit.ly/4a6rUVP

Studies show taking selfies and using filters can affect body satisfaction at an early age. Learn more about the relationship between youth media use and body image by reading the Research-at-a-Glance on “Digital Media and Youth Body Image” today! ⏬ https://bit.ly/4nnU95T #BodyImage #Research

Children and Screens thanks the Energy and Commerce Committee for advancing key child #OnlineSafety legislation. Going forward, we urge lawmakers to strengthen these measures with the best available research to ensure meaningful protections for children in the #DigitalWorld.

NEW! The Research-at-a-Glance on “Digital Devices in Schools” is a printable visual summary of the latest research findings on the effects of school phone bans/restrictions on students and K-12 classrooms. Download your copy of the PDF ⏬ https://bit.ly/4acPrEI #EdTech #Smartphones

What we’re watching: Right now the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade is marking up 18 online safety bills, including #KOSA and #COPPA2.0. bit.ly/3MualFr #OnlinePrivacy #KidsOnlineSafety

What is “brain rot” -- and how is it related to social media overconsumption? 😖🧠 Find out more about short form video addiction and its impact on youth in the NEW #ScreenDeep episode with Meredith E. David, PhD. Listen now: https://bit.ly/48Hd99C

NEW #ScreenDeep episode! Host Kris Perry is joined by Meredith E. David, PhD, to explore how people are becoming more disconnected to others, more attached to their phones, & addicted to short form video content. Learn more on phone-snubbing & social relationships: https://bit.ly/48Hd99C

Couldn’t join today's #AskTheExperts webinar? Stay tuned for the full recording of "AI Companions and Kids: What You Need to Know" here: https://bit.ly/4asjuZd #DigitalMedia #ChildDevelopment #Parenting #AI

Host Kris Perry closes out the #AskTheExperts webinar on the effects of social #AI on #ChildDevelopment and wellness. Be the first to hear about the next #AskTheExperts webinar in 2026 — sign up for Children and Screens' newsletter today: https://conta.cc/4gXYklj

Steele (SAIFCA) on the rise of social #AI among youth: “For some children AI companions can begin to feel like the only thing that really listens and that’s understandable but also [troubling].” #AskTheExperts #ChildDevelopment #MentalHealth

#AskTheExperts panelist Tara Steele (SAIFCA) on a subsection of #AI companion apps called grief bots: “They’re modeled on a person who has passed away.” For children coping with loss, that poses serious risks & …“there’s been very little thought or research put into the design.”

Clark suggests having curiosity driven conversations with children about their #AI use: “Let the child be the expert.” #ChildDevelopment #DigitalMedia

Panelist Andrew Clark, MD, (BU Medicine) suggests parents might “Just say no” when it comes to #AI companions. Watch the recording (available next week) to learn more. #AskTheExperts

Current discussion — Panelist Andrew Clark, MD,(BU Medicine) illustrates how #AI companions can pose risks to children’s #MentalHealth and #Safety by offering a glimpse into how a chatbot “friend” might respond to a child looking to self-isolate. #AskTheExperts

#AskTheExperts Annie Maheux, PhD, (UNC Sea Lab) offers parents and caregivers a framework for monitoring social #AI use, having family conversations around the risks of AI, and modeling desired behavior for youth. #ParentingTips

“In terms of emotion and identity development…it’s possible that youth will struggle with the capacity to tolerate distress.” — #AskTheExperts panelist Annie Maheux, PhD, (UNC Sea Lab) on the potential risks #AI may pose to children’s social development. #ChildDevelopment

#AskTheExperts Moderator Michael Robb, PhD, (Common Sense Media) defines #AI companions: "These are digital friends or characters…designed to have conversations that feel personal and meaningful." #DigitalMedia #ChildDevelopment

Moderator Michael Robb, PhD, (Common Sense Media) opens the panel discussion with an overview of #AI companions and youth, its growing prevalence, and why youth are drawn to engaging with chatbot "friends." #ChildDevelopment #Research

#LIVE Host Kris Perry kicks off the #AskTheExperts Webinar “#AI Companions and Kids.” Stay tuned to learn how social AI is impacting youth and what families can do to help protect children and teens' #MentalHealth and #OnlineSafety. Join us 👉 bit.ly/3Mrcqlo

There’s still time left to join Children and Screens TODAY at 12 pm ET for the #AskTheExperts webinar “AI Companions and Kids: What You Need to Know.” Learn how youth use social #AI companions, how that use may shape development, and more. Sign up: https://bit.ly/3LZSXrM

TOMORROW — What does the rise of social #AI mean for the social development, #MentalHealth, and #OnlineSafety of children and teens? Find out at the #AskTheExperts webinar “AI Companions and Kids: What You Need to Know” on December 10 at 12 pm ET via Zoom. Register: https://bit.ly/3LZSXrM

Is your teen/tween chatting with an AI “friend?” What does this mean for their social development, mental health, and safety? 📲 Join us for the #AskTheExperts webinar “AI Companions and Kids: What You Need to Know” on Wednesday, December 10, at 12pm ET via Zoom. 🔗 https://bit.ly/3LZSXrM

What can be done to safeguard youth from the risks of #AI companions? Panelist Tara Steele will discuss #safety/ethical concerns of using social AI at the next #AskTheExperts webinar “AI Companions and Kids” on Dec.10. Sign up: https://bit.ly/3LZSXrM #EthicalDesign

A recent longitudinal study found that #SocialMedia addiction was associated with an increased risk for doomscrolling two months later among adolescents. However, doomscrolling was not linked with later addictive social media use. Read the abstract: bit.ly/4a6W772

In this #AskTheExperts short, Diane Gilbert-Diamond, ScD, explores the link between exposure to food advertisements and children’s hunger cues. The takeaway? Food ads can impact the amount of food a child consumes - even when full. Learn more 🔗bit.ly/44NmhIt

We joined @childrenandscreens.bsky.social & @parentstogether.bsky.social to file comments on the NY Attorney General’s “SAFE for Kids Act.” The Act would require platforms to restrict addictive algorithms, and overnight notifications on social media for kids and enforce age verification ⤵️

At yesterday’s hearing on solutions to protect children online, Chairman Guthrie highlighted the issues youth face in digital spaces and bills that work in harmony to address these challenges. Read Kris Perry’s statement on the hearing: bit.ly/3KEmMxK

Do #AI companions disrupt or impact children’s social development? 🗣️💬 Panelist Anne Maheux, PhD, will explore this question and more at the next #AskTheExperts webinar “AI Companions and Kids” on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 12pm ET via Zoom. Register: https://bit.ly/3LZSXrM