Social Media and the Digital Generation

At this Faculty of Education panel, including Professor Emma Duerden, Canada Research Chair in Neuroscience and Learning Disorders, our experts discussed the correlation between the rise of smartphone and social media usage and the rapid decline of mental health in children and youth. Professor Duerden, an international media commentator on the impacts of screen time on children and youth for outlets including CNN, CBC and the Globe and Mail, was joined by Professor Kaitlynn Mendes and Laura Herbert for a discussion moderated by Professor Jacqueline Specht. Drawing their research, the panel addressed the impact of social media and digital technologies on children and youth and what parents, caregivers, educators and community leaders can do to help.