Youth Mental Health and Technology: Connecting Leading Researchers and Policymakers (Webinar)

The result of a partnership between The Council of State Governments’ Midwestern Legislative Conference and the AAAS Center for Scientific Evidence in Public Issues, this webinar featured insights from leading researchers on a critical issue for state policymakers — the impacts of technologies such as smart phones and generative AI on the well-being of young people.

What does scientific evidence have to say about the rise in mental health challenges facing our young people, as well as whether or how these challenges correlate with the increased use of smart phones and social media? Is AI fundamentally different than other digital technologies regarding mental health? Can digital technologies help play a role in addressing the youth mental health crisis?

These questions and more were explored in the webinar; an overview of legislative trends and policy options also was provided to participants.

The MLC Health & Human Services and Education & Workforce committees presented this learning opportunity in partnership with the AAAS Center for Scientific Evidence in Public Issues. Indiana Sen. Jeff Raatz, a member of the MLC Education and Workforce Committee, served as webinar moderator.