Beyond the hype: Centering youth voices in the smartphone debate

Watch the recording

In this wide-ranging panel discussion, the Child Mind Institute asked young technology and mental health advocates to share their experiences growing up with social media; comment on policy approaches to social media and smartphone use among young people; and talk about why it’s important to center young people’s voices in these conversations.

“Centering Youth Voices” was moderated by Elle Kass, research projects coordinator at the Child Mind Institute. The five panelists were Saheb Gulati, a senior; Aavineet Pahwa, a senior in high school; Edward Thomas, a freshman; Martin Montiel, a graduate of the University of California, San Diego ’24; and Daniella Ivanir, a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley ’23.

This webinar is accompanied by a companion article, “What research tells us about the role of social media in young people’s mental health,” featuring young people’s mental health researchers and clinicians.

“As digital natives, I think [social media] is nuanced and complex,” Daniella said at the start of the panel: “It’s not all bad or all good – it’s all together.” It’s life.”

In their personal stories, each panelist highlighted how social media has enriched their lives and created challenges. As Edward shared, “[Social media is] something we are all a part of, but also something we almost are forced be a part of it.”

The complexity of interacting with social media led to a key question from Aavineet: “Should we limit social media – or teach our younger generation digital literacy?”

Digital competence and well-being

Panelists spoke about phone bans in schools and other restrictions, seeing the potential for positive health impacts and a missed opportunity. Saheb aptly summarized an argument against bans: “By banning phones, are we missing a great opportunity for students to learn how to use these devices in a healthy way?” Martin spoke eloquently about how insightful a “social media detox ” can be for young people accustomed to online life, but also pointed out how powerful social media can be for socializing in a new environment like college.

“Healthy engagement means being able to use technology to your advantage,” Edward said.

Politics and empowerment

Telephone bans also have the potential for conflict. Saheb recalled a ban at his school in which the students’ reaction “evolved from a scathing reaction to grudging acceptance or even recognition.” Others on the panel took a different view. “If my school had a phone ban, I think 50% of the population wouldn’t come to school,” Aavineet said. “It shouldn’t be forced on us. Youth should be at the forefront.”

Daniella agreed, highlighting the danger of unintended consequences of unilateral policymaking. “If we put young people at the heart of policymaking, we won’t get policies that don’t do what we expect of them.”

Justice and diverse experiences

When evaluating the policy, the discussion participants repeatedly returned to the justice perspective. They noted that not every student has the privilege of being able to disconnect at the whim of the school or government policy. “Are there children who need contact with their younger siblings?” asked Daniella. “Is there a medical need?”

Another important part of this conversation is being open to how social media affects young people from different backgrounds, Edward said. Because “challenges and benefits look different for everyone.”

Awaken young voices

All panelists encouraged adults to approach social media – and the ways it is used by young digital natives like them – with a healthy curiosity. “There is a disconnect between what is understood about how young people engage with social media and technology and how people try to control this through policy,” Edward said. Listening to young people’s perspectives and experiences can temper the sensationalism of the smartphone debate and make room for policies based on reality.

According to panelists, young people’s voices will have a transformative effect on political debate. And as far as online vigilance goes, Aavineet had this parting thought: “I like following KISS,” she said. “Keep it simple, stupid.” In other words, use social media when it’s helpful and makes you happy, and unplug when it’s not.

These conversations are part of the Child Mind Institute’s Technology and Young People’s Mental Health webinar series, which asks how technology can be used to improve the mental health of all young people. The series is made possible by our partner and funder, the California Department of Health Care Services.