Apologies. I am late in writing about this just-passed social media legislation in the state where I live, Utah (have to say my home state is Massachusetts). I'm late partly because I've been in denial. I can't believe that laws so disrespectful of teens' rights of privacy and participation could go on the books. And I can't believe that lawmakers of my generation – some of whom are loving … [Read more...] about Why I struggle mightily with the new Utah law
Megan Moreno
Most kids are fine online: New study
It’s time for a serious rethink about teen mental health and digital media, an important report urges – because “most adolescents using technology do so in ways that do not lead to increased risk of negative health consequences,” write the authors of “Adolescent Digital Technology & Media Use,” led by Megan Moreno, MD, at the University of Wisconsin. “Most” is a key word, there, because … [Read more...] about Most kids are fine online: New study
Tweens are smart about smartphones: Study
Everything about this study is smart — the 10-14 year-old respondents (average age 11), what the authors are modeling for pediatricians and parents, and the tweens' answers. For example, when asked what age kids should be given mobile phones, one answer was: "It's not an age. I think it's more of a maturity thing," said one young respondent. Another's answer was, "Probably when they know … [Read more...] about Tweens are smart about smartphones: Study
‘Claiming’ & social norming in social sites
When she found that about half of teens' social media posts "refer to drinking, sex, or violence," University of Wisconsin pediatrics professor Megan Moreno wondered how much of those posts were just claims, USNews.com reports. She still wonders – hard data is hard to gather – but she "thinks some of it is, some is nonsense, and some is a 'gesture of intention'," where someone might be thinking … [Read more...] about ‘Claiming’ & social norming in social sites