In the midst of a global youth mental health crisis and rising concern over social media and AI’s contributions to this, emerge calls for legislation, lawsuits, and policy reform. But to what extent are the experiences and ideas of actual young people being considered and heard? In this session, GoodforMEdia youth leaders and staff will explain why youth voice must be at the forefront of these conversations, describe approaches to authentically centering youth voice, and provide tools to implement when working with young people to support a balanced relationship with tech.
GoodforMEdia is a youth-led platform that promotes healthy digital habits and safer tech design. GoodforMEdia harnesses the power of peers to influence and educate one another in positive ways; recognizing that the best people to help youth navigate social media well are those that can relate to young people’s daily experiences, both positive and negative. This youth-driven program has drawn upon youth wisdom and lived experiences to educate and motivate hundreds of youths, policymakers, and tech leaders in the U.S.
Woven with youth’s personal strategies and informed by lived experience, this interactive session presents ways to engage young people around their tech habits and encourage healthier and safer use. Participants will walk away with an understanding of the benefits and pitfalls youth are experiencing, and ways to support them through open, judgement free discussion. The team will provide examples of youth-designed activities and resources such as conversation cards, guides for parents, and other tools educators and supportive adults can use in their classrooms or in daily conversations.
