Highlights from the 2023 Digital Media and Developing Minds Scientific Congress

Some of these items may be of interest to readers of this space.

Last month, Children and Screens hosted the 2023 Digital Media and Developing Minds International Scientific Congress in Washington, DC. This event convened over 230 of the world’s leading experts across four days of informative sessions and interdisciplinary dialogue to further our collective understanding of the impacts of digital media on child development, health, and well-being. The week was packed with scientific, clinical and educational insights, and we are grateful to all who participated. Watch the Highlight Video The highlights from the Congress are many, but we want to share a few lingering thoughts and reflections that stood out. It’s time to think beyond screen time. There is agreement among experts that there is more to the equation. We need to understand the nuances of content and context, and embrace the complexities of development in larger family and society systems. In doing so, we can provide stronger guidelines and recommendations to families, educators, care providers, and policymakers alike. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to the challenges we face, but that does not mean we should not champion change and progress. We will continue to prioritize advancing research, expanding awareness and education, and informing better policies and tech designs as we strive for a safer digital future for all children. Everyone has a role to play in the fight for the future our children deserve. Technology developers, policymakers, scholars and educators, clinicians, and families can each do their part to support health and well-being for youth in a digital age. Dialogue and collaboration that brings diverse voices together is essential in bridging gaps and creating meaningful change. Transparency between tech companies and scientists could go a long way to improving our understanding of media impacts and how to help children lead healthy lives. Much of the data researchers are looking for is already collected by tech companies, and shared data access could help the field make significant progress. The harms are real, but so are the benefits. Digital media is not all good or all bad, and polarized thinking or restrictive recommendations overlook real life contexts and barriers. Improving designs for child safety and expanding education around healthy behaviors are two critical steps needed to reduce risk and enhance opportunities. Get a glimpse into the action with our three keynote sessions. Kris Perry, Executive Director Children and Screens P.S. Please help us continue the great work that we do together by donating TODAY. Our work is funded solely by donations from the public – from people like YOU. Your donation would facilitate more collaboration, research seed grants, and public education. Please click through this link to make a tax deductible donation to support Children and Screens. Thank you for your partnership. Children and Screens | childrenandscreens.com

childrenandscreens.com | c/o KWM CPAs, LLP, 100 Jericho Quadrangle, Suite 220, Jericho, NY 11753