In Case You Haven't Heard…

In response to the increasing volume and accessibility of video content for youth on streaming channels and various online platforms, the American Psychological Association (APA) has issued its first ever set of recommendations to help parents, policymakers and tech companies empower teens to manage their viewing habits, an APA news release stated last week. The APA Recommendations for Healthy Teen Video Viewing summarizes the scientific research on adolescents' video viewing habits to offer steps that can be taken immediately by parents, youth and educators, as well as recommendations for substantial changes by policymakers and technology industry professionals. The report recommends educating adolescents so they can be more selective regarding the videos they view. It notes that videos can “assist with homework, teach new skills or hobbies, or provide insights into different cultures and experiences.” By being taught video literacy in schools at all levels, teens can expand their knowledge and abilities while resisting manipulative platform features designed to prolong engagement and profit from their attention. The report also calls for tech companies to modify the built-in features of their platforms that can impact adolescent well-being.