In a youth-led initiative focused on digital wellness and mental health, The Sanneh Foundation and LiveMore ScreenLess, a Minneapolis nonprofit, hosted an interactive community event Tuesday, May 13, at the Conway Community Center. The gathering united young people, youth leaders, and youth-serving adults to explore how technology impacts wellbeing — and how to build healthier digital habits.
Recent studies suggest that limiting screen time can have measurable mental health benefits for young people. A 2021 study published in “JAMA Pediatrics” found that adolescents who limited recreational screen time to less than 2 hours per day reported significantly higher levels of life satisfaction and lower rates of depression and anxiety symptoms (Boers et al., 2021).
Participants, ranging in age from 9 to 17, engaged in facilitated discussions led by trained youth leaders. These sessions focused on self-awareness, digital balance, and mental health.
The conversations were grounded in research and data, including a recent statistic showing that 48% of teens report social media has a “mostly negative” impact on their age group.
“We promote digital wellbeing for and with young leaders,” said Katherine Myers, executive director of LiveMore ScreenLess. “The digital world is not all good, but not all bad. That’s really our framing — digital wellbeing, balance, and intentionality.”
Myers said the organization, founded in 2019, has worked with schools and youth organizations across Minnesota to prepare youth to lead discussions about digital health, and to equip adults to support them.
“The work is to equip adults who work with young people, so that the young people can lead,” she said. “If I have one tip [referring to her research], it is to ensure that devices are not in the bedroom at night.”
Tony Sanneh, founder of The Sanneh Foundation, opened the event by encouraging attendees to reflect on the role of technology in their lives. “This is an opportunity for us to further learn about how technology can be best used responsibly,” he said.
Frida, a youth leader from Lincoln International High School, emphasized that these conversations help young people become more thoughtful about their own digital habits. “I believe it is important because kids are becoming aware of technology and how it affects their lives,” she said.
“They are starting to understand what works best for them through their experiences. Having these conversations helps us to identify the benefits and drawbacks of technology use, and we can help guide children to make better choices that support their growth and well-being.”
Teagan, a student from Central High School, echoed that sentiment. “It’s important because as the world develops more and more technology, it starts being introduced to youth earlier in their lives,” Teagan said.
“Having access to devices earlier and longer in life can lead to problems with technology — whether that be addiction, not knowing what to do other than scroll, a sense of loneliness…that can largely affect youth when they should be developing and making friends.”
Survey data collected at the event revealed key takeaways directly from youth. Themes included time management, the value of stepping away from screens, and feeling less alone in their experiences Observations included:
“I don’t have to respond to everyone right away.”
“Knowing when to step away, and having things I enjoy off-screen, helps.”
“I will try to be more productive and do stuff I like without using my phone.”
“Being mindful of who I am online reflects who I am as a person.”
“It made me happy to have this discussion!”
“My wellbeing is important, and putting my phone down will help.”
Young people also said they planned to leave their phones in other rooms, talk more with siblings, and be more intentional with screen time. One student drew a smiling face with hands up and wrote next to it, “I’m not the only one,” reflecting a shared sense of connection.
The American Psychological Association found that teens who engage in non-screen activities such as sports, face-to-face interactions, and sleep report higher levels of happiness than those who spend more time on digital devices (Twenge & Campbell, 2018).
“Reducing screen time, especially in the evenings, is linked to improved sleep quality and emotional regulation — both of which are crucial to adolescent development,” Myers noted, aligning her remarks with growing scientific consensus.
The event also gave youth space to just be kids — playing Simon Says and basketball in the gym, and enjoying frozen treats donated by Johnny Pops.
With support from the Allina Health Foundation and Google, organizers hope this model of youth-driven dialogue around technology can be replicated in other communities across Minnesota and beyond, as our society continues to integrate into this “digital first” concept.
Jasmine McBride welcomes reader responses at jmcbride@spokesman-recorder.com.