Protecting Youth Online: Clinical and Legal Perspectives on Social Media and Online Risk-Taking
Overview
Social media use is ubiquitous among teens, with use having increased even further during the COVID-19 pandemic. This presentation will enhance participants' ability to articulate the many risks facing youth as they interact online, as well as the relevant legal background. Clinical and social risks faced by youth interacting online include depression, anxiety, and decreased well-being; social comparison; exposure to negative mental health content and social contagion; cyberbullying; sexting; and exposure to substance use. Additionally, young people face legal risks related to cyberbullying, sexting, cyberstalking and cyberharassment, and reputation damage. Legal protections for youth interacting online are limited, outdated, and narrowly applicable. With the knowledge gained through this presentation, participants will be able to more effectively conduct social media risk assessments and intervention plans with the young people under their care.
Learning objectives
- Identify clinical and legal risks associated with social media use in youth
- Describe the legal background and status of minors interacting online
- Develop a plan to assess and advise patients and families around online risks
Professional credit
- This activity offers the following types of credit: APA
- 1.0 CEs are available.
- Additional details can be found in the activity document for this resource.