EMPOWERING DIGITAL WELLNESS FOR KIDS | August 2026
Dear Friend of the Lab,
Every day, families ask us versions of the same questions: Is my child ready for a phone? What is my teen really doing on social media? My kid is using AI—now what?
This month, we’re delighted to share a new way to get answers. In partnership with Verizon, the Digital Wellness Lab is hosting a series of free live webinars, led by our researchers and clinicians. These sessions are designed to be practical, research-backed, and judgment-free. Each one is offered twice, so you can pick the time that works for your household.
WEBINAR 1
Finding Balance
Practical Strategies for Your Family’s Digital Wellbeing
Tuesday, Aug 25 6:00 pm PT/9:00 pm ET
Thursday, Sep 24 3:30 pm PT/6:30 pm ET
WEBINAR 2
Healthy Digital Habits
How to Support Your Child in Gaming, Social Media, and AI
Tuesday, Sep 8
6:00 pm PT/9:00 pm ET
Tuesday, Sep 15 3:30 pm PT/6:30 pm ET
WEBINAR 3
Let’s Talk Tech
A Live Q&A on Family Digital Wellbeing
Tuesday, Sep 22 6:00 pm PT/9:00 pm ET
Tuesday, Oct 6 3:30 pm PT/6:30 pm ET
Whether you’re weighing a first phone, trying to decode your teen’s social feeds, or just want to have better conversations about tech at home, there’s a session for you. Please sign up for as many sessions as you’d like and share with friends!
And please read on for more news and resources from the Lab.
Toward a healthy digital future,
Cori Stott Executive Director The Digital Wellness Lab
P.S. If you know someone who might benefit from these insights, please share this newsletter and encourage them to subscribe.
Help us find our 2026-27 Student Advisory Council!
Now in its fifth year, our Student Advisory Council brings a small group of teens from across the US inside the Lab’s work at Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School. From early October 2026 through the end of May 2027, members will work directly with researchers, industry leaders, and policy influencers to help make the digital ecosystem safer and healthier for young people.
New this year, students can apply to one of two tracks (all sessions are virtual):
Changemakerswill take action on digital wellness challenges in their school or community with the support of a Lab mentor.
Ages 14–18*
US high school students
3–4 hours/month (virtual)
Architects will share their ideas about how to safely build the AI tools and digital environments of tomorrow.
Ages 16–20*
US high school or college students
8-10 hours/month (virtual)
Please pass this along to the teens in your world who have something to say about the technology they use every day. The application takes about 20–30 minutes and is due September 7, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET.
Thank you for helping us put young people at the center of digital wellness.
How can active gaming—or “exergaming”—play a constructive role in screen time for young people?
In the Lab’s latest research brief, our Knowledge & Research Strategy Manager Kaitlin Tiches explores the topic, covering everything from classic consoles like the Nintendo Wii to today’s VR platforms, motion-tracking systems, and location-based games like Pokémon GO.
Key takeaways:
Accessible physical activity: Entertainment exergames can get kids moving, especially when outdoor play, recess space, or local sports infrastructure are limited.
Online-offline connection: Multi-player and location-based exergames can bridge digital and in-person play, facilitating peer bonding and even intergenerational family fun.
Design matters: Research highlights the need for game mechanics that empower youth and avoid shame, guilt, or body image risks while sustaining long-term engagement.
The science supports that exergames aren’t a total replacement for outdoor play, but when designed thoughtfully, they offer a powerful tool to get kids moving and connecting.
What We Learned About How Teens Navigate Sex, Relationships, and Social Media
Inour latest Pulse Survey, we asked 1,124 US teens ages 16 to 18 about the social norms they hold around sex and relationships, their sexual health literacy and access to education, and the relationship and sexual content they encounter on social media.
Teen Voices: More Than a Text—Why Digital Closeness Isn’t a Guarantee of Real-Life Safety
Student Advisory Council member Ayanna explores the illusion of digital trust, the gray areas of youth relationship safety, and why online closeness shouldn’t be treated as a “receipt” for in-person consent.
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All information included in this newsletter is for educational purposes only. For medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your health care provider.
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