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What Are We Learning About the Links Between Adolescent Mental Health and Their Online Experiences?

Tracks
Ballroom 1 - In-Person & Virtual via OnAIR
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
12:10 PM - 12:30 PM

Overview

Dr Lyndsay Brown, Black Dog Institute


Presenter

Dr Lyndsay Brown
Research Officer
Black Dog Institute

What Are We Learning About the Links Between Adolescent Mental Health and Their Online Experiences?

Abstract

Screen-based devices play a central role in adolescents’ daily lives, serving purposes such as education, entertainment, social interactions, and creativity. While public concern about the impact of screen use on adolescent mental health has grown, evidence of a direct link remains unclear. The association between screen use and mental health is complex, influenced by many factors. This presentation will focus on new data about this association based on an analysis of the data provided by Australian adolescents currently enrolled in the Black Dog Institute’s Future Proofing Study. These findings will be framed within the broader context of screen use research and offer recommendations for both societal and individual changes to help adolescents benefit from online experiences while reducing potential harms.

Biography

Dr Lyndsay Brown is a research psychologist who has worked for five years as a Research Officer on the Future Proofing Study at the Black Dog Institute. From 2010-2021, thousands of Year 8 students across Australia were recruited for this six-year study and each year they complete confidential questionnaires about their mental health, well-being, identity and experiences. The team analyses this data to identify risks and protective factors associated with adolescent mental health. Lyndsay’s work spans school engagement, data collection, research, public presentations, translational work and community outreach.
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