Dr. Kushlev and first-year graduate student Grace Falgoust recently received a $235,000 grant from McCourt's Tech & Public Policy grant program. This will support a proposed natural experiment investigating new legislation aimed at protecting children in digital spaces and the effects of this legislation on children's mental health and well-being!
A report summarizing the symposium: “The Kids are Online: Research-Driven Insights on Child Safety Policy” has been released by the Center for Democracy & Technology.
“The event convened academic researchers, policy experts, and civil society representatives to explore research-driven approaches to addressing critical issues impacting young users in digital environments providing insight into new legislation.”
Dr. Kushlev attended and contributed to both the symposium and the report. You can read the full report here: https://cdt.org/insights/the-kids-are-online-research-driven-insights-on-child-safety-policy/.
A recently published study which Dr. Kushlev co-authored was featured on NPR’s Morning Edition Radio Show! Listen here: https://www.npr.org/2025/02/24/nx-s1-5304417/smartphone-break-digital-detox-screen-addiction.
Rob Dobi/Getty Images
A new study, co-authored by Dr. Kushlev, revealed that reducing—not eliminating—mobile internet use can significantly improve mental health, attention, and overall well-being. Researchers conducted a two-week trial where participants blocked internet access on their smartphones while still being able to call and text. Results showed that 91% of participants experienced positive changes, such as better focus and increased engagement in offline activities like exercise and in-person socializing.
However, many participants struggled to fully comply with the restriction, highlighting that complete disconnection may not be necessary. Instead, the study suggests setting boundaries—like limiting mindless scrolling and disabling notifications—can yield meaningful benefits. Rather than a full digital detox, small changes in phone habits may be the key to a healthier, more balanced life.
Read the full publication here:
https://doi.org/10.1093/pnasnexus/pgaf017
Photo by Sten Ritterfeld on Unsplash
This week we are welcoming two new research assistants to our lab: Kace Boland and Zara Niazi! Both Kace and Zara will assist with onboarding sessions for our NIMH-funded study assessing the effect of initial exposure to social media on adolescent mental health.
