It’s fair to say that screens have become a normal part of growing up today. Whether it’s a student connecting with friends on group chats, getting help with homework, or a parent using a quick video to carve out five minutes of peace, the digital world is a big part of our daily lives.

At the Connecticut Network for Children and Youth (The Network), we know that the connection between kids and technology isn’t as easy as declaring screens “good” or “bad.” Like most things in parenting, education, and youth development, the reality lives in the gray areas.

The Good, The Bad, and The Complicated

We’re not here to say social media is all bad. Doing so would ignore the good ways people use it today. For many kids and teens, online spaces are a lifeline. They can help kids find friends who share their interests, give them creative ways to express themselves, and let them stay connected even when they live far apart.

At the same time, we can’t ignore the problems. Families and teachers see the stress caused by apps designed to keep kids staring at the screen for hours, the pressure to make everything look perfect, and how online time can push out real-life moments.

The question isn’t just about how much time kids spend online. It’s also about what they are missing out on in real life, and how we can help them do well both online and offline.

Turning Accountability into Opportunity (Fund IRL)

Right now, a powerful national movement is taking shape and The Network is proud to be a part of it. Across the country, states and communities are holding social media giants accountable through litigation, questioning how platform designs impact youth mental health.

Through initiatives like the Fund IRL movement, these legal actions present a once-in-a-generation opportunity. If these lawsuits result in settlements or funding, where should that money go?

Instead of letting those dollars vanish into general state budgets, we have a chance to reinvest that money directly into what young people need most: robust afterschool programs, summer opportunities, mental health resources, and safe community spaces where kids can build authentic, in-person connections. Cutting back screen time isn’t enough, we have to give young people vibrant, engaging alternatives to thrive in.

We Need Your Voice: Take Our Survey

To build the right solutions for Connecticut families, we need to understand the full picture. That’s why we launched a statewide effort to discover the real, lived effects of social media on our youth and the adults who care for them.

The survey only takes a few minutes, and five lucky participants will win a $100 gift card in our drawing! (Parents/guardians will be asked for a ZIP code to map geographic needs, while youth responses remain completely anonymous without location info).  Click here for official sweepstake rules.

Whether social media has been a source of connection and joy in your household, a constant source of stress, or a complicated mix of both, your perspective matters.

• Are you a parent or caregiver? Tell us how screens affect your family dynamics and what support you wish you had.
• Are you a young person? We want to hear directly from you about your digital world: What works, what drains you, and what kind of real-life spaces you wish existed in your community.

The survey asks for your thoughts on social media and screen time, after-school programs, sports, arts, and other activities that are important to you, as well as community resources families would love to see more of. Your responses can help inform conversations about how future investments could support youth well-being across Connecticut. 

👉 Click here to take our Social Media & Youth Well-Being Survey today.

Let’s Build a Connected Future

We’re excited to advocate for bringing safe environments to Connecticut’s youth. Spaces where young people can build relationships, develop skills, and find connections. By sharing your experiences, you are helping us shape a framework that ensures future investments prioritize the mental well-being and equitable opportunities for every child in Connecticut.

How is social media impacting the day-to-day rhythm of your family or your work with youth? Drop a thought in the comments below, and don’t forget to take the survey!

Questions? Reach out to Shawna Viola Washington.

Click here for official sweepstake rules.