The Technology & Teens Project focuses on how technology shapes teens’ relationships, well-being, and everyday social experiences. As a major part of teens’ lives, digital spaces can support connection and learning, but they can also expose teens to pressure, harmful behavior, and unhealthy relationship norms.
This project brings together research-based insights and practical guidance to help adults better understand teens’ digital lives and support safe, respectful, and healthy relationships, both online and offline.
The Technology & Teens Project includes resources and tools designed for:
- Parents, caregivers, and other caring adults
- Youth-supporting professionals, including educators, program staff, and practitioners
Across the project, resources are designed to:
- Explain how teens experience relationships and peer dynamics in digital spaces
- Identify risks and protective factors that affect teens’ safety and well-being
- Support positive communication, boundaries, and healthy decision-making
- Encourage respectful behavior and positive peer norms
All materials are grounded in research and written in clear, practical language to support real-world conversations and decisions. New resources will be added over time as the project grows.
Resources:
- Helping Boys Navigate Harmful Online Influences: This brief provides details about the research and strategies to promote healthy and safe relationships online.
- 5 Ways to Help Boys Use Tech Respectfully: This short blog provides additional information about the steps you can take.
- Talking to Boys About Pornography Can Support Healthy Relationships and Prevent Violence: This resource provides information on why you should talk to boys about pornography, how to start the conversation, and what to say.
- Guidance for Parents on Encouraging Boys to Be Upstanders Against Harmful Behavior: This practice guide provides more information about how you can encourage your boy to safely be an upstander.
Key staff
- April Wilson, project lead
- Deja Logan, contributing author
- Brittany Mihalec-Adkins, contributing author
- Matthew Rivas-Koehl, contributing author
- Mindy Scott, senior advisor and contributing author