Exciting News: New Article Published in Future Review!
- Ad Astra Research Institute
- 6 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Authored by Jennifer Laffier, Madison Westley, and Melissa Farrow, from Ontario Tech University
Editor in Chief: Dr. John Klatt
We are thrilled to announce the online first publication of a new article, "Navigating Digital Wellness for Teens with Mental Health Needs: Developing an Evidence-Based Toolkit to Support Youth Well-Being," which will be featured in our forthcoming Issue 6.
Authored by Melissa Farrow, Jennifer Laffier, and Madison Westley from Ontario Tech University, this timely piece addresses a critical gap in current adolescent mental health care. While adolescents spend 7 to 9 hours a day engaging in non-academic screen use, youth with pre-existing mental health vulnerabilities are significantly more susceptible to the adverse effects of technology. These risks include compulsive scrolling, cyberbullying, sleep disruptions, and algorithms that push distressing content.
An evidence-based digital wellness toolkit helps at-risk teens navigate technology safely while improving mental health, resilience, and emotional balance.
To bridge this gap, the authors outline the seven-phase development of a much-needed, evidence-based digital wellness toolkit. The toolkit is specifically designed for mental health professionals, educators, social workers, and parents who work with at-risk youth. It equips these adults with practical strategies to help teens co-navigate digital spaces safely.
Key strategies highlighted in the toolkit include:
Practicing mindful technology use and critical thinking.
Building healthy digital boundaries and establishing screen time limits.
Managing emotional triggers and improving self-regulation.
Promoting better offline routines and sleep hygiene
This research emphasizes that digital wellness can serve as a powerful protective factor, promoting emotional balance and resilience for teens undergoing treatment for anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
Read the full article today in Future Review: International Journal of Transition, College, and Career Success, Volume 6, Issue 3