Dr. Rachel Flynn co-authors national research brief on supporting youth in a digital word

Associate Professor of Child and Adolescent Development Rachel Flynn is a co-author of a new research brief examining how policymakers can support young people’s well-being in an increasingly digital world. Developed in partnership with Fund IRL and the Society for Research in Child Development, “Helping Young People Thrive in Real Life and Online: Evidence-Based Investments States Can Make Now” brings together research from developmental science, youth development and mental health. 

The brief argues that reducing young people’s social media is only one part of supporting healthy development. Children also need meaningful opportunities to build relationships, play, learn, develop independence and connect with trusted adults. Research shows that high-quality out-of-school time programs, sports and other community-based programs can promote social skills, academic success and a sense of belonging. At the same time, young people will continue to connect and communicate online. The authors highlight media literacy as an important tool for helping youth recognize problematic patterns of social media use and develop healthier, more purposeful ways of engaging online. The brief calls for sustained investments in youth development programs, accessible public spaces, school and community mental health services, and resources that help families, educators and youth-serving professionals support healthy social media use. It also emphasizes equitable access: about 22.6 million U.S. youth lack access to out-of-school-time programs. 

Flynn brings both research and practical experience to this work. Her research examines how media and technology shape children’s development, and she previously spent more than a decade directing and running out-of-school-time programs. 

(Campus Memo, 2026)