As parents and educators, we are deeply concerned about the growing issues surrounding youth mental health and the impact of technology on our children. The goal of this talk, titled “Data to Dialogue: Shining a light on youth mental health and discussing ways to support families and children in our modern tech culture,” was to build awareness about the current mental health crisis in youth and discuss its link to the modern tech culture. As working professionals in pediatrics and the E.R., Dr. Allie Binkowski and Dr. Sara Marnell shared evidence-based data and cautionary stories from the frontlines. In addition to specific professional recommendations, they shared helpful parenting hacks and ways in which we can better protect our children in the online world. We hope anyone attending felt better informed, connected, and supported. Ultimately, we also hope attendees are inspired and compelled to make a difference in changing the current climate of hurry, worry, and tech-focused culture in their homes, schools, and communities.
Dr. Allie Binkowski and Dr. Sara Marnell began by sharing statistics that reveal troubling trends and help to explain why our kids are particularly at risk. They also offered some practical steps we can take as parents, educators, and community members to help our children establish healthier boundaries and support their mental well-being.
Numbers can be eye-opening. Our children without a phone often feel left out, making us question our decisions. However, understanding the data helps us see that we’re making informed choices. Jonathan Haidt’s “The Anxious Generation” compiles national surveys on drug use and health since the 1970s, showing a steady rate of teen depression until around 2010-2012, after which it spiked; by 2020, it had risen 150%.
This trend is consistent across various data sets, like the Monitoring the Future survey, which annually surveys 8th, 10th, and 12th graders. Depression rates were stable until around 2010-2012, then rose sharply. Similar patterns are seen in E.R. visits for non-fatal self-harm and CDC data on suicides and homicides among 10- to 14-year-olds, confirming a youth mental health crisis that began to build around 2010.
This isn’t just a U.S. issue; it’s a global one. Data from countries worldwide, including non-English-speaking nations, show the same trends starting around 2010-2012. A UK study, “The Good Childhood,” highlights significant declines in well-being indicators during this period, showing that the problem is widespread.
So, what changed around 2010? While global events like the pandemic might come to mind, the timeline predates 2020. The common factor is the rapid adoption of smartphones and social media. Data shows that mobile phone usage skyrocketed around 2010, coinciding with increased mental health issues among youth.
Research supports this link. A JAMA study of 7,000 children found that those spending more than three hours daily on social media had higher rates of depression and lower well-being. Another study by Sapien Labs tracked mental health outcomes based on the age of first smartphone use, revealing that earlier access is linked to poorer mental health outcomes at ages 18-24, including higher rates of suicidal thoughts and intentions.
Why are our kids more affected? Developmentally, the brain, especially the prefrontal cortex responsible for decision-making, continues to mature until around age 26. Introducing smartphones during these critical developmental stages increases risks, as children’s executive functioning is still developing.
Social-emotional development also plays a role. Around age 12, kids become more sensitive to peer opinions and body image, making them vulnerable to online pressures. The addictive design of apps and social media further exacerbates these issues, fostering dependency and negatively impacting mental health.
There’s hope. Global movements are addressing these concerns. UNESCO has recommended banning phones in schools, a policy adopted by 79 countries including France, Ghana, and Australia. In the U.S., while not yet a nationwide mandate, several states and school districts have implemented phone-free policies. All living U.S. Surgeon Generals recently identified digital technology as the top public health concern, emphasizing the urgency of this issue.
California’s school technology landscape is currently undergoing a major shift, primarily driven by new statewide mandates targeting smartphone use and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI).
Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed AB 3216, also known as the Phone-Free School Act, which significantly tightens control over personal devices.
For over a decade, Oak Grove has restricted personal phone use on campus, especially among students. This policy began as a student-led initiative inspired by visits to Krishnamurti schools in England and India, which largely operate without technology. Parenting adults and staff are also asked to refrain from using their devices while on campus. The technology policy at Oak Grove continues to evolve. Students are required to check their phones in at the office before school and can retrieve them at the end of the day. The use of computers and tablets varies by program. You can find Oak Grove’s Technology Policy in the Student-Parent Handbook or by visiting our Technology Policy webpage.
What can we do? Changing the culture around technology use is crucial. Delaying smartphone access, promoting device-free environments, and fostering open conversations about online experiences can make a significant difference. As parents, we need to model healthy tech habits, enforce clear boundaries, and build supportive communities to ease the pressure of going against social norms. Clear, firm, consistent boundaries include:
While the data highlights a troubling trend, it also empowers us to act. By understanding the risks and implementing thoughtful strategies, we can support our children’s mental health and help them navigate the digital world safely.
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Ollie2025-12-17 22:40:442025-12-18 23:27:21Student Newspaper, Winter 2025 Edition
As part of our Parent Ed series, Dr. Sara Marnell and Dr. Allie Binkowski facilitated a timely talk entitled "Data to Dialogue: Shining a light on youth mental health and discussing ways to support families and children in our modern tech culture." They shared evidence-based data and cautionary stories from the frontlines. In addition to specific professional recommendations, they shared helpful parenting hacks and ways in which we can better protect our children in the online world. We hope anyone attending felt better informed, connected, and supported. Thank you to Sara and Allie and all who were able to take part in this important discussion!
Find a summary of this Parent Ed event with links to resources on our blog (link in bio).
#parenteducation #technologysolutions #techsafekids #theartoflivingandlearning #science #earlychildhood #middleschool #elementaryschool #highschool #oakgroveschoolojai #prekthru12
How wonderful to welcome our seniors and chaperones back to campus today after their three-week visit to sister schools in India. We are incredibly grateful for the unique care, kindness, and friendships we experience each year. Thank you, Rishi Valley and The Valley School! Welcome home, Class of 2026! 🦎❤️ 🇮🇳 🪷
#gratitude #friendship #worldtravel #classof2026 #India #seniortrip #experientiallearning #theartoflivingandlearning #education
Another inspiring and meaningful MLK Day. Thanks to High School students across the Ojai Valley @ojaiyouth, and to all who helped and participated in today`s event. ❤️ #MLKDay #peace #civilrights #justice #peacelikeariverinmysoul 🎶🎶
See you at Libbey Bowl tomorrow! 10am-1:30pm
This free event is organized by local high school students and sponsored by the Ojai Valley Youth Foundation and the City of Ojai. The event will feature student art, essays and poetry centered on this year’s theme, "Building a Beloved Community."
Thank you to the @ojaivalleyyouthfoundation and City of Ojai and all who make this wonderful event possible.
