Seeing the Promise: Nancy Deutsch Shares Insights on Youth and Technology

Nancy Deutsch, associate dean for faculty development at the University of Virginia’s School of Education and Human Development and the Linda K. Bunker Professor of Education, shares her insights into the nuanced relationship between youth and digital technology, especially as it pertains to mental health, equity, and well-being. Instagram’s recent restrictions on teen accounts reflect a growing concern over social media’s impact, but Deutsch suggests that a broader, systemic approach is necessary to address the complexities of digital engagement among teens. Deutsch, who is also the director of Youth-Nex, a research center focused specifically on positive youth development, advocates for understanding the diverse roles digital tools play in youths’ lives and tailoring interventions to meet their developmental needs.

Deutsch emphasizes that teens’ interactions with digital technology extend beyond social media to include educational tools, wearable health tech, and mental health apps. She argues that both positive and negative impacts depend on individual circumstances, context, and specific types of technology. She also discusses the concept of “youth mental health equity,” underscoring the limited mental health resources available, particularly for marginalized and underserved communities, and the need for accessible, inclusive mental health support for all youth.

Read her full interview here