We talk a lot ABOUT tech and teens, but what do young people have to say about their digital experiences? How can their insights shape solutions? In this episode, “critical optimist” and researcher Dr. Emily Weinstein from the Center for Digital Thriving at Harvard Graduate School of Education explores the power of curious questions and shares actionable ways to team up with teens for a healthier relationship with tech.

Erin talks to Dr. Emily Weinstein about:

• Youth perspectives on artificial intelligence (AI) and the insights from teens that she can’t get out of her head.
• One question you can ask teens TODAY about generative AI.
• Practical tools and strategies for digital wellbeing and why discussing values and thinking traps is key.
• Why we need all hands on deck right now for digital thriving.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Behind Their Screens: What Teens Are Facing (and Adults Are Missing) by Emily Weinstein and Carrie James
• Center for Digital Thriving at the Harvard Graduate School of Education
• Youth Voice Playbook from the Center for Digital Thriving, Hopelab, CharacterLAB, and In Tandem
• Thinking Traps from the Center for Digital Thriving
• Teen and Youth Perspectives on Generative AI from Common Sense Media, Hopelab, and the Center for Digital Thriving
• The Dawn of the AI Era: Teens, Parents, and the Adoption of Generative AI at Home and School from Common Sense Media
• Tech Parenting 101 Online Course with Dr. Jacqueline Nesi and Dr. Emily Weinstein

Dr. Emily Weinstein

Dr. Emily Weinstein is a psychologist, author, and researcher has spent over a decade at Harvard studying teens’ experiences with social media and smartphones, and what adults can do to help. Her book with Carrie James, Behind Their Screens: What Teens Are Facing (And Adults Are Missing) received widespread coverage and helped catalyze new conversations about teens and digital agency. Emily and Carrie are co-founders of the Center for Digital Thriving at Harvard Graduate School of Education. She also shares resources for Tech Parenting through @TechWithoutStress.