APA’s kids and social media report, resolution on secure firearms storage, and more

In April, APA released a new research report on youth and social media to inform the development of social media safety standards and policies to protect youth from social media harms. The report, Potential risks of content, features, and functions: A closer look at the science behind how social media affects youth, is a follow-up to last year’s health advisory on social media use in adolescence, which has been covered extensively in the media and helped ignite global conversation on the impact of social media on youth mental health and well-being. Among the key points, the new report identifies features of social media—such as infinite scroll and push notifications—that pose significant challenges for young people in managing or curtailing their use of social media. The report also outlines science-backed potential solutions and policies to protect youth.

APA Chief Science Officer Mitch Prinstein, PhD, will speak about the new report, the health advisory, and more as part of a panel on kids and social media at the Aspen Ideas Festivalopens in new window on June 28.

APA Style now has a YouTube channel with instructional videosopens in new window. APA is recruiting creative people who want to add to the channel by developing videos to help students, researchers, writers, and editors master APA Style and improve their scholarly communication. Terms and conditions will apply, and all chosen producers will be compensated. Go to APA Style YouTube Creator Program.

APA has taken a significant step toward addressing the suicide public health crisis by adopting a resolution calling for secure firearms storage. The resolution underscores the urgent need to address the high prevalence of firearm-related suicides in the United States and the critical role psychologists and health care providers can have in preventing suicides by advocating for secure firearm storage and safety strategies.

Read the full resolution (PDF, 60KB)opens in new window

Learn more about talking with patients about firearm safety.

APA will release new Work in America data in mid-June. The Work in America survey continually looks at people’s workplace experiences, measures employee stress related to work, and captures what employees are looking for from their employers as it relates to their mental health.

Lerner Publisher Servicesopens in new window will be the global distributor of APA’s children’s book imprint, Magination Press, starting January 1, 2025. The partnership will help APA’s award-winning books for children and teens reach new audiences around the world. “They will help get our content out to more parents, librarians, teachers, and other caregivers who will in turn help more young readers,” said Kristine Enderle, editorial director of Magination Press. Lerner will manage the distribution for Magination Press’s full backlist and frontlist, including standout titles such as the What-To-Do Guides for Kids series, the New York Times bestseller Something Happened in Our Town, and Taco Falls Apart.

APA members have nominated four psychologists to run for the association’s presidency. The winning candidate will serve as the 2025 president-elect and the 2026 president. The candidates in order of their number of nominations are:

• Beth N. Rom-Rymer, PhD
• Wendi S. Williams, PhD
• Peter M. Oppenheimer, PhD
• Grant J. Rich, PhD

Next month’s Monitor will feature statements from each candidate about their experience, vision, and priorities for the association.

Voting opens on August 1, 2024.

APA has partnered with digital video network Captivate to share the latest news and research about psychological science with millions of people as they take the elevator to their office or walk through the lobby of their apartment building. Captivate operates in more than 20,000 buildings across the United States and Canada.

Answers to many of your questions may be found on APA’s website; for phone service call (800) 374-2721; for story ideas or comments, contact Editor in Chief Trent Spiner.