SMAHRT: Social Media and Adolescent Health Research Team

11/03/2026

Dr. Megan Moreno & SMAHRT Research Specialist Nicole Webber recently spoke with Doing Good 6220! about their perspectives on technology and teen mental health. In this episode, they discuss the impact of smart phones and social media on adolescents, as well as opportunities for how parents and grandparents can help youth thrive in the digital world. To listen in, click the link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-megan-moreno-devices-apps-and-teen-mental-health/id1834735579?i=1000794064541.

Podcast Episode · Doing Good 6220! · October 9 · 47m

10/21/2026

Screen time conversations don't need to start with rules - they can start with connection.

“Not all screen time is created equal,” reminds Dr. Jenny Radesky for NBC News Now. And as Dr. Megan Moreno adds, “The more you connect with your child, the less surveillance you're going to need.”

Talking openly about what kids watch, play and create online can help build trust while creating healthy digital habits together. Learn more about ways to build healthy tech habits for all ages: https://bit.ly/489vDj2

10/13/2026

10/13/2026

Connecting: Raising Kids in the Digital World by Drs Megan Moreno and Jenny Radesky is out now!

Connecting provides practical guidance, rooted in strong parent-child relationships, minus fear and shame. Moreno and Radesky discuss how to promote healthy tech use at home and how to normalize parents’ own struggles with media use. As pediatricians, the authors address the most common health concerns related to technology and digital media, including sleep, mental health, and physical activity. Connecting will help calm and empower parents to navigate technology in the way that best works for their own families with less guilt and anxiety.

To get your copy, click the link: https://connectingbook.org/about-the-book-stage/

10/12/2026

Drs Moreno and Radesky loved sharing stories and tips from their new book on NBC News Now for how parents can do more connecting and less correcting Connecting: Raising Kids in the Digital World launches tomorrow, stay tuned for more information!

10/08/2026

Great story from WPR featuring Dr Moreno, and photos by our communications team!

From toddlers on iPads to AI chatbots, UW-Madison physician and researcher Dr. Megan Moreno has practical advice for parents backed by years of study.

09/29/2026

Drs Megan Moreno and Jenny Radesky will be heading to the AAP 2026 National Conference and Exhibition in San Diego to share their upcoming book Connecting: Raising Kids in the Digital World. Join them on Sunday, October 4 from 12:45-1:30 pm to get a signed copy!

11/25/2025

It was wonderful to see our amazing medical student research team members present their work at the annual Shapiro symposium!

08/18/2025

Measures of screen time evaluate how long a teen uses their device, but often excludes the type and quality of the content being consumed. Our research has found that a much more nuanced approach is needed to better evaluate technology use and teen health.

05/06/2025

More about our fantastic speakers for the 2025 Youth Mental Health Summit...

Meet Dr. Moreno!

Dr. Moreno is an adolescent medicine physician at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and co-medical director of the American Academy of Pediatrics Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health.

Her research focuses on 3 core areas: 1) innovative approaches to adolescent health using social media, 2) internet safety education and 3) measuring technology use and misuse. Dr. Moreno is passionate about helping teens through the challenges around balancing relationships, influences, and experiences, and to consider ways in which technology may provide new venues for education and support.

Follow Dr. Moreno's team!

Learn more about the summit - click the link in our bio! Tickets are on sale now, but limited - don’t miss out!