#USA #Boston #Military Families #Aura #TECHWISE

Understanding the Impact of Technology on Military Children's Mental Health

In a significant initiative aimed at protecting the mental health of military children, Aura has announced an expansion of its TECHWISE clinical study, in partnership with the Blue Star Families New England Chapter. With an increasing number of children spending an astounding 7.5 hours a day in front of screens, the urgency to understand technology’s effects on adolescent mental well-being has never been more pressing. This study seeks to uncover the unique challenges faced by military families, who often depend on technology as a lifeline to stay connected with deployed loved ones and distant friends.

The Current Landscape of Technology Use

According to the CDC, children today spend more time online than they do engaging in physical activities. This reliance on technology has been linked to a myriad of issues, including sleep deprivation, decreased physical activity, and rising rates of anxiety and depression among youth. Alarmingly, military children experience these struggles disproportionately, as about one-third report low mental well-being compared to roughly 25% of teens overall. The TECHWISE study aims to fill the current knowledge gap regarding how digital life impacts the mental health of children in military families.

A Collaborative Effort to Understand Mental Health

Dr. Scott Kollins, Chief Medical Officer of Aura and lead for the TECHWISE study, emphasizes the urgency of understanding the challenges military kids face in this digital age. He explains, "Military families already shoulder incredible burdens as they navigate deployments, separation from loved ones and new community dynamics. The added threat of online exploitation only compounds those challenges." This collaboration will allow researchers to gain valuable insights into how technology plays a role in these children's lives.

Through its partnership with Blue Star Families, which serves as a robust support system for military and veteran families, Aura aims to leverage data to mitigate the risks associated with technology use. Emily Becher, Senior Director of Research and Evaluation at Blue Star Families, elaborates on this by stating, "Our Blue Star families have shared how they have been disproportionately targeted online, and how this impacts their kids. Through this research, we aim to better understand their experiences and develop resources that help protect and empower them as they navigate these digital spaces together."

How the Study Works

The TECHWISE study began with a focus on technology exposure and child mental wellness, but its recent expansion to military families provides an exciting glimpse into the realities faced by these unique communities. This research initiative will seek to gather empirical data about the digital habits of military children, as well as the psychological effects of their technology use. By analyzing this data, the study aims to identify best practices in ensuring mental well-being in a technologically-driven world.

Incorporating both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, the TECHWISE study will assess various factors including digital communication habits, social media interactions, and exposure to online dangers. Moreover, it will scrutinize how these elements correlate with mental health metrics, such as anxiety levels, depressive symptoms, and overall emotional resilience.

Aura's Commitment to Family Safety

Aura's commitment to safeguarding families—both online and offline—remains at the forefront of its mission. Additionally, the organization plays a critical role in educating families about the potential risks that come with technology use, while offering solutions to help mitigate these threats. The tools Aura provides aim to empower families, ensuring they are equipped to thrive in an increasingly digital world. With initiatives like the TECHWISE study, Aura not only focuses on immediate solutions but also invests in long-term strategies to protect future generations.

For those interested in participating or learning more about the TECHWISE study, additional information is available at aura.com/techwise, or through direct contact at [email protected].

About Aura

Aura is recognized as one of the fastest-growing online safety solutions for families. With a suite of tools designed to monitor and mitigate digital threats, Aura is dedicated to providing peace of mind to families as they navigate the complexities of the online landscape. From real-time threat detection to preventive measures against cyberbullying, Aura serves users of all ages, ensuring they have the necessary resources to protect their loved ones.

About Blue Star Families

Blue Star Families (BSF) is the nation's largest military and veteran family support organization, driven by a research-focused approach to building strong and supportive communities. Since its inception in 2009, BSF has positively impacted over 1.5 million lives annually. The New England Chapter of BSF specifically addresses the needs of approximately 604,000 active duty and veteran families in the region, delivering essential support and resources.