For years, the debate about kids and social media has focused largely on what to take away: phones during class, unrestricted screen time, harmful content, push notifications, and features designed to keep young people scrolling.

Those conversations matter. But young people need more than restrictions on what happens online. They need far more opportunities to connect, belong, create, move, learn, and build relationships in real life.

Young people’s wellbeing suffers when digital experiences replace meaningful in-person social experiences, relationships, physical activity, play and/or learning.  As policymakers consider the role of social media in young people’s lives and how to support their well-being, research evidence can guide policies and investments that help young people thrive.

Pew research from 2025 revealed that 1 in 5 teens say they are on Tik Tok or YouTube almost constantly.

The Idaho Youth Well-Being Survey, which surveyed nearly 16,000 teenagers in 2025, found that the number one driver of depression symptoms was the lack of social connection. Additional research showed that for Idaho teenagers who lacked social connection, the harms of social media on mental health were even greater.

Investing in real life experiences and spaces for youth to foster meaningful relationships with peers promotes resilience and provides healthy alternatives to excessive digital media consumption. In-person programs and activities are critical to young people’s healthy development and counter the influences they are exposed to repeatedly online.  Let’s give kids something to say “yes” to beyond screen time.

While these platforms and solicitations to stay in a digital world will not go away, we can reflect on ways we each grew to understand the physical world around us: finding solace in open spaces, playing games with other people, building a birdhouse, gardening, canning, pinewood derbies and summer camps-learning to whittle and canoe—joining together building social skills. In today’s times many youths do not have access to opportunities to try their hand at new hobbies or mingle with peers in creative and safe settings.  Quality programming, at libraries, through 4-H or Scouts, art, dance, music and outdoor educational programs or at community centers- whether YMCA, Boys and Girls Clubs or community-based youth centers sustained by caring adults – create spaces for kids to connect, grow and learn.

Idaho has a chance to make real investments in Upstream Prevention, the types of spaces for positive and protective experiences that make it less likely for young people to struggle with mental health challenges or behavior choices like scrolling endlessly on social media. Supporting high-quality programs after school and during the summer are the smartest ways to ensure opportunities for peer connection and focused learning, positively impacting children’s development, and countering the adverse effects of isolation. These programs result in better social skills, academic performance, and less disruptive behavior.  Real connections are protective, and quality afterschool programming is universal prevention.

We need to increase access to support in the settings where youth learn and play. Interventions like 988, mental health first aid, and supportive adults in afterschool settings, including counselors and paraprofessionals, increase access to needed, evidence-based mental health treatment by embedding them in the places where young people already are and within relationships with people, they already trust.^{5 6} 

The social media settlement agreement with Meta and the state of Idaho specifically recognizes youth programs, outdoor activities and after-school and summer programs as potential uses of these funds.

More than 80% of Idaho parents- across political affiliation- are in favor of public funding for afterschool programs, according to a 2025 study by the Afterschool Alliance in Idaho.  The return on investment makes a ton of sense too.  For every $1 invested in afterschool programs, Idaho saves at least $3 by increasing kids’ earning potential as adults, improving kids’ performance at school, and reducing crime and juvenile delinquency.

Afterschool activities and enrichment are a win-win for all, an undeniably responsible and effective use of funds and the need has outgrown the current supply.

Idaho decision makers can invest in youth and ensure all kids have opportunities to engage, reach their full potential and develop the skills to create a thriving Idaho 20 years from now. Join Fund IRL Idaho to learn more and help support positive and preventive programs throughout Idaho.

Anna Almerico is the director for the Idaho Out-of-School Network and works to ensure all kids across Idaho have access to quality programs during their waking hours outside of the school day.