The role of digital technology in young people’s lives will be the focus of a special Flux Conference Public Event at Dublin City University on Wednesday 3 September 2025. Bringing together leading researchers, youth advocates and young people themselves, the event will explore the latest scientific evidence on screentime, wellbeing, online safety and community.
Title: What does the science say about the digital lives of young people? An evening of research findings, debate and the response of young people
Date: Wednesday 3rd September 2025
Time: 6.30-8pm
Venue: School of Psychology (Room HG20, Alive Reeves Building, Glasnevin Campus)
Young people’s screentime use, ranging from social media to videogaming, is a matter of significant public interest. Positive impacts for wellbeing, community and connectedness are often met with concerns for mental health risks, online safety and bullying.
Opening with a youth perspective, this public lecture will provide an update on the latest, state-of-the-art research linking digital activity to developmental outcomes. Research updates will come from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development study, a uniquely longitudinal study of adolescent brain, cognitive, and emotional development, that has been investigating 12,000 adolescents and their screentime use. In response, an interdisciplinary panel and youth advocate will offer further perspectives to advance our understanding. Finally, a brief Q&A will be facilitated to close.
Event Schedule
- Welcome to event – Flux Organising Committee
- Setting the scene – A youth perspective by Charlie Harney from Spunout (6.30-6.40)
- What emerging research says – evidence from ABCD study – Dr Bader Chaarani, University of Vermont (6.40-7.05)
Panel discussion
- Feidhlim Moran, Youth Advocate, Jigsaw (The National Centre for Youth Mental Health)
- Dr Darragh McCashin – Assistant Professor, DCU School of Psychology & Chair of The Observatory, DCU Anti-Bullying Centre
- Órla McGovern, PhD Researcher, School of Psychology, Dublin City University
- Charlie Harney, Spunout Volunteer
Register FREE for this event using the following link:
https://forms.gle/YpnVkcqciXzpWZrJ7
Further information on the Flux Conference can be found at:
