Screen Time & State Scorecards
What to know about the latest mental health reports as an early-career professional
Moving Beyond Screen Time in Youth Mental Health
Mental Health America’s 2025 Report looks at how technology is shaping youth mental health - not just how much they’re online, but why they use tech and how it makes them feel.
The average age young people get their first smartphone is 12.2 years old. The report shows that tech use brings up a wide range of emotions - from feeling distracted, anxious, and worthless to feeling informed and connected.
Why it matters: Experts say it’s a good idea to delay social media use and set screen time limits, but many young people say they need tech for school, work, or life responsibilities. The key takeaway? Not all screen time is the same, and youth need to be included in the conversation.
Community Conversation: What do you think - Is tracking screen time or scheduling tech detoxes helpful? Which apps do you set limits for and why?
Read more:
Technology and Mental Health: A complex relationship, Mental Health America
Why Where you Live Impacts your Health
Commonwealth Fund released its 2025 State Health Scorecard, ranking all 50 states (plus D.C.) on things like access to care, affordability, and overall health outcomes.
Massachusetts, Hawaii, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and the District of Columbia scored the highest overall.
The report shows where states are making progress, and where they’re falling behind. ✔️ Good news: Fewer people are uninsured than 10 years ago, which means more people can get the care they need. ⚠️ Not-so-good news: In many states, infant mortality rates have gone up and childhood vaccination rates have gone down.
Why it matters: Where you live can seriously impact your health. Some communities have more clinics, doctors, and resources - while others have fewer options. This is an example of health inequity.
Community Conversation: How can young people work with adults to tackle health inequity in their neighborhood? Do you know anyone doing this work?
Read more:
2025 Scorecard on State Health Performance, Commonwealth Fund
State Health Rankings Show Historic Coverage Gains, HCI Innovation Group
Career & Collab Opportunities ❣️
UCI Research Study - Mental Health Apps
US-based youth ages 18+ who have used a mental health app
1-hour virtual interview about your experiences
$25 Amazon gift card for your time
To sign up, take this brief screening survey
NAMI HelpLine Research Internship
Part-time, 4-month internship (volunteer) with flexible hours
HelpLine Interns support the annual review and update of NAMI’s Resource Finder - the nation's largest directory of mental health resources
Students with professional or lived experience in mental health
Apply here by August 19, 2025
Youth Empowerment Showcase, NYEC
Submit to the first annual Youth Empowerment Film Showcase
Participate in a national celebration of rising youth storytellers and bold, creative voices
Youth ages 16-24 are eligible to apply
Apply here by July 30, 2025
AAMC Workforce Studies Research Fellow
Part-time, paid fellowship (remote) with The Association of American Medical Colleges from September - June
For graduate students in social science or a medical residency fulfilling their research requirements
The Fellow will work on one or more research projects and is expected to result in at least one published product
Apply here by August 1, 2025
American Heart Association Field Advocacy Intern
Part-time, paid internship (remote) for Fall 2025
Work on evaluations for the Food is Medicine program
Apply here by August 1st
Inseparable Media Campaign
Share your experiences with mental health services in a school setting
Inseparable will turn your story into content for an advocacy campaign that supports funding for school-based mental health services
Remote video interview, 30-45 minutes total. Email Ayaan@studentsengaged.org for more information
Research Associate Fellow, The People Lab
Full time, paid opportunity for early-career professionals with strong research and analytical skills
Collaborate on research projects—often co-designed with government partners
Applications reviewed on a rolling basis, first review on August 14, 2025
Featured Short - Breath Brain Crosstalk 🧠
A sneak peek from our YouTube series on Resilience, coming Fall 2025! In the meantime, check out our Healthy Relationship series. These YouTube videos have stories and strategies for improving relationships with yourself, family, friends and romantic partners.