The American Psychological Association (APA) has released its first set of recommendations aimed at guiding teens in managing their online video viewing habits. This move comes as the accessibility and volume of video content on streaming platforms continue to rise, posing potential risks and benefits for young viewers.

"Research consistently shows that video content, and the platforms that host it, have the potential to help or harm teens," stated APA CEO Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD. He emphasized the shared responsibility among various stakeholders, including video platforms, content creators, parents, educators, policymakers, and the tech industry, to ensure a safe online environment for youth.

The APA's report titled "Recommendations for Healthy Teen Video Viewing" compiles scientific research on adolescents' video consumption patterns. It offers immediate steps for parents and educators while suggesting significant changes for policymakers and technology professionals.

One key recommendation is educating adolescents to be selective about the videos they watch. The report highlights that videos can be beneficial by aiding homework, teaching new skills or hobbies, and providing cultural insights. By learning video literacy in schools, teens can enhance their knowledge while resisting manipulative platform features designed to extend engagement.

The report also urges tech companies to adjust platform features that may affect adolescent well-being negatively. Features such as content recommendations and autoplay could amplify harmful effects and foster maladaptive viewing habits among youth.

Additional recommendations include limiting exposure to violent or risky content that reinforces negative stereotypes; guiding teens toward quality health-related information; encouraging healthy relationship skills through video content; monitoring influencers' impact on adolescents; considering time spent on videos against essential activities like sleep and exercise; promoting empathy-driven content; educating about AI-generated misinformation; and advocating for ad-free environments on platforms used by teens.

While acknowledging that these guidelines may not suit all youths equally due to varying maturity rates, the report notes a lack of studies focused on teens with disabilities or from minoritized groups.

Parents are encouraged to set clear rules around video consumption while engaging in supportive discussions with their children about online content. Evans highlighted the challenges parents face given youths' extensive online presence but expressed hope that these recommendations will prompt meaningful actions from regulators and tech companies to protect adolescents from harmful digital experiences.