Black Dog Institute launches free 'Teens & Screens' program to help students navigate the digital world

Black Dog Institute, in partnership with the Bupa Foundation, has launched Teens & Screens, a free evidence-informed classroom program designed to help Year 7-9 students develop healthy screen habits, manage their digital wellbeing, and enable them to make better decisions about their digital habits.  

With young people spending more time online than ever before, researchers say now is a critical moment to support teens in building healthier digital habits. 

Backed by research from the Future Proofing Study—a large longitudinal study on adolescent mental health in Australia—Teens & Screens equips young people with the tools and knowledge to maximise the positive aspects of screen use while minimising potential harms.  

Associate Professor Aliza Werner-Seidler from Black Dog Institute and lead researcher on the project, says there needs to be a focus on educating young people about how to cultivate a positive online experience, what the risks are and how to mitigate those.  

“Teens are constantly being told that screen time is bad—but that’s not the full picture. Not all online activities are equal and there is nuance that needs to be considered in what activities young people are engaging with, and with whom,” Dr Werner-Seidler says.  

“Screens are an integral part of their lives—from socialising to learning and entertainment. Instead of fuelling guilt or fear, we’re here to share the real facts—the good and the bad—based on research and evidence, so teens can make better informed choices.” 

The research highlights that while online platforms can present challenges, they can also offer opportunities to support young people’s wellbeing—if used with awareness and balance. 

“We want to give young people the tools to understand whether what they’re doing online affects how they feel so that they can navigate the digital world with confidence. By giving them knowledge, not just rules, we’re helping them take control of their digital habits in a way that works for them, Dr Werner-Seidler says. 

Teens & Screens is a ready-to-use program that provides teachers with everything they need to deliver an engaging session on digital literacy and wellbeing. Developed in partnership with young people, the program is scientifically-informed, relevant, and engaging. It includes a step-by-step facilitator guide, a customisable interactive presentation, and resources for students and parents.  

Bupa Chief Sustainability & Corporate Affairs Officer, Roger Sharp says the Bupa Foundation is proud to invest in this key early intervention program.  

“As the use of technology continues to rise, the Teens & Screens program is critical to tackling one of the biggest challenges of our time: how young people engage with technology and impact of this on their mental health. Together we can empower young people and their families to create healthier habits and balance their time between the online and real worlds,” he says. 

Researchers at Black Dog Institute are also currently developing a Teens & Screens program tailored for students in Years 10–12. This program will address the unique challenges faced by older adolescents and will be available later in 2025. 

Teachers can access everything they need to deliver engaging lessons on digital wellbeing, including a step-by-step guide, interactive slide deck, and ready-to-use student resources here. 

Parents looking to continue the conversation with their teens can find a summary sheet of the workshop content here. This page also offers additional resources for families, including:  

• A webinar for parents and carers, providing deeper insights into the relationship between young people, screen use, and mental health.  

• A detailed report of the findings on adolescents and screen use from the Future Proofing Study.