The Digital Media Use Screener

The Digital Media Use Screener (Beta Version) is a tool designed to help clinicians assess the role of digital media in adolescents’ (ages 12-17) daily lives and identify areas where support or intervention may be beneficial.

Developed by the Digital Wellness Lab at Boston Children’s Hospital, this screener offers a structured, research-informed framework for evaluating how digital media use affects five key areas of basic functioning:

• Sleep
• Family Functioning
• Friends/Social Functioning
• Interests/Activities
• Academics

As a beta version, the screener—and suggested interventions and strategies—will continue to be refined through ongoing research. However, given the increasing demand from clinicians for better tools to support young people and their families, we are making it available now to provide immediate insights and support.

Why use the Digital Media Use Screener?

• Differentiate between typical and problematic digital media use
• Shift the focus from screen time limits to healthy engagement
• Reassure parents and caregivers when digital media use is not a cause for concern
• Equip young people and their families with evidence-based strategies for digital wellbeing