In an increasingly digitalized world, safeguarding the online well-being of our youth is a top concern. The latest research points to the various harms associated with excessive and unsupervised social media use among young users, including issues related to mental health and exposure to inappropriate content. Recognizing these challenges is the first step in confronting an escalating issue with serious implications for families and communities. During this learning network session, we discussed strategies and considerations for addressing the harms of social media on youth. This session was designed to equip policymakers with knowledge and tactics not just to navigate but to actively counteract the pervasive dangers of social media, emphasizing a reevaluation of digital exposure and its impact on young individuals’ well-being.

Meet the Speakers

Abby Palmer Cox, First Spouse, Utah

Abby Palmer Cox became the first lady of Utah in January 2021. She is an outspoken advocate for “getting proximate”, connecting through our differences, and combating the empathy crisis our country is facing. She launched the Show Up initiative to convene, contribute and champion projects related to social and emotional learning, statewide service, foster care awareness and sporting opportunities for children with intellectual disabilities. Show Up creates opportunities for Utah residents to give back to their community through fostering children in need, hosting educator wellness events, and participating in sporting events with their peers.

Sarah Coyne, PhD Associate Director, School of Family Life, Brigham Young University

Dr. Sarah M. Coyne is a professor of human development in the School of Family Life at Brigham Young University. She received her BSc degree in Psychology from Utah State University, and her PhD in Psychology from the University of Central Lancashire in Preston, England. Her research interests involve media, aggression, gender, mental health, and child development. Dr. Coyne has over 200 publications on these and other topics. She regularly speaks to families and teenagers about using media in positive ways. She has five children and lives in Utah.

Aimee Winder Newton, Senior Advisor to Governor Cox and Director of the Office of Families in Utah

Aimee Winder Newton serves as a senior advisor to Governor Cox and director of the Office of Families. She has championed social media legislation and education, home visiting programs for vulnerable families, and many other upstream policies to strengthen families in Utah so children have better outcomes. Her previous roles include planning commissioner, city communications director, executive for a biotech company, small business owner, and board member for several organizations, including Prevent Child Abuse Utah. She was a 2020 candidate for Utah governor. Aimee also serves part-time on the Salt Lake County Council and chairs the Salt Lake County Intergenerational Poverty Task Force. Aimee is a graduate of the University of Utah. She and her husband, Matt, have been married for 30 years and have raised four children. They love to travel together and go on walks with their goldendoodle puppy.

Holly Rawlings, Leader of Research & Family Education at Gabb Wireless

Holly Rawlings leads our Research & Family Education initiative at Gabb and is committed to empowering families to have tough conversations about staying safe when using tech. She comes to Gabb as a veteran secondary education teacher and faculty from the Department of English and Literature at Utah Valley University and the Department of Business at Brigham Young University–Idaho. Holly loves visiting schools and community groups, sitting down with kids, parents, and teachers to find out about their experiences of navigating life in the digital age. She believes the research studies Gabb is sponsoring will help families connect and protect one another. Holly and her husband Juston are the parents of teenage triplets and are personally invested in preparing confident and healthy kids while keeping them safe. For fun Holly loves to walk with friends, read historical fiction, and head out on road-trips with frequent stops in small-town America.

Event Info

  • Location: Virtual
  • Date: April 24
  • Time: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM ET
  • Phone: