The New Jersey Social Media Research Center

The New Jersey Social Media Research Center is part of a broader effort by Gov. Mikie Sherrill's administration to strengthen online protections for young people. Rutgers was selected by the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE), in coordination with the New Jersey Department of Health, to lead the center, which is supported by a $500,000 state grant.

The center's work will focus on three areas:

• Assessment: To better understand how social media affects young people's mental and physical health.
• Intervention: To identify strategies for reducing harmful and addictive use, particularly among vulnerable young people.
• Prevention: To promote healthy and responsible online habits.

The researchers will develop online courses and training modules on safe social media use that will be available for free to New Jersey schools. Researchers also plan to offer educational resources to families and community organizations through a central website, along with workshops for parents, educators and health professionals.

The School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey