Washington CORE recently spoke with Mitch Prinstein, Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and senior science advisor to the American Psychological Association, about the effects of social media on children’s developing brains amid growing international efforts to regulate young people’s online activity.

Drawing on his research and testimony before the U.S. Senate, Prinstein explained how children’s sensitivity to social rewards, such as “likes,” increases around ages 10–11, while the brain’s self-control mechanisms continue developing into early adulthood. He also highlighted concerns about problematic social media use, sleep disruption, and adolescent mental health.

The interview provides science-based insights into the evolving debate over children’s online safety and the implications for policymakers and technology companies.

The full conversation is available by paid subscription through Nikkei Governance. You can read more about it in Japanese.