This story was originally published by MPR News.
Melissa Olson
MPR News
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community has released findings from the first-of-its-kind report examining how technology and digital media use affect the wellbeing of Native youth in Minnesota.
According to the study, about 90 percent of respondents said addressing technology use is more important than other issues facing Native youth and reported that its impact — particularly on physical and mental health — is overwhelmingly negative.
“Digital technology can be a powerful tool for connection, learning and sharing our culture, but it can also create real problems for young people,” said Ashley Cornforth, SMSC Secretary/Treasurer and co-chair of IndigeFit Kids. “This research is an important first step in developing culturally meaningful strategies that help Native youth build healthy relationships with the digital world.”
The research was conducted by LiveMore ScreenLess, a Minnesota-based nonprofit, and funded through IndigeFit Kids, the SMSC’s three-year, $6 million campaign to improve the physical fitness and mental wellness of Native youth across the state.
The report comes as concern about youth mental health is growing. Over the past decade, young people have reported rising levels of loneliness, hopelessness and depression — challenges that are especially significant for Native youth, who face disproportionate mental health impacts and systemic barriers to wellbeing, according to the study.
The research group surveyed 242 adults who work with Native youth across 42 of Minnesota’s 87 counties, with nearly equal representation from metro and non-metro areas across the state. More than half identified as educators, and a majority identified as Native.
Despite widespread awareness of the problems, educators said current strategies aren’t working. Respondents cited limited culturally relevant resources, competing demands in classrooms and school environments, and the rapid pace of technological change as barriers.
Katherine Myers, executive director of LiveMore ScreenLess, said the lack of Native-centered research has long made effective responses difficult.
“Native youth voices have been largely underrepresented, leaving few evidence-based and culturally relevant strategies to guide this work,” Myers said. “This report helps lay the groundwork for flexible, strengths-based approaches that increase the positive effects of technology while reducing the negative ones.”
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community and its partner are working together on an initiative to develop new tools to support Native youth-led digital wellbeing. Plans include a video series featuring Native youth sharing perspectives on healthy digital habits, professional development curriculum for Native communities, educator workshops, and a Native youth digital wellbeing summit.
Cornforth said the effort will focus on listening to young people.
“By listening to educators, families and youth themselves, we can work together to support the wellbeing of the next generation.”
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