Social media is the method of communication preferred by adolescents and young adults, and many social media apps have become a primary means for viewing sexually explicit media. Rather than searching for content that matches their developing sexual interests, many adolescents simply scroll through whatever is on their feed, often finding sexually explicit material. What effect is this having on their mental health and concept of sexuality? How can professionals help them navigate the complexities of sexual development in a climate that encourages viewers to “like” and “subscribe.”

Mental health professionals frequently serve as expert witnesses in court cases in which juveniles face the possibility of being prosecuted as adults. Neuroscience and psychosocial development research support the findings that adolescents are less capable of mature judgement and more vulnerable to negative external influences, but also have a greater capacity for change and reform. Research has also identified indicators of normative psychosocial maturity associated with desistance from antisocial behavior, even among serious juvenile offenders. Landmark U.S. Supreme Court cases have been based on elaborating fundamental differences between adolescents and adults that inform decisions about criminal culpability, responsibility, and sentencing.