The Sasakawa Peace Foundation held a study session for members of the National Diet on March 11, 2026, focusing on youth mental health.
The session was conducted as part of an initiative aimed at advancing Japan-U.S. legislative dialogue on youth mental health, a social challenge shared by both countries. Looking ahead, the initiative aims to leverage such dialogue as a foundation for building face-to-face relationships among lawmakers, thereby fostering long-term connections grounded in mutual understanding and trust, and ultimately strengthening legislative networks between Japan and the United States.
The session was attended by cross-party members of the National Diet, including Hon. Hanako Jimi from the House of Councillors. From the United States, Dr. Mitch Prinstein (Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and former Chief of Psychology Strategy and Integration at the American Psychological Association) and Dr. Eva Telzer (Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) participated online. They presented the latest research findings and policy perspectives related to youth mental health.
During the discussion, participants exchanged views on the characteristics of brain development in children and adolescents, as well as the impact of digital environments, including social media and artificial intelligence, on mental health.
In particular, the discussion focused on the relationship between developmental stages and the design and use of digital technologies.
Key points included:
- Adolescence is a period marked by heightened sensitivity to social evaluation and peer approval, while brain functions responsible for impulse control and decision-making are still developing
- Features such as "likes," notifications, and algorithm-driven content delivery may influence self-esteem, anxiety levels, and social comparison
- Digital device use can affect sleep and daily life, posing risks of excessive or addictive use
- At the same time, digital technologies offer positive benefits, such as supporting learning and alleviating social isolation
- Efforts are underway to develop safer social media platforms with enhanced privacy protections
Although institutional frameworks and social contexts differ between the two countries, participants noted that many challenges surrounding youth mental health are shared. The session underscored the importance of addressing these issues from a cross-national perspective and helped build momentum for future legislative dialogue between Japan and the United States.
