The rising mental health challenges among youth necessitate the development of effective and scalable early intervention and preventive solutions. Research consistently shows that problematic smartphone use (PSU) and problematic social media use (PSMU) significantly impact youth mental health, contributing to anxiety, sleep disturbances, depression and obsessive behaviors. Despite concerns about excessive digital use, social media remains an integral part of daily life and offers benefits such as stronger social connections to many individuals. Although experts have called for bans and severe restrictions on social media, research suggests that benefits resulting from bans may be short-lived without addressing the underlying psychological factors behind PSU and PSMU. Hence, targeted emotion regulation strategies are recommended to help youth navigate digital environments more effectively. 

Moreover, the issue of escalating mental distress is not confined to younger children; a meta-analysis found that 33.6% of college students experience depression and 39% report anxiety symptoms. Hence, holistic approaches that promote mindful technology use while building essential life skills have become critical. Integrating positive engagement with technology and social-emotional learning (SEL) is a promising blueprint for early intervention and prevention of mental disorders in this context (Setia et al., 2024). We recently published a scoping review on digital detox strategies (Setia et al., 2025). Our research demonstrated that targeted digital detox strategies can play a crucial role in managing and preventing PSU/ PSMU that currently affects nearly 1/4 of children and young people. Digital detox in this context refers to voluntary and mindful breaks from technology or specific applications. The existing SEL programs, however, focus narrowly on issues such as mindful use of technology. Success4Life (S4L) (Transforming Life LLC; IP registration: TXu 2-327-132) is an innovative 10-week SEL early intervention program that is based on principles of balanced technology use to enhance mental health outcomes. We are conducting a study on the S4L program at Alfred University in New York, and preliminary results indicate that it effectively enhances well-being and promotes mindful use of technology and social media among the general youth population, as well as individuals with underlying mental health conditions (Setia & Tichy, 2024). This presentation will share our implementation methodology, assessment frameworks, and preliminary research outcomes. Attendees will gain practical insights into integrating holistic SEL programs within their existing educational and mental health initiatives, with a specific focus on fostering sustainable psychological well-being among youth.