NEWS RELEASE
San Diego Unified to Educate Students, Families and Teachers on Risks of Social Media for Youth
July 17, 2024
San Diego – The San Diego Unified School District will launch an initiative to raise awareness about the risks associated with social media use among children and teens under a resolution unanimously approved by the Board of Education on Tuesday.
Proposed by Board President Shana Hazan and Vice President Dr. Cody Petterson, the resolution calls for the district to share research-backed information with students, families, and educators about the negative impacts of social media on student wellbeing and academic success.
Throughout the 2024-25 school year, the district will issue regular notifications to students, families and educators, offering resources and information about responsible social media practices, strategies to help curb screen time, and research on the effects of social media use among children and teens.
“There is a growing body of evidence that shows our children are being seriously harmed by excessive social media use. As a school board trustee and mom of two young daughters, it was critically important to me that we take steps that lead to decreased social media consumption by students. Guided by successful public health campaigns, like the one that significantly decreased tobacco use and improved health outcomes, our new initiative aims to raise awareness about the danger of social media use on student health and wellbeing during sensitive periods of brain development,” Hazan said. “By providing ongoing education about the very real dangers associated with social media use among kids, I’m hopeful we will improve the mental health and wellbeing of our students.”
The district will collaborate with mental health professionals and community partners on the new social media awareness initiative, which will feature content that is informed by the latest research and best practices. For example, recent reports have shown regular social media consumption among children and teens can lead to negative outcomes related to physical and mental health, sleep patterns, and bullying.
According to a report published by the Centers for Disease Control and prevention, 16 percent of U.S. high school students reported being bullied via text message or social media in 2021. Half of teenagers surveyed by Common Sense Media said they feel “addicted” to their phones, and a 2023 study by the same organization found that 97 percent of 11- to 17-year-olds use their phones during the school day.
One of two newly elected student members of the Board of Education, Joseph Cruz, said he knows firsthand how important it is to address this issue.
“Social media is a big part of life for my generation, but many of us know it’s getting out of control. It can easily steal hours from our day and affect us way beyond the screen,” said Joseph, a senior at Morse High School. “It’s important that we learn from the research and share resources so we can help establish a healthier social media climate for everyone.”
San Diego Unified is among several school districts nationwide engaged in litigation against social media companies, arguing that the platforms and content algorithms are harmful to children and teens, and have contributed to anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.
“As a parent, I’m acutely aware of the power of social media both to connect our children to their peers and the world at large and to potentially harm them psychologically, developmentally, and socially,” Petterson said. “I encourage the entire community to join us as we work together to address the challenges, and opportunities, of social media.”
MEDIA CONTACT: communications@sandi.net
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