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Headshot Young Girl

Judy Keller

AMS24

United States

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Challenge

Have you noticed how social media is everywhere these days? It's everywhere you look now, isn't it? Even at the park or during family outings, younger kids seem more interested in scrolling through something on their tablets than playing. It can feel harmless, a way for them to connect. But then things like the tragedy with our friend's son hit close to home. Losing a 14-year-old to suicide, especially when it seems social media might have played a role, makes you realize how much these online spaces can affect their young minds in ways we might not even understand. It's a wake-up call that we need to do better, both as parents and as a society, to equip them with the tools they need to navigate this digital world safely. More and more people are realizing how important social media literacy is for kids. The bad news? There's almost nothing out there for younger kids, and most schools don't have any programs at all. School counselors are already seeing problems with social media use in kids as young as first and second grade! It's scary to think about the impact it can have on their mental health, with things like anxiety and feeling down about themselves. Cyberbullying, privacy issues, and missing out on real-life friendships because of screen time are all real concerns too. Even their sleep gets messed up! Plus, these platforms aren't always great at keeping out inappropriate content. We need to change that! Imagine how much better off kids would be if they learned how to be safe and responsible online from the very beginning. We need to give them the skills they need to thrive in this digital age, not just survive.

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