WARMINSTER – Attorney General Dave Sunday kicked off a series of planned teenTALK events by meeting with Bucks County students this week to discuss the impacts of social media on mental health.
Students from numerous Bucks County school districts participated in the open discussion with Attorney General Sunday. Many of them shared that social media is their core way of engaging with their peers, and does provide an important method of connection. At the same time, the students shared that, despite spending a lot of time on platforms, social media can be an unsafe place and cause divisiveness.
The Office of Attorney General is compiling student opinions to evaluate ways the office can advocate for students and schools and contribute to safer spaces being available online.
“As a father myself, I was encouraged to hear from students who spoke candidly about taking their mental health seriously,” Attorney General Sunday said. “As we continue to learn more about the effects social media can have on mental wellness, these students have the opportunity to lead by example and help others use these platforms in healthier, more positive ways. I appreciated hearing their perspectives today, and I look forward to future conversations with students across the Commonwealth.”
Students participating in the discussion represented the Bensalem School District, Bucks County Technical High School, Central Bucks High School East, Central Bucks High School South, Central Bucks High School West, Council Rock High School North, Council Rock High School South, New Hope-Solebury High School, Palisades High School, Pennridge High School, Pennsbury High School West, Quakertown Community High School, and William Tennent High School.
School leaders and staff also attended the event.
“The impact of social media on mental health is a reality that school districts across the commonwealth and the nation deal with every day,” Dr. Abe Lucabaugh, Centennial School District Superintendent, said. “Listening to the comments from our students and the manner in which the Attorney General interacted really shed light on how important this topic is to not only schools but also students who comprise them. This was an important opportunity for students to share their concerns and solutions. We appreciate the time spent by the Attorney General to facilitate this important conversation.”
“So honored to facilitate a conversation with the Attorney General. We are so proud of all the students representing Bucks County schools today,” Dr. Rachel Holler, Bucks County Intermediate Unit Assistant Executive Director, said. “The students provided powerful insight into the impact of social media on their lives. The students were extremely engaged in the conversation. This is the next generation who will make a difference and we are so proud of the opportunity to work with the Attorney General on this topic.”
During this week’s teenTALK session, students openly shared their experiences with social media and discussed how it affects their own mental health, as well as the well-being of their peers and loved ones.
Many students regarded their use of social media as an addiction, spending much time on apps, which can cause a feeling of disconnection from people not online. Several students expressed frustration with how social media causes divisiveness and leads to people feeling unsafe in sharing their opinions.
Across the board, students said social media impacts their day-to-day mental health.
Students with concerns about their own or other’s mental health are encouraged to report any issues through the Office of Attorney General’s Safe2Say Something program. This program allows students to anonymously report concerns or incidents or violence and threats at their schools and communities involving gun violence, bullying, and threats of self-harm.
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