Social Media: Strengthening Caregiver Connectivity Recording

Social Media: Strengthening Caregiver Connectivity – Part One, presented in partnership with Effective School Solutions (ESS). The session provided valuable insights into students' everyday challenges in today's digital landscape, including the significant finding that teenagers spend an average of 7 hours daily on screens, with 81% actively engaging on social media platforms. If you missed the event or would like to review the first part of this webinar series again, you can watch the recording on the district's YouTube channel.

During the presentation, Effective School Solutions explored several insightful topics, including the correlation between social media usage and mental health outcomes, particularly focusing on anxiety and depression rates among young users. The discussion covered the neuroscience behind social media engagement, explaining how platform features trigger dopamine responses similar to addictive behaviors. We especially value the learning received around practical concerns about privacy, safety, and the impact of constant social comparison on our students' self-esteem.

We extend our gratitude to Dr. Aubree Guiffre and Elizabeth Kolodiy, LPC, from Effective School Solutions, for sharing their expertise with our community. The district is excited to partner with ESS again for Part Two of this informational series, which will be coming in the following weeks. Part Two of the series will discuss family online activities that provide a comprehensive approach to screen time, building on the understanding gained of social media's impact on youth wellbeing.