Children’s agency hones in on social media link to depression

WHITE PLAINS — With an increasing concern about the mental health impact on teens using social media between the ages of 13 and 17, the Westchester Children’s Association gathered major stakeholders to discuss the growing problem.

As part of its annual effort to address issues affecting children, the WCA focused on local teens’ exposure to harmful content and cyberbullying Oct. 22 at its annual advocacy breakfast. More than 130 people, including elected officials state Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins, state Sen. Shelley Mayor, Assemblyman Steve Otis, County Legislators Nancy Barr,  David Imamura, Emiljana Ulaj and Jewel Williams Johnson attended this year’s Annual Advocacy Breakfast.

Max Stossel, founder and CEO of Social Awakening who served as the keynote speaker for this year’s event, delivered a presentation on how students are using social media and provided recommendations to improve focus and reduce distractions in learning environments.

During the breakfast, Stossel discussed how technology is often designed to be addictive and distracting, pushing the user further down the black hole.

“You can never be hard core enough for social media” Stossel said. “The only other trend that seems to correlate with the giant spike in teen mental health problems is the decline in free play. We are not letting our kids be kids anymore. We are not letting them fall down and get back up, go off and make their own mistakes; we are not giving them independence.”

“Years ago, it was normal to have kids just go off on their own and go to their friend’s houses by themselves. Our trend has been to get very, very tight about those types of activities and those rules, we have got to let our kids play, let them be kids, give them independence, especially if we are cracking down on social media.”

Tenth-grade student Aniyrah George from White Plains High School gave a speech where she shared her personal experience with social media. “Comparison is the thief of joy,” she said. “Teens often compare themselves to others on social media, which can lead to feelings of incompleteness and low self-esteem. We are supposed to love ourselves no matter what, and the first step to loving ourselves is accepting our true image without the pressure of putting on a show for likes and followers.”

In May, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released an advisory on the impact of social media on children’s mental health which he stated in part, “the effects of social media are complex and vary based on individual factors, including brain development and socio-economic background.”

“Adolescents are especially vulnerable due to their developing brains, which make them more sensitive to social pressures and more prone to mental health challenges,” Murthy added.w

The WCA asked those present to take the Pledge for Mental Health Advocacy, asking people to commit to learning about social media’s role in youth self-expression, speaking out for healthier online spaces and encouraging conversations, leading by example by encouraging digital disconnection and personal reconnection, and remaining engaged in policies, programs, and community-based initiatives around youth mental health.

WCA is a multi-issue, child advocacy nonprofit that works to ensure that every child in Westchester is healthy, safe, and prepared for life’s challenges, regardless of race or zip code. Since 1914, it has been the leading independent voice for Westchester’s children by identifying their needs, making those needs known to the public, and ensuring those needs are met through advocacy and mobilization efforts.

For more information call WCA at (914) 946-7676 or email wca@wca4kids.org.