Social media has been a growing concern in recent years, with experts warning of its impact on mental health. According to an opinion piece by U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy in The New York Times, social media platforms may play a role in the mental health crisis among young people. Dr. Murthy suggested that social media companies should include warning labels similar to those required for cigarettes to help parents and teenagers be more mindful of the potential risks associated with social media use.
In response to these concerns, Florida has recently enacted new laws aimed at regulating teenagers’ use of social media. Starting January 1st, children under 14 will be prohibited from having social media accounts, while 14- and 15-year-olds will need parental permission before creating an account. Social media platforms will be required to terminate the accounts of any teens who fall under these age restrictions.
As part of their ongoing efforts to address mental health issues among students, Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) is hosting a workshop on Tuesday morning to review the student code of conduct and develop a mental health plan. During the workshop, which will begin at 9:15 am and be streamed live by News4JAX, DCPS is expected to emphasize the importance of mental health and provide updates on their policies related to social media use by students.
