By: Richard L. Smith
New Jersey is taking a closer look at how social media affects the state’s young people.
According to a statement released by the New Jersey Department of Education, the Commission on the Effects of Social Media Usage on Adolescents has issued a new report examining the links between excessive online use and issues such as cyberbullying, addictive behavior, sleep disruption, and declining mental health.
The Commission, created by legislation signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy, brought together parents, students, educators, and child advocacy leaders to study the issue.
Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer said the group’s work highlights “a deeply impactful and ever-evolving issue” that schools and families must address.
The report encourages schools and communities to adopt stronger policies, provide digital citizenship education, and help students manage their online habits.
Among the 20 recommendations:
• School districts should consider banning cell phone and social media use during the school day.
• Parents are urged to delay their child’s access to social media and model responsible behavior when they do allow it.
• Social media companies should tighten restrictions for users under 16 and expand tools to protect children from cyberbullying and exploitation.
• Healthcare providers are encouraged to screen adolescents for signs of problematic social media use to provide early support.
“This report is a roadmap for action,” said Commission Co-Chairs Pearl Gabel and Charles Gelinas. “Social media has rewired childhood, and the stakes could not be higher.”
The full report is available on the New Jersey Department of Education’s Student Digital Wellness webpage.