Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, the state’s top legal advisor and chief legal officer, visited Centennial School District Wednesday to listen to high school students about social media and mental wellness.
“We are so proud of all the students representing Bucks County schools today,” said Rachel Holler, Bucks County Intermediate Unit assistant executive director.
Holler said during Wednesday’s event students provided “powerful insight” into their social media experiences and its impact on their lives.
“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,” Holler added.
Pennsylvania is home to about 500 public school districts, while Bucks County is home to 13 of them.
Students participating in the discussion were from 12 Bucks County public high schools and one of the three career and technical schools.
Students attended the TeenTALK from: 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, according to the attorney general’s webpage.
The goal of the series is to listen to young people and provide a platform for discussion over the impacts of social media on their mental health.
“During today’s meeting, the students discussed their own use of social media, including its pros and cons. Many students shared thoughts on the addictive nature of social media and how spending excessive time on apps can affect relationships and hinder learning,” a Centennial School District press release said.
Among the topics the panel discussed included the use of Artificial intelligence (AI) – both in learning environments and outside of school. Students explored the disadvantages of using AI as a learning tool and considered questions over the future of workplace environments.
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“As a father myself, I was encouraged to hear from students who spoke candidly about taking their mental health seriously,” 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,” Sunday said.
More events were planned across the commonwealth, though locations and dates were not currently available, representatives for Sunday said in an email.
Centennial School District Superintendent Abram Lucabaugh attended the event along with other school leaders and staff.
“The impact of social media on mental health is a reality that school districts across the commonwealth and the nation deal with every day,” Lucabaugh said.
He said listening to students and their interactions with Sunday “shed light on how important this topic is.”
