DPAC raises concerns over potential impact of social media on children’s mental health

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Members of the District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC) of School District 60 are looking to spread awareness about the effects social media may have on children’s mental health.

The DPAC presented to council on March 25th to raise mental health awareness among the community and invite families to an information event on developing structures and habits around social media.  

In a letter to council, the vice president of the DPAC, Jami Grahn, said the advisory council felt it was necessary to address mental health concerns after reviewing student surveys.

“The question being, how do we incorporate a healthy amount of screen time so children can keep up with an ever-evolving technological world while taking into account the negative impact screen time is presenting on youth’s and now increasingly, children’s mental health?” wrote Grahn.

“Technology, cyberbullying, anxiety, isolation, and addiction are a few topics among many that we feel have not been appropriately addressed over the years.” 

During the presentation, Grahn outlined cell phone usage and its adverse effects, such as loss of sleep, stamina, and focus, as a growing concern among parents.

“I did not find one paper that was positive in regards to social media use among teenagers, pre-teens or even most adults,” said Grahn.

According to Grahn, the average smartphone owner uses the device up to six hours a day, and screen time for ages 13 to 18 can be as high as eight hours. 

The DPAC presentation didn’t state where the information was sourced from. However, when speaking to council, Grahn mentioned compiling information from many sources, including Forbes Magazine and U.S. surveys.

Grahn also showed council how children today have access to AI-generated selfie technology that can take normal portraits of people and alter them easily without parents or teachers knowing.

“You can access this for free at any age,” said Grahn. 

According to the presentation by Grahn, teens who spend more than three hours a day on social media are more likely to experience anxiety, frustration, insecurity, depression and more. 

Grahn is inviting parents to the Parenting in a Digital Age event to learn the dangers that social media may have on their children. The event is taking place at Anne Roberts Young Elementary School on Wednesday, April 24th, at 7 p.m.

“Parenting in a digital age is complicated and messy, and for a lot of parents, setting limits feels like ‘punishing’ their children, when really it is necessary in order to help children keep a balanced perspective on reality and the fake, ‘perfect’ world that apps like Instagram and TikTok,” Grahn wrote.  

The event will feature a presentation for parents and another for kids in grades four and up.

Councillor Sarah MacDougall thanked the presenters for bringing awareness to children’s mental health concerns, saying she would attend the event with her children. 

“I hope my children that will be attending will get something out of this event,” said MacDougall. 

The SD 60 DPAC’s presentation to council can be viewed below: