teenTALK in Erie County: Attorney General Sunday Meets with Students for Discussion on Social Media's Impact on Mental Health

ERIE — Attorney General Dave Sunday continued his series of teenTALK events by meeting with students from Erie, Warren and Crawford counties this week to discuss the impacts of social media on mental health.

Students from school districts working with the Northwest Tri-County Intermedia Unit #5 participated in the discussion with Attorney General Sunday. Several students said they value the connection that social media brings, and others shared how cellphone bans in their schools have benefitted them.

The Office of Attorney General is compiling student opinions to evaluate ways the office can advocate for students and schools and contribute to safer spaces being available online.

“I am so grateful that these students were willing to have such thoughtful, important conversations about their relationships with social media today,” Attorney General Sunday said. “We have received critical input that will shape my office’s approach to how we engage with stakeholders moving forward — and it wouldn’t have been possible without the students’ commitment to this event.”

Students participating in the discussion represented Conneaut Area School District, Corry Area School District, Erie’s Public Schools, Fort LeBoeuf School District, General McLane School District, Girard School District, Harbor Creek School District, Iroquois School District, Northwestern School District, Penncrest School District, Union City Area School District, Warren County School District, Charter School of Excellence and Tidioute Community Charter School — all which work with Northwest Tri-County IU5, based in Edinboro.

“The IU5 and Attorney General’s commitment to protecting students, and supporting their overall growth physically, emotionally and academically, were very evident in today’s insightful discussions around mental health and social media,” IU Executive Director Brad Whitman said.

During this week’s teenTALK session, students spoke freely about their personal experiences with social media and how it impacts their mental health and relationships with their peers and loved ones.

Students were eager to discuss how bans in place at their schools have helped change how they communicate and interact with their peers. Regarding the bans, some students said they have safety concerns and fears of not being able to contact loved ones in an emergency, while recognizing the need for some restriction.

Students also shared how they recognize the need to have education on responsible social media use. They also recognized that they connect better when they’re hearing about real life experiences versus stats.

Students with concerns about their own or other’s mental health are encouraged to report any issues through the Office of Attorney General’s Safe2Say Something program. This program allows students to anonymously report concerns or incidents or violence and threats at their schools and communities involving gun violence, bullying, and threats of self-harm.

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