San Diego Unified Begins Campaign to Curb Social Media Use, Addiction Among Youth

The San Diego Unified School District is launching an initiative to raise awareness about the risks associated with social media use among children and teens.

Proposed by SDUSD Board President Shana Hazan and Vice President Cody Petterson at Tuesday’s board meeting, the resolution calls for the district to share research-backed information with students, families and educators about the “negative impacts of social media on student wellbeing and academic success,” a district statement reads.

“There is a growing body of evidence that shows our children are being seriously harmed by excessive social media use,” Hazan said. “As a school board trustee and mom of two young daughters, it was critically important to me that we take steps that lead to decreased social media consumption by students.”

“Guided by successful public health campaigns, like the one that significantly decreased tobacco use and improved health outcomes, our new initiative aims to raise awareness about the danger of social media use on student health and wellbeing during sensitive periods of brain development,” she said.

Throughout the 2024-25 school year, the district will issue notifications to students, families and educators, offering resources and information about responsible social media practices, strategies to help curb screen time, and research on the effects of social media use among children and teens.

According to a report published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and prevention, 16% of U.S. high school students reported being bullied via text message or social media in 2021. Half of teenagers surveyed by Common Sense Media said they feel “addicted” to their phones, and a 2023 study by the same organization found that 97% of 11- to 17-year-olds use their phones during the school day.

“Social media is a big part of life for my generation, but many of us know it’s getting out of control,” said Joseph Cruz, a senior at Morse High School and one of two newly elected student members of the Board of Education. “It can easily steal hours from our day and affect us way beyond the screen. It’s important that we learn from the research and share resources so we can help establish a healthier social media climate for everyone.”

The district will collaborate with mental health professionals and community partners on the initiative, which will feature content “that is informed by the latest research and best practices.”

“As a parent, I’m acutely aware of the power of social media both to connect our children to their peers and the world at large and to potentially harm them psychologically, developmentally and socially,” Petterson said. “I encourage the entire community to join us as we work together to address the challenges, and opportunities, of social media.”

City News Service contributed to this article.