TAMPA, Fla. — “Speak Up! Let’s Talk About Mental Health” is a nonprofit organization working to encourage behavioral health-focused conversations and curriculum in summer camps and after-school programs.
Founder Dawn Handley said she also hopes it will inspire kids to use their mobile devices and go on more adventures.
A recent advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General warned about the impact of social media use on young people’s mental health.
The advisory suggests that growing concerns about social media use include a range of topics, from body image to exposure to hate and self-harm content.
The advisory also cites several studies that suggest exposure to that content may pose risks and harms, and that exposure appears to be excessive, it says.
“On a typical weekday, one in three young people report using screens, most commonly social media, until late at night or later,” the advisory states.
Based on a variety of studies, the summary states there are several factors that contribute to the concerns.
- When asked about the impact social media has on their body image, 46% of 13-17 year olds said it makes them feel worse, 40% said it neither makes them feel better nor worse, and only 14% said it makes them feel better.
- Nearly two-thirds (64%) of young people are exposed to hateful content “frequently” or “sometimes.”
- Some social media platforms feature suicide and self-harm related content, even including live depictions of self-harm, and in some tragic cases, this content has been linked to the deaths of children.
- Link: Read the full summary.
Dawn Hundley lost her son Scott to suicide in 2020. She said Scott had suffered from mental health issues for 10 years. In memory of Scott, she started a campaign called “Speak Up! Let’s Talk About Mental Health.”
Handley said he hopes the program will also teach kids other activities they can explore instead of constantly scrolling through social media.
“We need to teach kids coping skills and give them fun things to do that get them away from screens,” Handley said, adding that music, art, meditation and involving children in community projects are just some of the things they can be introduced to.
Handley said she hopes the self-expression and encouragement will also help boost students’ self-confidence.
“I want my kids to know that nothing is perfect, and I want them to do the best they can and be kind,” she said. “I want them to be proud of who they are and learn to be good friends.”
