When We Know Better, We MUST Do Better
Australia is leading the way in banning social media for kids under 16. To gain access they are required to upload digital ID. My youngest son is a teacher there and I look forward to his insights.
๐๐ก๐๐ญ ๐๐ซ๐ ๐ฐ๐ ๐ฐ๐๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐๐ง๐๐๐? There is more and more indisputable research linking social media to severe challenges for our children and youth. (I am currently doing a literature review.) Let me site some.
๐ฆ๐น๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฝ ๐ฑ๐ถ๐๐ฟ๐๐ฝ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฎ๐ฐ/๐ณ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐ป๐ป๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐๐ถ๐๐ (lateโnight scrolling, notifications) links heavy social media or screen time to depressive symptoms and suicidality.
๐ฆ๐ผ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฎ๐น ๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ผ๐ป ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐น๐ผ๐ ๐๐ฒ๐น๐ณโ๐ฒ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฒ๐บ. Constant exposure to idealized images and peer feedback loops (likes, comments, follower counts) is associated with body dissatisfaction, low selfโesteem, and depressive mood, especially in early and midโadolescent girls.
๐๐๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฏ๐๐น๐น๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ผ๐ป๐น๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐ป๐ณ๐น๐ถ๐ฐ๐. The shift from traditional bullying to cyberbullying means harassment can be continuous, public, and difficult to escape, and is strongly associated with nonsuicidal selfโinjury, depression, suicidal ideation
Why Student Well-Being Must Move from โAdd-Onโ to Core Practice in Schools
Introduction
Across classrooms worldwide, educators are asking: "How do we help children not just succeed academically, but thrive as human beings?"
The evidence is clear - student well-being is not a โnice-to-have,โ add on to the curriculum, itโs essential. This research study is one of many I have posted on my website.
What the Research Shows
A systematic review and meta-analysis by Cipriano et al. (2023) analyzed dozens of school-based SEL programs. The findings are powerful:
๐ฅ Universal programs boost student outcomes in social-emotional skills, behavior, and even academics.
๐ฅ Benefits are long-lasting, when SEL is built into the culture of a school.
๐ฅ Results are strongest when programs are delivered with fidelity - meaning staff are well-trained and supported.
What Needs to Be Done
Compiled Research References and Mental Health Change Agents
We are passionate about being proactive when it comes to childrenโs mental health. We have become accustomed to waiting for symptoms for our physical and mental health. We know much more than ever that children can learn strategies at a very young age and have them for life.
This page provides links to evidence based research and change-agents with expertise in child and youth mental health.
What Does the Research Say?
Hundreds of independent studies confirm SEL benefits students โฆ from Casel
Celebrating 150 Episodes of Taking the Helm Podcast: A Milestone Moment with Erin Plumb
As we mark a major milestone in the journey of Taking the Helm, Iโm filled with gratitude and excitement! Our 150th episode is here, and we couldnโt be more thrilled to celebrate this achievement with none other than Erin Plumb, a recognized leader in assistive technology, accessibility, and inclusion. Erinโs insights on the role of technology in supporting learners both inside and outside the classroom provide an inspiring and timely conversation that speaks to the heart of what this podcast is all about: empowering children and youth to thrive.
Reflecting on the Journey: 150 Conversations of Impact
In-Powerment: Digging Deep into How Families Can Truly Thrive
Taking the Helm podcast presents a 1:1 interview with Radhika (aka Rad) Lakhani, an accomplished attorney, coach, and thought leader in conscious lawyering. Rad shares her deeply personal journey from professional success to spiritual awakening, revealing how life's greatest challenges shaped her mission to guide others toward living their most epic lives.