SOCIAL MEDIA

WHEREAS, the use of social media has become an integral part of the lives of students, offering both opportunities and challenges; and

WHEREAS, the excessive use of social media has potentially devastating effects on students’ mental health and well-being, including increased anxiety, depression and social isolation; and

WHEREAS the United States Department of Health and Human Services has issued a United States Surgeon General’s Advisory cautioning that “children and adolescents who spend more than three hours a day on social media face double the risk of mental health problems including symptoms of depression and anxiety”; and

WHEREAS, cyberbullying and online harassment have become prevalent issues in the digital age, causing significant harm to students and impacting their ability to learn and thrive in a safe and supportive environment; and

WHEREAS, the dissemination of false information and misinformation on social media platforms can mislead and misinform students, potentially undermining their critical-thinking skills and ability to engage in informed discussions; and

WHEREAS, it is essential for educators and parents to collaborate in addressing these concerns and equip students with the necessary skills to navigate social media responsibly and safely:

RESOLVED, that the AFT will take proactive steps in addressing the impact of social media on our nation’s students; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will advocate for comprehensive digital literacy programs in schools that educate students about responsible social media use, online safety and the identification of misinformation; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will develop and advocate for education regarding the risks that screen time and social media have on children and adolescents; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will call for legislative policies and guidance to promote a safe and inclusive online environment, including protocols for addressing cyberbullying and online harassment; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will provide professional development opportunities for local affiliates and state federations to enhance their understanding of the impact of social media on students’ well-being and equip them with strategies that support students in navigating the digital world; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will assist its local affiliates and state federations with engaging parents and guardians in educational initiatives that promote digital citizenship and provide resources to help them support their children in using social media responsibly; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will encourage the establishment of student-led organizations or clubs focused on promoting positive online behavior and digital well-being and raising awareness about the potential risks associated with social media use; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will support legislation that will require social media companies to restrict the addictive features on their platforms that most harm young users, and will prohibit online sites from collecting, using, sharing or selling personal data of anyone under the age of 18.

Adopted May 28, 2025