From Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski

As educators and parents, we all share the same goal: helping our children grow into healthy, confident, and well-balanced young people. One important conversation gaining momentum nationwide is the role of social media in children’s lives, particularly for those under the age of 16.

A growing body of research suggests that early and unsupervised social media use can expose children to risks they may not yet be developmentally prepared to manage. The U.S. Surgeon General reports that youth who spend more than three hours per day on social media face double the risk of experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Longitudinal research following nearly 12,000 young people found that increases in social media use during early adolescence were associated with higher depressive symptoms one year later.

Sleep and overall well-being are also concerns. In a recent national survey, 45% of teens said social media hurts the amount of sleep they get, and many reported negative effects on productivity and confidence. Pediatric experts note that younger adolescents are particularly vulnerable and recommend delaying social media until high school years whenever possible.
======================================================================

Waiting until age 16 to introduce social media gives children more time to develop critical thinking skills, stronger self-identity, and healthier face-to-face social habits. It also allows families to establish clear expectations around digital citizenship before students begin navigating complex online environments independently.
======================================================================

Families who choose to delay social media often report positive outcomes, including improved focus on academics, stronger in-person friendships and fewer online conflicts. Of course, every child and family is different. My goal is not to prescribe a one-size-fits-all rule, but to encourage thoughtful, informed decision-making.

If your child is already using social media, consider setting clear boundaries around screen time, privacy, and respectful online behavior. If they have not yet started, you may wish to reflect on whether waiting a bit longer could support their overall well-being.

Our district remains committed to partnering with families to promote safe, healthy technology use. Together, we can help our students thrive, both online and offline.

Respectfully,

Stefan Czaporowski

Superintendent of Schools