Barnesville Middle School Students Affected by Social Media
Barnesville Middle School administrators encourage parents and guardians to limit their children’s online access after nearly three-quarters of student discipline incidents involving social media have taken place.
In a letter shared with parents and guardians, Principal Casey Mayo said that 72% of the middle school’s discipline incidents have been related to or stemmed from social media, particularly Snapchat.
“This statistic is concerning and highlights the need for schools and families to take a closer look together at the role social media is playing in our children’s lives,” he wrote.
Barnesville Middle School’s work is guided by the belief that “it takes a village to raise a child,” however Mayo questioned if cell phones and social media apps have taken on a role that belongs to parents, educators and trusted adults.
When this happens, children’s learning and behavior are shaped less by guidance and values and more by online trends and outside influences, he added.
Mayo believes students are exposed to content they are not ready to process and may lack the maturity to fully understand context, intent or consequences. He notes that social media platforms are not made with children’s emotional or social development in mind.
Mayo said the district is starting the conversation with the Know2Protect initiative, which is a “national effort focused on helping families understand online risks and protect children in digital spaces.”
Parents, guardians and citizens may review the resource here.
Mayo stressed how important it is for parents, caretakers and school staff to work together to take back an active role in the children’s education, both academically and socially, emphasizing that students do not need Snapchat to communicate with friends.
“This message is not about placing blame, but about partnership. Schools cannot address this issue alone,” Mayo said. “Meaningful change will only occur when families and schools work together to set boundaries, have honest conversations and guide students toward healthy, age-appropriate choices.”
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