WAYNE COUNTY, N.C. —- As students across North Carolina settle into the new school year, Governor Josh Stein is calling attention to a critical aspect of child safety that extends beyond school buildings and neighborhood streets: the digital world.
With approximately 96% of U.S. teens using the internet daily, and the number of adolescents online “almost constantly” having nearly doubled in recent years, state officials are emphasizing the urgent need for parents and caregivers to take an active role in protecting children’s mental health and safety online.
Navigating Digital Risks
While the internet provides valuable opportunities for learning and social connection, Governor Stein acknowledged that it also presents significant risks to young users. He outlined several key strategies parents can employ to help their children navigate the online landscape safely.
“We must do everything we can to keep them safe — wherever they are,” Stein said, emphasizing that digital safety is just as important as physical safety at school and in the community.
The governor recommends that parents spend time with their children online, actively guiding them through safe practices and teaching them about internet safety, privacy settings, and how to recognize inappropriate content. Monitoring online activity, staying aware of apps and websites children use, and encouraging them to report uncomfortable or harmful behavior are also essential protective measures.
Additionally, Stein stressed the importance of helping children develop critical thinking skills to identify fake content proliferating on social media platforms, and ensuring they understand the risks of engaging with strangers they meet online or through gaming platforms.
The Mental Health Crisis
The mental health implications of excessive social media use have become increasingly alarming. A 2023 study revealed that adolescents spending more than three hours daily on social media face double the risk of mental health problems, including depression and anxiety.
“We cannot just accept this problem,” Governor Stein declared.
Legislative Action on Cell Phone Use
In response to growing concerns, Stein launched a Task Force on Student Safety and Wellbeing earlier this year to develop comprehensive strategies supporting student mental health. One key recommendation from the task force was limiting cell phone use during school hours.
The General Assembly subsequently passed legislation implementing such restrictions, which Governor Stein signed into law. The measure aims to make schools more engaging and less stressful environments by reducing students’ access to social media during the eight-hour school day.
Supporting Children’s Digital Wellbeing
Governor Stein outlined several steps parents can take to support their children’s mental health in relation to online activity:
Parents should encourage open conversations about online experiences and feelings, while setting and enforcing healthy screen time limits. Promoting a balanced lifestyle that includes offline activities and face-to-face interactions is equally important. The governor also advised parents to watch for signs of stress or anxiety related to online activities and seek professional help when necessary.
“Mental health and online safety are two sides of the same coin,” Stein emphasized. “By engaging with your children, setting boundaries, and being a source of support, parents can help their kids have a positive and secure online experience.”
The governor concluded by acknowledging that today’s digital landscape differs dramatically from what many parents experienced in their own youth, making it essential for caregivers to stay informed and actively involved in their children’s online lives.
