Governor Josh Stein has issued a reminder to North Carolina families about the importance of keeping students safe online as the new school year begins. With nearly all U.S. teenagers using the internet daily and an increasing number spending significant time online, concerns about both safety and mental health are growing.
“Students are settling into the school year, and we must do everything we can to keep them safe. That includes wherever they are – at school, in their neighborhoods, and online. Approximately 96% of U.S. teens say they use the internet every day, and the share of teens who report being online ‘almost constantly’ has nearly doubled. We must take steps to ensure kids’ mental health and safety in the digital world,” Governor Stein said.
He outlined several recommendations for parents and caregivers to help children navigate digital spaces safely:
“Spend time with your children online, guiding them through safe practices.
Teach them about internet safety, privacy settings, and recognizing inappropriate content.
Keep an eye on their online activity and be aware of the apps and websites they use.
Encourage them to report any uncomfortable or harmful behavior they encounter online.
Help your kids develop their critical thinking skills so they can avoid falling victim to fake content that’s filling their social media feeds.
Talk to them about people they may meet on social media or on games. Make sure they know the risks of engaging with people they haven’t met in real life.”
Governor Stein also highlighted findings from a 2023 study showing that adolescents who spend more than three hours per day on social media face twice the risk of developing mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. In response to these concerns, he noted recent actions taken by state leadership: “We cannot just accept this problem. That’s why this year, I launched a Task Force on Student Safety and Wellbeing, which is thinking holistically about how we can support students’ mental health. One strategy they recommended is to limit students’ use of cell phones while at school. The General Assembly passed a bill with that limit, and I signed it into law. If students can log off social media for the eight hours a day they are at school, schools become that much more engaging and less stressful.”
Stein provided additional advice for supporting young people’s well-being:
“Encourage open conversations about their online experiences and feelings.
Set and enforce healthy limits on screen time.
Promote a balanced lifestyle with offline activities and face-to-face interactions.
Watch for signs of stress or anxiety related to online activities, and seek professional help if needed.”
He concluded by emphasizing that parents play an essential role in helping children manage both safety risks and emotional challenges tied to technology: “Mental health and online safety are two sides of the same coin. 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. Remember, the world our children are navigating is very different from what many parents experienced growing up, and staying informed and involved is key to their well-being.”
