If You Were Gone

It's easy to be mean when you're hiding behind a screen. Concealed behind the safety net of a screen name. Not having to take responsibility for the things that happen on the other side of the screen. But just because you can't see the impact, doesn't mean it isn't real. People don't notice how much impact words have until it's too late.

The suicide rate for teens has increased nearly 60% between 2007-2018, with a major factor being the influence of social media on mental and social well-being. Since social media is becoming more prevalent in our daily lives it is important to address the negative impacts it can have when misused. In the future, I hope that social media will be a place of kindness where it is used to lift people up and not tear people down.

- Deviana S

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Some videos and podcasts in these publications might include topics that some learners may find complex, offensive or traumatizing. We ask educators and learners help to create an atmosphere of empathy, mutual respect and sensitivity when exploring critical, systemic topics of social, environmental, and economic significance found in a number of these media productions.