VIMHS

People First Radio

Vancouver Island Mental Health Society

  • Talking school social media lawsuits

Talking school social media lawsuits

Saturday 13th April 2024

Ontario school boards sue social media giants over their impact on children's mental health and learning. Expert insights from Satchin Maharaj.
26 minutes
Informative
Eye-opening
Honest
Supportive
Engaging

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Ontario Schools Take On Social Media Giants: A Deep Dive

Episode Overview

  • Ontario school boards sue social media companies for their impact on children's mental health and learning.
  • Satchin Maharaj explains the systemic nature of the problem.
  • Phone bans in schools face implementation challenges.
  • Collective action is needed to address these issues effectively.
  • Parents and teachers play crucial roles in mitigating negative impacts.
This really is a collective problem. It's something that's affecting kids all over the country and all over the world.
In this eye-opening episode of People First Radio, the focus is on a lawsuit filed by Ontario school boards against major social media giants like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. The school boards argue that these platforms are designed for compulsive use, negatively impacting children's mental health, behaviour, and learning. Satchin Maharaj, an assistant professor at the University of Ottawa, provides expert insight into the systemic issues caused by social media in schools.
He discusses how the overuse of these platforms has led to a decline in academic performance and a surge in mental health problems among students. Maharaj highlights the broader implications of this issue, noting that it's not just a problem for a few individuals but a widespread concern affecting children globally. He also touches on the challenges of implementing phone bans in schools and the need for collective action to address these issues effectively.
Maharaj's personal anecdotes about his own children add a relatable touch, making the conversation even more engaging. If you're concerned about the impact of social media on young minds, this episode is a must-listen.