Social media has transformed how we communicate and access information. It offers numerous educational benefits, such as fostering global connections, providing real-time news, and encouraging creative expression. However, these positives come with notable drawbacks, especially for younger students.

The Florida House of Representatives has passed HB 1, a bipartisan bill restricting social media access for individuals under the age of 16. The bill requires social media platforms to prevent the creation of new accounts by minors, to delete existing accounts held by those under 16, and to implement age verification for account holders without exceptions for parental consent. Additionally, it highlights the prevalent use of social media among teens and the associated risks and benefits, as noted by the U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory.

As the Superintendent of Sarasota County Schools, I am deeply committed to our students' well-being and holistic development. One of the most pressing issues we face in our education system is the pervasive influence of social media. The case for restricting social media access for students under 16 is grounded in several vital concerns: psychological impact, distraction from educational goals and online safety.

Studies have shown that 57% of school-aged girls had increased feelings of anxiety, depression and loneliness in adolescence as a result of excessive social media exposure. The constant exposure to curated, idealized images can adversely affect a young person’s self-esteem and body image. In a school environment, our primary focus is to nurture a positive and supportive atmosphere that promotes mental well-being. Limiting social media access for younger students is a step towards shielding them from these platforms' potential adverse psychological effects.

Social media can be a significant distraction from educational objectives both during and beyond the school day. The instant gratification and endless content available on these platforms can lead to reduced attention spans and a lack of focus in the classroom. As educators, we are responsible for providing an environment conducive to learning. As a former middle and high school principal, I know firsthand the intense challenges our school administrators and teachers face, including the immense amount of time and resources taken away from academics to handle issues resulting from social media.

Moreover, the issue of online safety is paramount. Younger students must be fully aware of the risks associated with online activities, including privacy concerns, cyberbullying, and exposure to inappropriate content. Schools play a crucial role in raising awareness and educating students about safe online practices, helping to protect them from potential harm.

The well-being of our students must take precedence. Restricting access for those under 16 is a decisive measure to safeguard their mental health, maintain focus on educational goals, and ensure online safety. As educators, we must guide our students through the complexities of the digital world, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to navigate it responsibly. The goal is not to shield students from technology or silence young voices, but to prepare them to use technology wisely and effectively in the pursuit of their bright futures.

Terrence Connor is the Sarasota County Superintendent of Schools.

Image courtesy Pixabay.

As an ardent fan of the Kansas City Chiefs after living there for more than 35 years, this time of year leading up to the Super Bowl is full of anticipation and excitement for me. I’m not alone—as one of America’s most popular pastimes, football captures the hearts and minds of millions of viewers each week as teams make their way to a chance at the big contest. 

While fans root for their teams, it strikes me that one aspect of football that keeps people enthralled is that it is an opportunity for people to come together and unite for a common purpose, with hope in their hearts. Football endures because of the fans who have imbued it with a larger-than-life presence in our culture. 

That spirit of unity, of creating something larger than our individual selves through collective enthusiasm, is what makes Season of Sharing the monumental and magical phenomenon that it is. Over the past 24 years, this time-tested and trusted social safety net has captured the hearts and minds of tens of thousands of donors, each of whom has given to a goal—hope—that’s larger than themselves. Through these gifts, since 2000 Season of Sharing has raised more than $40 million (and counting!) that’s been distributed to more than 50,000 individuals and households to keep families in their homes and help them rebound from crises and regain stability.

This year’s Season of Sharing campaign just wrapped up, and the outpouring of generosity from our community has been astonishing. In a time of shifting economic realities, our community has stepped up once again and made it clear that each and every one of their neighbors’ well-being is their priority, that they recognize our overall community strength comes when our neighbors can step beyond setbacks and into security.   After all, a community is only as strong as all of us are.

Giving has been catalyzed through stories that have given us an insight into what led people to the point of needing assistance, illustrating that often circumstances beyond any person’s control—like floods, fire, family tragedy—drive them to the brink of losing everything. The stories, written by Saundra Amrhein at the Herald Tribune, also underscore the fact that sometimes all it takes is a small boost to allow families to maintain dignity and gain a foothold to solid ground. We are grateful for those who have courageously shared their stories to help our community understand both the urgent needs and unflagging resilience of our neighbors. 

Again, this year, The Patterson Foundation’s $100,000 in matching funds for every $500,000 raised by the community has incentivized giving and amplified the gifts. We are so grateful for their longtime partnership in providing meaningful help to our neighbors in need. 

Victory is irresistible; we all want to see and be a part of a winner’s story. Through Season of Sharing, our community has rallied for so many neighbors, keeping them going through generosity and caring hearts. And this encouragement has helped people achieve victories of their own, the opportunity to push forward to achieve their best lives, knowing their community is rooting for them.  

Roxie Jerde is president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. 

Image courtesy Pixabay

With the expansion of universal school choice in Florida, parents and guardians have newer—as well as established—options to find the best academic fit for their children. With so many choices, finding that fit can feel daunting though, especially to families with limited resources, time and knowledge of the school system. 

While daunting, the process is so important, and a good approach is to start with self-reflection. What values are important in my child’s education? What classroom and school environment would help my child thrive? What does my child love to study and how would the school nourish that love?

From there, you can explore the public schools and the choices that reside within the district. You might be surprised by how many of the schools have unique features. Even though we often reference Sarasota County Schools as one district, there are many school options within it. 

Throughout this process, ask questions that will illuminate each school’s unique features. Will my child be challenged? What special programs does the school have? What languages are taught? How about the school culture? What’s the average class size? What clubs and extracurricular activities are available? What sports are offered?  

While you might not immediately know all these answers, each school has its own website, where they post information about their academics, their special programs, their extracurriculars, and more. You can check out this list of the district schools . Reach out to schools and, if you have the time, talk to the principal or an administrator, and schedule a tour.    

You can also consider charter or magnet schools or programs. With charter schools, magnet schools and schools with magnet or special programs, there are many opportunities for learners to find a unique program that best suits their needs. Some schools focus on arts and sciences. Others offer everything from Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) to International Baccalaureate (IB) to pre-Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) to a Law or a Marine Science Academy. There’s even a dual language school. Each program has unique criteria and application guidelines, and it’s important to start the application process early. 

Another option to get into the school best suited for your child is controlled open enrollment. As part of school choice, districts must provide a plan for controlled open enrollment, which affords students and their families the opportunity to enter a lottery to attend up to three schools other than the school in their attendance area (their zoned school)—anywhere in the state of Florida. That controlled open enrollment is now available throughout the month of February. Learn more about how it works .

The Education Foundation of Sarasota County has developed resources to help families learn more about school choice and find the right fit. We hosted an episode of our podcast Education Conversations called “Navigating School Choice.” I talk with Millie Wheeler, the Supervisor of the Office of School Choice and Student Assignment for Sarasota County Schools. Millie provides a practical overview of school choice and how students and families can access opportunities and resources to find the best fit. 

We have also developed a School Choice Resources page, where you can find answers to frequently asked questions. You can check out out website to find these and other resources.

Sarasota County Schools and the Florida Department of Education provide excellent school choice resources. Below are two great starting points: 

-      Sarasota County Schools School Choice and Student Assignment.

-      The Florida Department of Education School Choice.

Amid the many school choices available to students and families today, it can certainly be challenging. Yet few decisions are as consequential as where and how a young person will develop into a successful, lifelong learner. That’s why it’s essential to find the right fit. 

Jennifer Vigne is president and CEO of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County.

Image courtesy Pixabay