Teen Safety on Social Media Sparks Policy Changes

Minnesota schools are implementing diverse cell phone policies to address student distractions, with some, like St. Anthony Middle School, enforcing strict no-phone rules, while others, like Armstrong High School, allow limited use for emergencies. Concurrently, social media's impact on youth mental health is debated, with federal and state legislation proposing age bans and warning labels, though some researchers argue that social media can provide mental health benefits and identity affirmation, particularly for marginalized groups. The necessity for parental guidance and social media literacy is also emphasized to mitigate negative effects. Meanwhile, tragic incidents in India highlight the dangers of teens engaging in risky behaviors for social media fame, resulting in multiple fatalities.