The Social Media Health Crisis in Schools with Psychologist Dr. Scott Poland
- Safe and Sound Schools
- 19 hours ago
- 5 min read
“Technology should be viewed as a privilege, not a right — and we can help kids thrive in both the digital and real world.”
–Dr. Scott Poland
In this episode of The Sound Off on School Safety, Michele Gay connects with Dr. Scott Poland, one of Safe and Sound Schools’ earliest champions, to explore the complex landscape of youth mental health in the age of social media. From family modeling and “green time” to school-based strategies and policy considerations, they discuss practical ways parents, educators, and communities can support students with clarity, compassion, and actionable guidance.
Below is the full episode guide with key takeaways and standout quotes to guide your listening.
Episode Guide
[05:10] Family Engagement and Screen Time Boundaries
Michele and Dr. Poland discuss practical strategies for families include co-viewing, technology blackouts, and creating outdoor opportunities. Resources such as Wait Until 8th and our toolkit, developed in partnership with Snap Inc., A Parent’s Guide to Fostering Safer Online Practices on Snapchat & Beyond, provide help for parents navigating digital spaces.
"Parents need to demand to know what's going on with regards to screen time and social media. You have the right — and the responsibility —to ask, watch, and guide." –Dr. Scott Poland
[18:12] Addressing Resource Shortages in Mental Health
Michele and Dr. Poland delve into the dangerous ramifications of the shortage of school counselors, social workers, and psychologists. They discuss why communities need more trained professionals to meet rising youth mental health needs exacerbated by technology and social media.
"Our mental health teams are trying to fight a forest fire with a garden hose. The needs are massive, and without more resources, we can’t keep up." –Michele Gay
[23:02] School Policies and Digital Citizenship
This section explores how balancing the need for student connectivity with healthy boundaries involves input from students, staff, and parents. Dr. Poland and Michele share strategies including cell-free zones, responsible smartphone policies, and apps that promote mindfulness and safe communication.
"Technology is a privilege, not a right. Parents and schools need to set boundaries now — because left unchecked, it’s taking over our kids’ lives." –Dr. Scott Poland
[28:36] Social-Emotional Development and Face-to-Face Engagement
Dr. Poland highlights how excessive screen time limits opportunities for in-person social skill development and conflict resolution. The conversation touches on how students with less real-world interaction face challenges in building empathy, resilience, and peer relationships.
"Kids today are not developing in-person social skills like previous generations — they’re missing out on conflict resolution, collaboration, and empathy. Screen time has replaced practice in real life." –Dr. Scott Poland
[31:17] Online Safety and Predatory Risks
Dr. Poland speaks about how digital devices bring risks including sextortion, cyberbullying, and other predatory behaviors. Listeners learn why side-by-side co-viewing and open conversations between parents and children are essential for safe digital navigation.
"Parents and caregivers must pay more attention — co-view, supervise, and engage with your kids online." –Dr. Scott Poland
[34:38] Empowering Youth Through Mindfulness and Choice
Focusing on how students themselves can make a change, Michele and Dr. Poland explore encouraging student-led initiatives, reflection on social media use, and small steps to reduce screen time fosters resilience, self-awareness, and digital literacy.
"Ask your kids: 'How does social media make you feel?' Reward small steps toward balance. Change won’t happen overnight, but dialogue is the first step." –Dr. Scott Poland
[39:27] Parent Perspectives and Distractibility
Parents often resist phone-free policies due to fear, particularly around school safety and notifications. Michele and Dr. Poland bring awareness to the reality of digital distraction and how structured boundaries can support focus and wellbeing.
"The phone is designed to distract us at every turn. If we don’t manage it, we — and our kids — lose focus on what really matters." –Michele Gay
[44:51] Legislation and Policy Considerations
Dr. Poland explains that state and international initiatives are emerging to regulate age limits and platform accountability. The discussion touches on how awareness of current legislation and potential impacts empowers schools and families to advocate for safer digital environments.
"Australia is raising the social media age to 16 and holding platforms accountable. We need to ask ourselves: what are we doing here at home and at school to protect our children?" –Dr. Scott Poland
[48:02] Key Takeaway: Practical Steps for Families and Schools
Michele Gay and Dr. Poland wrap up by discussing how parents, educators, and communities can all take action to support youth mental health: set healthy tech boundaries, prioritize green time, increase school mental health personnel, and collaborate on policy. Small, consistent steps make a measurable difference.
"Start now: talk with your kids about screen time, set boundaries, involve your school — every small step matters for mental health and wellbeing." –Dr. Scott Poland
Listen to the Full Episode with Dr. Scott Poland
This episode of The Sound Off offers practical guidance for navigating youth mental health in the digital age. Michele Gay and Dr. Poland provide actionable strategies for parents, educators, and communities to support students’ wellbeing, create safer online experiences, and foster resilience.
This episode is proudly sponsored by Status Solutions Network. SSN provides schools with safety technology at no cost and ongoing funding to address their unique and evolving needs—made possible through the support of local businesses advertising on the platform.
Check Out These Additional Resources from Safe and Sound and Dr. Scott Poland
Dive into these resources for more information on this topic:
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