September is Suicide Awareness Month and according to the American Psychological Association more than “20% of teens have seriously considered suicide.”
This problem has been on the rise in recent years and many psychologists hypothesize that technology is partly a culprit. The National Library of Medicine reports that “Greater time spent on social networking websites led to higher psychological distress, an unmet need for mental health support, poor self-rated mental health, and increased suicidal ideation.”
“I also have seen that social media can cause a lot of drama and stress when it comes to students mental health. Whether it be online bullying, unhealthy relationships, between boys and girls, it’s a lot easier to say things behind social media and behind text messages and such, that you wouldn’t say to someones face.” said Jennifer Kucera-Short, counselor at Wheeling Park High School.
With many states putting a cell phone ban in action around schools, law makers, administrators, and counselors are hoping that students’ mental health will be improved when phones are kept at a distance. Wheeling Park has been implementing a secured phone policy for the past five weeks and Patriots are reflecting on the results already.
“It’s too hard to really tell what the impacts of mental health will be. I suspect it will increase [mental health] greatly. I’ve already noticed that there is less drama”, said Kucera-Short.
Within the student population, there are many mixed emotions with the new phone rule.
Some students around the school are enjoying not having a phone all the time and believe it is helping their mental health greatly.
“It makes everything a little easier, because it gives me more time to focus on the things that I need. Which in the long term helps with my mental health a lot, because I have less stress, and I don’t have to focus on anything else when I’m working on things”, said sophomore Siyan Lopez.
Other students do not agree with the phone ban improving their mental health and want their phones back.
“Not having my phone during school stresses me out because, what if there is an emergency at home that I can’t get information on. not knowing what is happening makes me stressed and unable to focus fully on my work, said senior Koven Burkle.
Time will tell whether student mental health is improved with the distractions of phones or increased without a lifeline near by.
If you need someone to talk to or you know someone that needs help, find a trusted adult, teacher, or counselor. There is also the national suicide and crisis hotline, call 988.
