Illustration: Jamie Klang
People are stepping up to support youth mental health in a changing world.
White Bear Lake resident Katherine “K.K.” Myers is no stranger to the pitfalls of the digital era. A former secondary English teacher and early adopter of technology, Myers watched from her classroom as computers, Smartboards, tablets and cell phones entered the educational landscape—changing the way young people learn and communicate.
“I had a front-row seat to the impact of technology on my students—both the benefits and the dramatic drawbacks,” Myers says. “Having a glimpse into the dark side of digital media was shocking and powerful. I knew change was needed.”
K.K. Myers. Photo: FreshCoast
Technology is a significant part of daily life for most Americans—and for good reason. Humans can now learn, share information and collaborate across any distance. Digital media is efficient and engaging in a global world. Yet, cases of loneliness, isolation, anxiety and depression in young people are higher than ever before, according to a 2023 advisory from former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy, M.D. And teachers are on the front lines.
“As an educator, the number one thing we have to our benefit is relationships with students; that’s just the golden ticket. And here, technology was becoming a barrier to that relationship from student to teacher,” Myers says.
Myers stepped back from teaching and pivoted to finding solutions, co-founding LiveMore ScreenLess (LMSL) in 2019. It’s an organization committed to encouraging the healthy use of devices and elevating young voices in the digital age.
Through direct action, conversation and training, Myers hopes to make change and build awareness in the community. “I really wanted to move in a positive direction with screen use … to move to a place where we’re using technology for its benefits, and we’re working as a whole community to minimize the drawbacks,” Myers says.
Post-it notes discussing the benefits and drawbacks of tech at the Digital Wellbeing 2024 Leadership Summit. Photo: Captivate Media
At School
Young people often practice digital wellbeing without realizing it, like limiting their social media use, charging their phone in another room at night or turning off notifications. Simply having support from parents and peers can make all the difference.
“While technology shapes us, we also shape it,” says Adrianna “Annie” Bell, who holds a Ph.D. in nursing and is assistant director of research and education at LMSL. “Many young people are actively trying to manage their use; they’re aware of the need for balance but lack the necessary support.”
Last May, the Minnesota State Legislature mandated school districts to enact a cell phone use policy by March 15, 2025. Many area schools instituted cell phone policies by the start of the 2024–25 school year.
At White Bear Lake Area High School (WBLAHS), a new cell phone policy (the school’s first) allows students to carry their device in a backpack throughout the day if it’s turned off or on airplane mode. Many teachers utilize a cell phone sleeve to collect all phones during class, and students can use their devices during passing time and lunch.
WBLAHS students utilize cell phone sleeves during class. Photos: Chris Emeott
“Attendance is improved, unwanted behaviors have decreased and we think academic achievement is going up—all would be a direct result of the decision,” WBLAHS principal Russ Reetz says. “I had one staff member say that he hasn’t had to ask a class to quiet down [in years], and he’s so excited that that’s the issue now—that there’s too much student dialogue.”
A similar device use policy at Mahtomedi Public Schools is one of many ways district superintendent Barb Duffrin hopes to “assist our students in growing their independence and personal responsibility by modeling effective use of technology.” Cell phones are put away for the day in all elementary and middle schools; in high school, cell phone use is permitted during lunch and passing times and for academic use if directed by a teacher.
The new cell phone policy at WBLAHS has had a noticeable impact on student engagement
and academic success.
“I think that it was really scary going into it,” says Izel Thao, a WBLAHS junior. “A lot of kids were complaining about the phone policy, but now kids are starting to see the benefit of it … Instead of going on our phones and not socializing [during free time], we’ll play Uno with our group and things.”
In Maplewood, Hill-Murray School decided on a full cell phone ban. Now, all students are provided with a Yond’r pouch, a technology often used at comedy shows through which phones may be self-locked in a pouch and unlocked only with a special magnetic device. At the beginning of each school day, students place their phone in the pouch and lock it; at the end of the day, they can unlock the pouch on their way out of school with conveniently placed removal devices.
While Melissa Dan, Hill-Murray School president, says that students were initially “devastated” by the policy, the change in school culture is undeniable. “The whole building feels so different this year … if you’re in our high school lunch room, you see kids actively having conversations,” she says.
Referring to a recent school survey, Dan says academic performance and wellness is improving.“We’re giving them seven hours a day for their brain to take a break [from cell phones] … we just don’t have the issues that we used to.”
At Home
In a world that is considered more connected than ever—a lack of connection is affecting Americans’ health. A U.S.-based study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that participants who reported being on social media more than two hours a day were twice as likely to feel socially isolated. “I think we really need to be aware that every generation is finding themselves caught,” Myers says.
Myers recalls one dinner spent with her son and his partner, who were “heartbroken,” watching a teenage girl at a nearby table scroll on TikTok while her mother ate in silence. “I think the ripple effect in my family has been great—about awareness of how important being together is and how quickly a device can interrupt that,” Myers says. “That mother doesn’t get that meal back with her daughter. You just don’t.”
Parents have an opportunity to model digital well-being and engage in healthy conversations with their children about device use. At a time when nearly half of teens report their parents being distracted by a phone when they’re trying to talk to them, it’s more important than ever.
“I really like when adults are willing to talk to teenagers, or people younger than them, and have collaborative conversations,” says Sylvia Hawley, a 2024 graduate of Mounds Park Academy and LMSL Youth Council member from White Bear Lake. “It’s important to know that other generations are willing to learn from you.”
Myers hopes that communities and individuals can find ways to promote digital well-being in all areas. Device use policies, phone baskets at restaurants and conversations at home are just the start.
“[A town] wants engaged citizens. It wants them healthy, walking, and engaging and socializing; It wants students who love to learn and then can thrive as adults who contribute to society. And so, it’s for all of us to ask, ‘How might devices be impeding the big goals that we have for young people, ourselves, our democracy, our towns, our schools?’” Myers says. “Supporting and equipping young people as leaders can generate the ripple effect for thriving communities that prioritize digital well-being.”
Conversation Starters for Families
LiveMore ScreenLess encourages families to create a brave space for young people to share their experiences with technology. Through intentional conversations, families can address common concerns like health, safety, happiness, relationships, drama, focus and sleep.
“[Parents] are the best one[s] to love their kids and to create that safe and trusting place for young people to talk about what they have seen,” K.K. Myers says.
Here are some questions to get started:
- What do you like best about digital media?
- What are the benefits of digital media? What are the drawbacks?
In what ways does your phone/device benefit or get in the way of relationships? - What are some examples of your friends overusing their phones?
- In what ways do you think you will be challenged with using your phone moderately?
- What would you like me to know about my device use?
