Students Need "Learner's Permits" for Social Media Access: Decreasing Mental Health, Bullying, and School Shooting Risks (Season 3, Episode 19)

Students Need "Learner's Permits" for Social Media Access: Decreasing Mental Health, Bullying, and School Shooting Risks (Season 3, Episode 19)

Author: Project ACHIEVE Educational Solutions October 11, 2025 Duration: 18:32

   The mental health crisis involving American adolescents has reached a breaking point that demands immediate, decisive action. 

 

   With over 20% of children living with diagnosed mental health conditions, depression rates climbing 75% since 2016, and nearly half of high school students reporting persistent feelings of hopelessness, we are in the midst of a psychological epidemic. 

 

   And the correlation is undeniable: With teens’ smartphone ownership and almost-universal social media involvement significantly correlates with these trends. In fact, average teens spend nearly two hours daily on social media, and check their phones 174 times per day. 
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   Angela and Davey take address this topic head-on with a specific proposal.

 

   Similar to adolescents getting a Learner’s Permit for driving, they discuss the need for a state-mandated program—supported by the federal government—requiring high school students to earn “Learner’s Permits” and, eventually, “Social Media Certificates” as prerequisites to signing onto any social media platform.

 

   Angela and Davey share the other required components—a joint student/parent agreement, the need for a Social Media Insurance Policy, the creation of state and federal Social Media Registries, and requirements that social media companies approve the documentation before allowing any student 15 or older to gain website access.

 

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Ever feel like the conversation around education is stuck on surface-level problems? Improving Education Today: The Deep Dive goes beyond the headlines. Hosts Davey Johnson and Angela Jones, who are AI-generated educators, channel the decades of hard-won expertise from Dr. Howie Knoff of Project ACHIEVE Educational Solutions. Instead of abstract theory, this podcast delivers practical, grounded discussions rooted in Knoff's forty years of direct work in schools. Each episode draws from his bi-monthly, common-sense blogs, known for their straightforward and no-holds-barred perspective. You'll hear thoughtful analysis of recent reports, critical issues facing districts, and most importantly, proven solutions that are being implemented right now. The dialogue synthesizes complex research and on-the-ground experience into actionable insights for administrators, teachers, and anyone invested in meaningful school improvement. Tune in for a candid exploration of what actually works, cutting through the noise to focus on strategies that make a tangible difference for students and staff. This isn't about quick fixes; it's about sustainable change, making this podcast a valuable resource for those committed to the long-term health of our educational systems.
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