North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has issued a reminder to families about the importance of keeping students safe online as the new school year begins. In his September column, Stein highlighted the increasing use of the internet among teenagers and outlined steps parents can take to support both their children’s online safety and mental health.
“Students are settling into the school year, and we must do everything we can to keep them safe. That includes wherever they are – at school, in their neighborhoods, and online. Approximately 96% of U.S. teens say they use the internet every day, and the share of teens who report being online ‘almost constantly’ has nearly doubled. We must take steps to ensure kids’ mental health and safety in the digital world,” said Stein.
Stein emphasized that while the internet offers opportunities for learning and socializing, it also presents risks that require parental involvement. He advised parents to spend time with their children online, teach them about privacy settings and recognizing inappropriate content, monitor their activity, encourage reporting of harmful behavior, foster critical thinking skills regarding online information, and discuss potential dangers from strangers on social media or gaming platforms.
The governor also addressed concerns about how heavy social media use affects youth mental health. “A 2023 study found that adolescents who spent more than three hours per day on social media faced double the risk of mental health problems, including depression and anxiety. We cannot just accept this problem,” he stated.
Stein noted that he launched a Task Force on Student Safety and Wellbeing earlier this year to address these issues holistically. The task force recommended limiting student cell phone use during school hours—a measure passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by Stein—to help make schools more engaging environments with less stress.
He encouraged parents to have open conversations with their children about online experiences, set limits on screen time, promote offline activities, watch for signs of stress or anxiety linked to digital activity, and seek professional help if necessary.
“Mental health and online safety are two sides of the same coin. By engaging with your children, setting boundaries, and being a source of support, parents can help their kids have a positive and secure online experience. Remember, the world our children are navigating is very different from what many parents experienced growing up, and staying informed and involved is key to their well-being,” said Stein.
