#ICANHELP Clubs Can Transform School Culture. Here’s How to Start One

Social media was created to connect people, yet for many teens and young adults, these seemingly inclusive platforms have turned divisive.

What happens online doesn’t just affect teens when they’re logged on. They affect students’ mental health and ability to learn, as well as overall school climate and culture. According to a study published by the JAMA Network, 42% of young adults and teens experience persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness. With the rise of online harassment and screen-related stress, it's clear that students require stronger support and guidance in navigating their digital lives. 

Given the proper tools, teens are capable of creating real, lasting change, both for themselves and their peers. Implementing a #ICANHELP club chapter with resources from Digital4Good provides students with opportunities to promote a positive digital climate and respond effectively to online negativity. Student led digital citizenship clubs give teens the tools to improve school culture, support mental health, and create a positive digital climate.

Why #ICANHELP Clubs Matter 

I was a victim of cyberbullying in high school. A popular trend at the time was to create fake Instagram pages rating girls based on their appearance. Many of my peers and I were targeted by these pages, but nobody (including myself) ever told an adult or did anything about it. 

My school also experienced divisions among ethnic groups, gangs, and cliques. I witnessed firsthand the online and offline effects of these divisions. Fight pages were just one example. These were Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat pages that publicized fights that had happened on and off campus. These videos were traumatizing for the viewer, but even more so for those directly involved in the fights. 

What I went through in high school demonstrates the importance of student-led digital wellness clubs. Schools have a higher chance of thriving when students take the lead in modeling positive behavior, as students are more likely to listen to and emulate their peers. #ICANHELP clubs are special because they empower students to shape the conversation and set the tone for how their community treats one another online. If I had known about clubs like #ICANHELP in high school and gotten the support I needed, I would have felt more comfortable speaking out about the bullying I faced.

Training Students as Digital First Responders

#ICANHELP clubs can also train students to become Digital First Responders — students who recognize and respond to negative behavior online. For example, in order to address fight pages, #ICANHELP club members could intervene by:

1. Reporting the pages to Instagram for violating their Community Guidelines
2. Commenting respectfully on the posts to discourage harmful behavior
3. Notifying a trusted adult (at school or home) about the pages
4. Educating peers on unsafe digital practices and how to respond safely 

Throughout my years of experience in student leadership, I have learned that equipping young people to become positive role models can be transformative. When students are empowered to use their voice and platform for good, they have the power to impact social media culture and school climate. 

How to Start a #ICANHELP Club 

Looking to launch your own #ICANHELP club chapter? Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to do to get started. You can find specific instructions, as well as the tools to go along with each step, in the Startup Kit.

Step 1: Create a Club Constitution and Bylaws

Begin by laying out the expectations. A successful club requires a foundation that defines roles, responsibilities, and rules. 

Step 2: Implement the Social Media Blueprint

Your new club's digital presence matters. Use a social media blueprint to create a content plan and engagement strategies for different platforms. 

Step 3: Plan Your First Activity

Kick off your first club meeting with a fun game or activity! Choose one of the activity ideas in the Startup Kit, or brainstorm one that is unique to your school. 

Step 4: Choose Your Monthly Theme

Consistency helps build momentum. Choose a theme for each month and plan activities around the designated theme to keep your members motivated throughout the year. 

Step 5: Display Posters

Promote club updates and upcoming events, plus share positive digital messages! 

Tips for Running Your Club

1. Connect and Collaborate: Partner with your student council, other leadership clubs, and wellness teams across campus to promote and strengthen club initiatives. 
2. Celebrate Achievements: Use the #IDIDHELP Celebration form to spotlight members making positive contributions. 
3. Utilize Digital4Good Resources: Follow the example calendars in the Startup Kit to stay organized and inspired. 
4. Stay Connected: Follow @icanhelpofficial on all social media platforms for new activity ideas and more!

Be the Change

In this digital age of technology, #ICANHELP clubs empower students to become leaders who use digital tools for good. Student leaders who model positive behavior online and on campus can set the tone for a healthy, connected community where everyone feels safe. 

Your school can become a part of the movement that’s shaping tomorrow's digital leaders. Visit the Digital4Good website to create your own #ICANHELP club chapter today!