In 2021 alone, social media usage, especially on the surging platforms of TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter has sparked viral, yet destructive “challenges,” which encouraged students to commit acts of vandalism, assault, or spread false news and misinformation. In addition, significant increases in digital traffic during the pandemic, especially among teens, have led to an increase in potential risks for widespread negativity, misinformation, and inappropriate content.

• “Devious Licks” trend encouraged theft & vandalism on school property
• “Slap a teacher” trend encouraged students to physically assault school staff
• 59% of youth have experienced some form of harassment or cyberbullying online
• 72% increase in cyberbullying and online hate speech among youth since the pandemic

In wake of the Oxford High School shooting, “parody” social media pages of the suspect, Ethan Crumbley, began to surface across various platforms. In addition, viral posts circulating various platforms and “copycat threats” suggested that school shootings would take place across the Nation on December 17th. While none of the reported threats were found to be credible, school districts across the nation reported an increase in absentees. Several schools suspended face-to-face instruction and remained alert in response to the threats.  

• 519 schools across the nation reportedly suspended face-to-face instruction
• Absentee rates increased: Rockingham County in Virginia reported a 15%, Mohonasen District in New York reported an estimated 25%, Green Bay District in Wisconsin reported a 37.4% 
• Los Angeles School District Police responded to nearly 50 different threats since the Oxford High School incident occurred
• Nearly 60+ schools have reached out to #ICANHELP since the incident, and have asked for assistance with combating influxes of threats or fake social media pages

High use of social media and technology could potentially impact the well-being and mental health of youth, leading to damaged self-esteem, body image, or depression.

• Youth who spend 3+ hours online per day are at an increased risk for mental health issues. Since the pandemic, youth have averaged nearly 7 hours of screen time per day
• Suicide is the second leading cause of death for individuals aged 15-24; suicide rates in youth aged 12-17 have increased 50% for girls and 5% for boys during the pandemic
• 43% of youth feel pressured to post content that would please others or achieve a lot of likes & comments.
• 40% of youth self-loathe when no one comments or likes their content. 
• 49.5% of youth aged 13-18 have some form of mental health issue. 

While 63% of youth believe online harassment is a major problem amongst their peers, the majority also believe that teachers, politicians, and schools have failed to address the issue. The Digital First Responder Training Program will assist teachers in connecting with their students and will educate them on the appropriate actions to take when they see or experience negativity, misinformation, or inappropriate content online.

• Analysis of case studies, strategies, and best practices in empowering both students and educators in navigating the challenging and awkward situations that appear in the digital world
• Educators will be taught how to communicate with their communities when something arises online or happens because of social media
• Educators will be trained on real-life scenarios in learning how to support and protect their students in response to negative situations that occur online

Digital First Responders are encouraged to be proactive within their communities when confronting negativity in order to protect themselves and their peers. The program will train students and teachers on how to effectively, and comfortably respond to harmful content or misinformation as it occurs online. 

• The program promotes peer-to-peer awareness, detection, and support for students
• Students will be taught how to create trustworthy allies in the digital world
• Communities will be educated on the latest social media apps, trends, and appropriate reporting procedures to the right authorities

In addition, the Digital First Responder Program encompasses school leaders and individuals at the administrative level. The training program will educate and encourage school personnel to effectively govern the school through its digital communities. 

• Support for school administration in safely monitoring school-branded social media 
• Training school administration in handling “parody” and fake social media pages
• Training on communicating with the community in response to school threats