BSD hosts discussion on social media and student screen time

At schools across the country, educators and parents continue to grapple with concerns over social media use and how much screen time is too much for students.

On Wednesday night, the Beaverton School District brought that conversation to Sunset High School, hosting an event designed to give parents tools to help their children navigate digital spaces safely.

Patrick Green, an international digital wellness expert, led two seminars titled “The Truth About Screen Time and Social Media, Gaming & Mental Health.” Green pushed back against what he described as fear-driven narratives surrounding technology and youth.

“You hear all of this fear-based information,” Green said. “What you read, what you see in short clips on YouTube or Instagram, all says this generation is doomed — that cellphones and social media are destroying them. I want to bring a message that that’s not true if you do something about it.”

The event was part of the district’s “Believe You Matter” initiative, which focuses on supporting student mental health and well-being through community engagement.

In the fall, district parents participated in an online survey about social media and online safety. Results showed concerns about overuse, a desire for stronger filtering and monitoring tools, and limiting social media access during the school day.

National data reflects similar mixed feelings among teens. According to a 2025 Pew Research survey, 74% of American teenagers say social media helps them feel more connected to friends. However, 45% say they spend too much time on it, and 48% believe social media negatively affects people their age.

Managing screen time remains a challenge inside classrooms as well. Matthew Smith, principal of Tumwater Middle School, said staff are working to help students use technology appropriately.

“Part of it is that kids in middle school are developing their cognitive abilities,” Smith said. “They need to learn how to navigate technology for appropriate purposes.”

Smith said parent concerns around social media have increased in recent years, especially as devices became more common in classrooms and learning moved online during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While technology remains a valuable educational tool, he said schools are working to strike a balance between digital access, student engagement and well-being.

Green closed the evening by offering parents practical strategies to use at home, including reframing conversations about screen time, being honest about their own technology habits, setting device curfews and keeping phones out of bedrooms at night.

“I think it’s important for schools to adapt what we’re doing to better meet the needs of kids and parents,” Smith said. “When educators, students and parents are on the same page, we have a much better chance of helping students succeed in school and in life.”

More “Believe You Matter” events are planned for this winter.