Liberty social work students join statewide summit on effects of social media on youths’ mental health

During this year’s Virginia Youth Mental Health Summit on Nov. 21, nine students from Liberty University’s Department of Social Work gathered in Richmond, Va., with other college students from throughout the Commonwealth to discuss the mental health challenges of excessive social media use in children and teens.

A variety of speakers and panels filled the one-day event. Attendees heard from Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who delivered the opening address, Virginia Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera, and a James Madison University clinical social work student.

In his opening speech, Youngkin announced Executive Order 33, which mandates “bell-to-bell” cellphone-free environments in all public schools in Virginia. This initiative aims to reduce distractions, combat the negative impacts of social media, and improve students’ overall mental health.

Guidera also detailed the Commonwealth’s commitment to student well-being through Gov. Youngkin’s “Right Help, Right Now” initiative, a three-year plan designed to address Virginia’s behavioral healthcare system.

Liberty social work professors Dr. L. Paul Bernard and Sheena Lyle led the students on the trip.

“Our students are passionate about making a difference,” Bernard said. “This summit equipped them with the tools and knowledge they need to serve and support the next generation effectively.”

Abigail Hayton, a senior studying social work with minors in sociology and psychology, said she attended the summit to gain tools and wisdom to help both her professional and personal life.

“I felt very encouraged to learn that the state of Virginia has been making headway in prioritizing mental health, especially of adolescents,” she said. “(Excessive) technology usage affects adolescents educationally, mentally, physically, and socially. To me as a Christian, a key component is that we are called to community. With that in mind, we can fight against the adverse effects of technology for adolescents by doing so in the community.”

Liberty University social work faculty and students L-R: Social Work students Yanise Barnes, Laura McMullen, Ashley Snider, Fedna Clark, Riley Hill, Abigail Hayton, Salena Morris, Professor Sheena Lyle, students Kaidyn Carnes, Victoria Baitzel, and Dr. L. Paul Bernard