Social media prevalent in student mental health

Students are connecting online and, often observing people at their best: photos of parties, vacations, new purchases. It's not a full picture of one's life but it's a picture that can stoke jealousies and dejection. — Photo by Melyna Valle on Unsplash

Online influences from social media can manifest in real life in the way of mental and behavioural health issues inside school buildings, two Valley educators say.

"Within the last five years," said Emily O'Connor, counsellor at Lewisburg Area High School, "I've seen an increase in depression and anxiety in my students, anxiety being the biggest one."