Implementation of Social Media Initiative in 2 Middle Schools: Be Focused. Be Present. Be Somebody

In response to escalating concerns about the pervasive use of digital media and research documenting the impact on adolescent well-being and academic performance, schools are exploring opportunities to reverse these concerning trends. Many schools respond with full or partial bans on social media use during the school day; however, there is limited guidance on implementing these policies.

One Metro-Atlanta school district, Marietta City Schools, has been proactive in their approach, with the development and implementation of a program limiting students access to cellphones, smartwatches, and social media entitled Be Focused. Be Present. Be Somebody that began August 1, 2024. Middle school students place their devices into "Yondr pouches," which are locked until the end of the school day. Two external partners, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, were engaged to evaluate the barriers, facilitators, and impact of this program.

This protocol and evaluation plan can inform future policies on practices to support students, teachers, and parents in this unprecedented time of higher smart phone usage at increasingly younger ages.

The findings from this plan will help further efforts to decrease adolescent digital device usage to better well-being and academic performance.