From Behavioral Health Coordinator, Alicia Schlehuber, Dec. 16, 2025

The urgent issue of social media’s impact on youth mental health remains a top concern, as recently highlighted at the Advancing School Mental Health Conference put on by the National Center for School Mental Health. 

Local data confirms this widespread concern; the issue surfaced during meetings with area youth and was reflected in local community foundation Youth Advisory Committee Needs Surveys. This crisis is backed by research showing that excessive screen time and social media addiction are actively “rewiring” children’s brains, with the detrimental effects increasingly visible in our classrooms across the county. Addressing this immediate need for support and resources is crucial to fostering positive mental health for our students.

Char-Em ISD is pleased to announce a significant step forward in tackling this challenge. Behavioral Health Coordinator Alicia Schlehuber applied for and has been awarded a grant from the Charlevoix County Community Foundation Youth Advisory Committee (C3F YAC) to fund “Unplugged Bug” kits.

This new initiative will address the impact of social media and smartphone addiction on youth mental health by collaborating with the Health Department and other school mental health providers to create a campaign and provide critical resources. Key components include co-presented parent education sessions at elementary schools in Charlevoix County, focusing on strategies for addressing screen addiction. To start these important conversations early (especially for K-3rd grade), each school library will receive “Unplugged Bug” book kits designed for families to check out. We are excited about the positive, broad impact this project will have on our community. 

For a plethora of information and resources on this very important issue, please check out this informative webpage:

AAP Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health