Story perspectives

Principal Warns: Social Media Fuels Student Mental Health Crisis

4/6/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Cambridge Middle School principal Darryl Gibbs sounded the alarm on social media's dark side, connecting it to a surge in bullying and mental health struggles among students. Heart-wrenching accounts from parents revealed their children's battles with depression and suicidal thoughts stemming from online harassment. Online safety advocate Rob Cope urged for mandatory internet filtering, but the New Zealand government hesitates to take decisive action.

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Story summary

Cambridge Middle School principal Darryl Gibbs sounded the alarm on social media's dark side, connecting it to a surge in bullying and mental health struggles among students. Heart-wrenching accounts from parents revealed their children's battles with depression and suicidal thoughts stemming from online harassment. Online safety advocate Rob Cope urged for mandatory internet filtering, but the New Zealand government hesitates to take decisive action.