July 2025

Dear Parents, Students, and Faculty,

We live in an era where digital technology—especially social media—has transformed how we connect, communicate, and express ourselves. For our students, platforms such as Instagram, WhatsApp, Snapchat, and TikTok are part of everyday life. While these tools offer numerous advantages, we must also address the growing concerns about their impact on mental health. Social media is a double-edged sword that, if not handled carefully, may affect our mental health.

In the digital age, social media has become a central part of daily life. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) offer users unprecedented ways to connect, share, and express themselves. While these platforms have revolutionized communication and community building, they also carry complex consequences—particularly for mental health.

As a principal, and more importantly as a mentor to our young learners, I believe it is essential to create awareness, promote balance, and encourage responsible digital behavior.

There is no denying the positive role that social media can play. It connects individuals across distances, fosters creative expression, and often acts as a lifeline for those who feel isolated. Students can collaborate on academic projects, raise awareness for causes they care about, and find support groups for mental health or self-growth.

During the pandemic, social media helped many remain engaged, inspired, and emotionally connected. When used with intention and balance, it is a valuable tool.

However, overuse or misuse of social media can lead to a range of emotional and psychological challenges:

1. The Comparison Trap
Curated and filtered content can cause young minds to compare their lives with the seemingly “perfect” lives of others, often leading to low self-esteem and dissatisfaction.

2. Cyberbullying and Online Harassment
The digital space sometimes gives rise to unkindness. Cyberbullying, trolling, and digital exclusion are unfortunately common, and their effects can be deeply damaging to a child’s self-worth.

3. Digital Addiction and Sleep Disruption
Social media’s design can lead to addictive behavior. Late-night scrolling, disrupted sleep, and inability to focus in class are consequences we now observe more frequently.

4. FOMO and Social Anxiety
The constant stream of updates can trigger fear of missing out (FOMO), making students feel left out or less successful than their peers—even if the differences are purely superficial.

The Shared Responsibility: Parents and Youngsters

To Our Students:
With freedom comes responsibility. As you explore the digital world, remember that your mental health matters more than likes or shares. Use social media to connect, not compare. Be kind online, report inappropriate content, and take time offline to build real friendships, reflect, and recharge. You are the custodians of your well-being.

To Our Parents:
You play a crucial role in guiding your child’s relationship with technology. Model healthy digital habits, create screen-free family time, and keep communication open. Instead of only monitoring usage, try understanding your child’s digital world. Let them know they can talk to you about online experiences—positive or negative—without fear of punishment or judgment.

Together, we must build an environment where students feel emotionally supported, digitally aware, and socially responsible.

A Call for Balance and Awareness

As a school, we believe in nurturing not just academic excellence but also emotional intelligence and mental wellness. Here are a few suggestions we encourage parents and students to consider:

Set healthy boundaries for screen time and encourage offline hobbies and interactions.

Have open conversations about online experiences—both positive and negative.

Encourage mindful usage—follow accounts that inspire, educate, and uplift.

Take regular digital breaks to reconnect with nature, family, and real-world relationships.

Reach out for support when needed. Mental health is just as important as physical health.

Working Together for Well-Being

Social media is not inherently good or bad. Its impact depends on how we use it. By working together—students, parents, and educators—we can ensure that digital tools enrich rather than endanger mental health.

Let us empower our children to be not just smart users of technology, but also wise, kind, and resilient human beings.

"Let us teach our children to scroll with awareness, post with kindness, and disconnect to reconnect—with themselves, their family, and the world around them."

Warm Regards,
Mrs Ratula Saha
Principal
New Learning Ladders International School