From the Principal's Den
November 2025
Mayville MS/HS
As we continue to navigate the digital world together, I want to take a moment to address an ongoing area of concern for middle and high school students—social media use. Platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram, and group chats can be fun ways for students to connect, but they also come with serious implications for mental health, peer relationships, and even school discipline.
We have seen how quickly online conflicts can spill into the school day, impacting focus, friendships, and emotional well-being. In some cases, social media posts can lead to hurt feelings, bullying, or reputational harm that students never intended. It’s important that we all—school, home, and students—work together to help young people use social media safely and responsibly.
We encourage families to:
- Stay involved: Know which apps your child uses and how they use them.
- Talk regularly: Have open conversations about online behavior, privacy, and digital footprints.
- Set boundaries: Discuss appropriate screen time and help your child understand that what’s posted online can have lasting consequences.
- Model balance: Show healthy digital habits by setting limits for yourself as well.
Our goal isn’t to eliminate social media use but to equip students with the judgment and empathy to make good choices online and offline. Together, we can help them build a positive digital reputation and avoid situations that could negatively impact their learning or relationships.
Below are some helpful resources for families:
- Common Sense Media – Family Guides: https://www.commonsensemedia.org Reviews apps, shows, and games with age-appropriate advice.
- ConnectSafely – Parent Guides: https://connectsafely.org/parentguides/ Practical tips on popular apps and setting boundaries.
- StopBullying.gov: https://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/what-is-it Information on preventing and responding to online bullying.
- Family Online Safety Institute: https://www.fosi.org/ Resources to promote healthy digital citizenship and responsibility.
Thank you for partnering with us to guide our students through this important part of growing up in a connected world. If you’d like more information or support, please reach out to our office.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Jenna Tetil
Mayville MS/HS Principal
