The mental health crisis involving American adolescents has reached a breaking point that demands immediate, decisive action.

With over 20% of children living with diagnosed mental health conditions, depression rates climbing 75% since 2016, and nearly half of high school students reporting persistent feelings of hopelessness, we are in the midst of a psychological epidemic.

And the correlation is undeniable: With teens’ smartphone ownership and almost-universal social media involvement significantly correlates with these trends. In fact, average teens spend nearly two hours daily on social media, and check their phones 174 times per day.

Angela and Davey take address this topic head-on with a specific proposal.

Similar to adolescents getting a Learner’s Permit for driving, they discuss the need for a state-mandated program—supported by the federal government—requiring high school students to earn “Learner’s Permits” and, eventually, “Social Media Certificates” as prerequisites to signing onto any social media platform.

Angela and Davey share the other required components—a joint student/parent agreement, the need for a Social Media Insurance Policy, the creation of state and federal Social Media Registries, and requirements that social media companies approve the documentation before allowing any student 15 or older to gain website access.

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