The Post-Pandemic Classroom: Addressing Mental Health, Social Media, and Critical Race Theory in the Digital Age

In this episode of the Teachers Forum, host David Harris engages in a deep discussion with educators Melanee Duncan Friday and Dave Stieber about the pressing issues of mental health in students, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. They explore the impact of social media, the challenges faced by students in processing emotions, and the role of schools in providing support. The conversation highlights the need for more resources, the importance of trauma-informed teaching, and the complexities of managing cell phone use in educational settings. In this conversation, educators discuss the impact of technology on learning, the challenges of teaching history and critical race theory, and the media's portrayal of parental perspectives in education. They explore the balance between digital citizenship and classroom management, and ultimately reflect on what gives them hope in the current educational landscape.Additional resources on the topics discussed in the episode: Addressing mental health challenges among students in all grade levels. Kid's Declining Mental Health Is the 'Crisis of our Time,' Surgeon General SaysCell phone bans in schools across the countryWhy Schools Are Racing to Ban Student PhonesSchools Say No to Cellphones, but is it a good ideaA look at state efforts to ban cell phonesBlack History BansBlack History 'Underground Railroad" forms across U.S. after increase of book bansSend us a text with your thoughts or ideas, and follow and subscribe to The Teacher’s Forum so you don’t miss future episodes.Join the Conversation:[email protected]@theteachersforum.bsky.socialX (formerly Twitter) @theforum1993Please subscribe, share and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Help us amplify the voices and issues of K-12 educators all over the world.