Student Testimonial

Written By Grace Falgoust

December 23, 2024

Dear Donor,

My name is Grace Falgoust, and I’m a dual-degree student at Georgetown University, studying Psychology and Public Policy. I’m also a researcher at Georgetown’s Happy Tech Lab, where we explore how technology affects well-being. I’m writing to you because we have a rare opportunity to shape how digital spaces are regulated to protect youth, and I believe we must act now to safeguard their mental health.

As a graduate student, I don’t have the resources to make the kind of impact I wish I could on my own. But I deeply believe in this cause, and I wanted to reach out to individuals like you, who have the ability to make a difference.

My passion for children’s online safety began during my research on education recovery in communities hit by natural disasters. I spoke with a teacher who shared how, in the past, her school had come together to heal as a community. But in recent years, that sense of unity had diminished. Social media and digital distractions had replaced the collective healing they once experienced. Instead of supporting one another, students were increasingly disconnected—scrolling through their phones and isolating themselves.

I was struck by how digital spaces, which were originally meant to connect people, were instead deepening emotional isolation—especially for children already dealing with trauma. Teachers, once a primary source of support, were now grappling with a new dilemma: How can you help kids heal when their sense of connection has been replaced by a screen?

This stayed with me as I continued my research and discovered the link between social media use and the mental health crisis among youth. Studies suggest that platforms like Instagram may displace real-world social interactions and interfere with healthy development. Further, online harassment, including the use of deepfake images, has become a growing concern.

Thankfully, lawmakers are beginning to take action. The Biden-Harris Administration launched the Kids Online Health and Safety Task Force to examine the impact of digital platforms on youth. States like California, New York, and Illinois are starting to regulate online behavior. However, we’re still in the early stages, and there isn’t yet enough research to guide effective policy decisions.

We need rigorous, evidence-based research to truly understand the effects of unrestricted digital access on youth mental health. This research will be crucial in creating policies that protect children while fostering healthy online spaces. The need is especially urgent for marginalized youth, such as those in the LGBTQ+ community, for whom the internet can be a lifeline—a place to find connection and support. The challenge is how to protect them from digital harms without restricting access to these vital networks.

That’s where your support can make a difference. By supporting organizations tackling these issues, you’re helping to shape a future where digital spaces are safer for children and youth.

Below are some organizations leading the charge:

  • The Center for Humane Technology has been at the forefront of raising awareness about the harmful impacts of technology on individuals and society. Their advocacy includes the documentary The Social Dilemma, which brought attention to the dangers of social media addiction. They are also pushing for a federal "AI Bill of Rights" to protect children from the unregulated use of artificial intelligence on digital platforms.

  • The Georgetown Center for Digital Ethics (CDE) is conducting pioneering research on digital well-being, including how technology affects children’s mental health. Their work is helping shape public and policy debates about the need for data-driven solutions to regulate digital spaces.

  • The Trevor Project is a leading advocate for LGBTQ+ youth, offering mental health services and resources that affirm their identities. Their research into the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth online informs advocacy efforts for stronger protections. The TrevorSpace platform is a vital, affirming space that provides critical support and saves lives.

  • The Knight Georgetown Institute focuses on bridging research and policy regarding the governance of digital platforms. Their work on platform accountability and how algorithms impact youth is essential in understanding and addressing the risks posed by online environments.

These organizations are doing vital work, but they can’t do it alone. By supporting them, you are directly contributing to evidence-based research and policy that will protect youth and ensure they can thrive in a safer digital world.

Thank you for considering how you can make a difference. Together, we can build a healthier, safer future for kids in our increasingly digital world.

Sincerely,

Grace Falgoust

PhD Candidate, Department of Psychology

Masters Candidate, McCourt School of Public Policy

Georgetown University

Grace Falgoust
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Student Testimonial