In today’s post-COVID environment, social media has become one of the most powerful drivers of youth behavior — and one of the most complex challenges for schools and communities working to keep students safe. From viral “challenges” to direct online access to counterfeit pills and vaping products, digital platforms are reshaping how young people perceive, access, and experiment with drugs.

This eye-opening session brings together experts from education, prevention, and law enforcement to unpack how these online influences intersect with mental health, belonging, and school safety. Panelists will explore how the Safe and Sound Schools Comprehensive School Safety Framework can help communities take a balanced approach — combining prevention, intervention, and recovery — to address these emerging threats both inside and beyond the classroom.

Participants will learn how to identify social media–driven warning signs, engage families and community partners, and build multidisciplinary teams that strengthen protective factors and resilience across the school community.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand how social media trends and online marketing fuel student substance use.
• Explore prevention and education strategies that align with the SASS Comprehensive School Safety Framework.
• Learn how schools, law enforcement, counselors, and community partners can coordinate a proactive, prevention-based response.
• Identify practical tools for educating parents, monitoring digital risks, and building student-centered protective supports.