5 ways to protect kids’ mental health and combat racism in the age of social media

For most of us, social media is central to our lives. It’s how we stay connected to friends and family, consume and distribute information, and bond over a shared sense of humor. 

But what happens when memes become a vehicle for hate speech? How do you hold perpetrators accountable and support victims of racially motivated bullying? What are the social and emotional implications for kids who see and share this kind of content? 

These are the themes New York Times bestselling author Dashka Slater explores in “Accountable.” The book spotlights how racism and cyberbullying harm everyone — adults, kids, victims, and offenders alike — with an unflinching look at the true story of how one racist social media account affected a group of teenagers in Albany, California.

Bring a national conversation to a local stage

Students, parents, educators, and community members recently gathered for an in-depth conversation with Slater at Fairview High School. FHS students led an insightful discussion with Slater and a panel of local educators, equity experts, and students. Boulder Valley School District librarians Regina Hoskins, Kim Butler, and Rebecca Kaplan brought this important book and author talk to students with financial support from our mental health grants and the Fairview Parent Organization. 

What you can do to support kids in our community 

Based on what we learned at the event, here are some ways adults can help protect the young people in our lives from the harmful effects of racism and social media.

1. Practice digital mindfulness

Break up hours of doom scrolling or compulsive double-tapping to “heart” whatever posts pop up in your feed to pause and ask yourself, “why am I engaging, or not engaging, with certain content?” If you’re a parent or caregiver, consider creating a family social media plan. Commit to limits and frequent check-ins that the entire family participates in to talk about appropriate online behavior. If you’re an educator, consider incorporating reflection time for your students to write or talk about what they see online and how it makes them feel.

2. Speak up and call a thing, a thing

Social media algorithms prioritize controversial content. One hateful post can garner thousands of views and engagement quickly. While reporting harmful content may not be possible on every platform, or lack the rigorous review parents and youth advocates have called for, naming a behavior and language for what it is, is still important. If we don’t speak up, violent language becomes normalized. History shows us that when there is violent language and disinformation, violent actions follow. Set an example for young people in your life by labeling harmful language as such and calling people in to explain the impact of their words. 

3. Get curious about difference

If we are inquisitive about our differences, instead of fearful, we open the door to deeper connections and richer social and emotional lives. Talk to people who are different from you, explore new places and situations, and read and learn about cultures and communities that are different from the ones you belong to. Encouraging a curious spirit in the kids in your life will help them build community and make friends wherever they go. Studies show that when college students are exposed to diversity, they improve their ability to think critically. With a changing media landscape and the rise of mis and disinformation, critical thinking is a vital skill we all need to navigate the world.  

4. When you mess up, acknowledge, own, repair, and don’t repeat

Demonstrate what accountability looks like as the adult in a room when you speak or act in a way that hurts someone else. First, acknowledge the harm that you caused. Second, own your part as the party responsible for inflicting harm. Third, figure out how to repair the damage. Start by asking the person you hurt what they need and acting based on that information instead of assuming. And last but not least, don’t make the same mistake twice. Changed behavior speaks louder than words. 

5. Prioritize responsibility and repair, don’t play the shame game

Slater encouraged adults who see or hear about racist or cyberbullying incidents, to prioritize the care and emotions of the children who were harmed and speak up right away. Slater explained that while our desire for retribution is understandable, especially when you’re the injured party, an “incarceration mentality” where punishment is the main focus is unlikely to result in long-term change. Public shaming can prompt mental health challenges and put kids at risk of self-harm. To change, children need to believe they aren’t inherently bad because they engage in bad behavior. Encouraging accountability and repair, as opposed to shame, can help kids to accept responsibility for hurtful actions and understand consequences, while also imagining that a kinder version of themselves is possible. 

Help us continue to have these important conversations and rich learning opportunities for both adults and children in our community by making a gift today. This event was made possible thanks to generous gifts from donors like you. 

BEFORE YOU GO

Impact on Education is an independent non-profit supporting the Boulder Valley School District. We depend on the generosity of our community to put our mission into action.

Will you help us provide opportunities and resources to local students?

Dr. Bianca Gallegos: Elevating bilingualism and championing scholars

“It’s beautiful to be bilingual.”

For Dr. Bianca Gallegos, these words are more than a statement—they’re a call to action. As an Impact on Education board member and as Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships for Boulder Valley School District (BVSD), Gallegos works to ensure that bilingual students are seen, valued and celebrated as scholars.

In a cozy apartment on Chisholm Street in Boulder, Gallegos grew up speaking Spanish with her mother, a native of Xalapa, México. She learned her second language, English, when she began kindergarten in BVSD at Columbine Elementary School.

While many English learners across the country face pressure at school to abandon their heritage language in favor of rapid assimilation, Gallegos’ experience was different thanks to BVSD’s approach to uplifting bilingualism among students. “I feel so lucky to have attended schools that embraced bilingualism,” said Gallegos. “My mom was also such a formative influence in my life. She instilled unwavering confidence in me and always told me, ‘You have the right to an education.’”

Gallegos’ pride in her heritage language ultimately shaped her career path. Although she initially planned to become an immigration lawyer, she discovered a passion for education while volunteering in an afterschool program. She went on to earn a master’s degree in education from Regis University, and a doctoral degree in executive leadership in education from the University of Colorado Denver.

Returning to her roots, Gallegos served as vice principal and later principal at her alma mater, Columbine Elementary, before joining BVSD leadership as Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships. In this role, she leads initiatives that not only celebrate bilingualism but also prepare students for success beyond graduation. Gallegos oversees the implementation of the district’s Grad+ framework, which prepares students for future success by offering valuable credentials, including college credits, industry certifications, work-based learning, and the Seal of Biliteracy—awarded to students who demonstrate high proficiency in English and another language.

The case for preserving heritage languages

According to recent data, 5.3 million students in the United States are English learners, and that number is growing. Historically, schools have focused on rapid English acquisition, often at the expense of students’ heritage languages. Educators are realizing the shortcomings of this approach and changing the model. Losing a heritage language not only impacts identity but also affects learning; fluency in a first language provides a foundation for mastering additional languages. Without it, students may struggle to achieve fluency in any language.

Preserving or reclaiming heritage languages fosters academic success and strengthens students’ sense of self. Knowing this, BVSD and Gallegos view bilingualism as a superpower for Boulder Valley students. Bilingual high school students can also earn college credits via high test scores on Advanced Placement or CLEP exams which are governed by the College Board. Impact on Education, a vital partner in these efforts, ensures these opportunities are accessible by underwriting test fees, helping students take full advantage of this valuable skill. “Their families or someone who loves them has been nurturing their language for 16, 17, 18 years,” she said. “After all that time, they have the opportunity to demonstrate mastery, showing their brilliance as bilingual scholars. These opportunities ensure that students see themselves as scholars and as college students—not just in the future but right now,” said Gallegos. “I’m so proud of our district and Impact on Education for seeing bilingualism as a strength to be kept, nourished and upheld.”

Bilingual scholars, future leaders

Through her leadership, Gallegos is helping students find their voices in more than one language. Her work not only empowers students as bilingual scholars but also positions them as leaders who can thrive in a global, multicultural world.

BEFORE YOU GO

Impact on Education is an independent non-profit supporting the Boulder Valley School District. We depend on the generosity of our community to put our mission into action.

Will you help us provide opportunities and resources to local students?

Impact on Education grants $98,500 to fund innovative educational projects, activities and materials

In 2024, educators and students across the Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) gained vital support through $98,500 in grant funding from the Impact on Education Academic Opportunity Fund.

These grants are designed to bridge educational gaps and foster innovative programs that enrich learning and promote equity. By addressing needs that standard school budgets often cannot meet, they demonstrate a district-wide commitment to preparing students for academic and future career success. In total, 105 grants were awarded to 37 schools, funding projects and initiatives, including:

• Noise-canceling headphones to reduce stress
• Math center materials
• Multicultural graphic novel memoirs
• Literacy support
• Field trip fees
• Academic support for newcomer students
• College Opportunity lab
• Enrichment materials for special education
• Gardening supplies
• Kitchen and cooking equipment
• Neuro-affirming tools for sensory regulation
• 3D printers

“Providing grants like these ensures our students have access to the tools and opportunities they need for a comprehensive education,” said Allison Billings, executive director of Impact on Education. “Our Academic Opportunity Fund is a valuable resource for teachers and schools with limited budgets who are determined to provide the best learning opportunities for their students.”

Boulder TEC construction tool belts

The Construction Trades program at Boulder TEC received $2,000 to purchase industry-standard tool belts, a vital yet often unattainable requirement for many students. Currently, no high-quality tool belts are available for use, creating inequities among students who cannot afford professional gear. This grant will supply 20 tool belts, benefiting 35-40 students and allowing them to train using equipment that meets workplace standards.

“Receiving the grant creates a completely different atmosphere in the classroom,” said Darrin Rasmussen, Construction Trades instructor at Boulder TEC. “It transformed from a traditional “shop” class to a professional training program. Students are proud to be in the environment and excited every day to be a part of a program that not only helps their futures but also contributes to our community.”

The program allows students to specify what trades skills are the most interesting to them and then explore them further. Students graduate from the program earning up to four industry certifications and the possibility of a career right out of high school.

STEM afterschool program at Escuela Bilingüe Pioneer

Escuela Bilingue Pioneer was granted $1,400 to support an afterschool STEM program aimed at third- to fifth-grade students. As a Title 1 school, Pioneer has identified a gap in STEM education, with many students lacking exposure to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This program will bridge that gap by providing hands-on STEM experiences led by the University of Colorado’s Science Discovery Team over five weeks in the spring.

“Our school is a bilingual institution with many students who do not have access to STEM-related activities outside of school,” said Joanna Dresen, a parent at Escuela Bilingue Pioneer who is helping to coordinate the program. “Funding this program will significantly enhance equity by providing high-quality STEM education and addressing participation gaps for Latinx students and English Language Learners (ELLs).”

By offering the program in both English and Spanish, the initiative ensures inclusivity, allowing ELL students to participate fully. This exposure is crucial for igniting a passion for STEM and opening pathways to future careers.

A commitment to equity and excellence

Both programs highlight Impact on Education’s dedication to creating equitable and excellent learning environments. By funding initiatives that address financial and resource barriers, these grants help all students—especially those from underrepresented or low-income backgrounds—achieve academic and personal growth.

“These initiatives are a testament to our mission of supporting educators and fostering opportunities that inspire and prepare students for their futures,” said Billings.

Despite increasing funding from the previous year by 23%, Impact on Education received over $275,000 in requests and was unable to fund 75 proposals. Please consider donating to the Academic Opportunity Fund to ensure more programming can be supported in the 2025-26 school year.

BEFORE YOU GO

Impact on Education is an independent non-profit supporting the Boulder Valley School District. We depend on the generosity of our community to put our mission into action.

Will you help us provide opportunities and resources to local students?

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