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Congratulations to J Lahue, winner of this year's Sanders State of the Union Essay Contest
Senator Sanders' office announced yesterday that J Lahue '26 is the first place winner of the annual Senator Sanders State of the Union Essay Contest. Lahue won first place for his essay on the effects of social media on adolescents' mental health. Lahue was excited to hear the news: "I was inspired to enter this contest as I felt and saw the effects of social media around me in my community. It’s so common to talk about mental health, but I feel as though we tend to ignore possible causes — especially social media."
He continues, "To be able to spread awareness and write passionately about this topic was so rewarding. Winning will hopefully make this issue be heard on a larger scale and I hope it pushes people to realize the damaging effects of social media."
Senator Sanders offices issued a press release that excerpted part of Lahue's essay: "A 2023 Gallup survey found that teenagers spend an average of 4.8 hours on social media daily. Alarmingly, a longitudinal study involving 6,595 adolescents revealed that spending over 3 hours daily on social media doubled the risk of poor mental health outcomes, such as anxiety and depression…I propose a bill called the Youth Mental Health Protection Act. This act would target a root cause of social media-related youth mental health issues by changing the legal age of ‘internet adulthood’ (i.e., when one can sign up for most online platforms, consent to terms of service, and share personal data). This act would make 16 the legally required age to access social media.”
Sanders has invited Lahue and fifteen winners and finalists to join him for a roundtable discussion at the Vermont State House on March 29. The essays will also be archived in the US Congressional Record.
Congratulations, J, on your incredible essay.
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Senator Sanders offices issued a press release that excerpted part of Lahue's essay: "A 2023 Gallup survey found that teenagers spend an average of 4.8 hours on social media daily. Alarmingly, a longitudinal study involving 6,595 adolescents revealed that spending over 3 hours daily on social media doubled the risk of poor mental health outcomes, such as anxiety and depression…I propose a bill called the Youth Mental Health Protection Act. This act would target a root cause of social media-related youth mental health issues by changing the legal age of ‘internet adulthood’ (i.e., when one can sign up for most online platforms, consent to terms of service, and share personal data). This act would make 16 the legally required age to access social media.”
Sanders has invited Lahue and fifteen winners and finalists to join him for a roundtable discussion at the Vermont State House on March 29. The essays will also be archived in the US Congressional Record.
Congratulations, J, on your incredible essay.
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