THUNDER BAY -- Despite still being in middle school, Emma Watson seems to have a pretty firm grasp on the negative impacts of social media.
“There are too many unrealistic things you see on the Internet,” said Emma, a Grade 8 student at Agnew H. Johnston Public School.
“Models, and people achieving all these great things, celebrities and such...You never see people posting their failures on social media.”
Watson says today’s image obsession is fuelled by social media, and it can make people feel less than what they’re worth.
On Wednesday, the message was exactly the opposite for Everyone Matters Day.
As part of a global inclusiveness movement, approximately 350 students from the Lakehead Public Board from grades 6 to 8 attended the event at Redwood Park Church.
This year’s theme had a special emphasis on cyberbullying, which Emma says is an ongoing battle with students.
“A lot of kids my age, they don’t like themselves a lot. Some of my best friends even,” she said. “The fact they can’t see how truly amazing they are … it sucks.”
Lee-Ann Chevrette, co-ordinator of the city's crime prevention council, echoed Watson’s message, and said there needs to be a healthier approach for students who use social media.
“Social media can be a dangerous place for kids. Recognizing how to deal with difficult issues, how to keep yourself safe, and keep your friends safe online.”
The crime prevention council works in coordination with the public board to host the event. Chevrette says 2019’s was the largest yet.
Students heard from a variety of speakers including Coun. Rebecca Johnson, local hip-hop artist Benjamin Murray, Joshua Hewitt of StandUp4CleanUp, and many others.
The day included live music, student testimonials, game shows and photo-ops.
Ashley Nurmela, who spoke alongside Elder Gerry Martin as part of Indigenous Matters, says the event has a noticeably positive impact on the psyche of the students.
“I think it’s like a ripple effect. I see nothing but positivity, and kids are more likely to share with their peers, parents, and staff at the school. Having events like these really make students feel like everyone matters,” said Nurmela the First Nation, Metis and Inuit community liaison for the Lakehead Public School Board.
She said having elder Gerry Martin speak to the students was important to her as an administrative support worker.
“We talked about how the medicine wheel encompasses all cultures. That allows me to show them … this is real. It gives some of the kids who identify with people like elder Gerry the ability to feel confident about themselves.”
As for Emma, who attended this year’s event on the advice of her stepbrothers, she said the event gave her the opportunity to be part of an energetic and positive atmosphere that will rub off on everybody, including herself.
“I’m feeling a little bit better about myself. And I know we’re all beautiful strong people that are going to do great things one day.”
