James Clemens High Students Tackle Social Media: Madison’s James Clemens High School students are tackling the challenge of social media’s impact on personal connections with the help of the Department of Homeland Security’s Invent to Prevent program.
Invent to Prevent, supported by DHS, EdVenture Partners, McCain Institute, and Credence Management Solutions, encourages students to develop innovative solutions and preventative measures to targeted violence. The James Clemens High School chapter is addressing the impact of social media on face-to-face interactions, especially among fourth to sixth graders.
Oviya Gowder, leader, and founder of the James Clemens Invent to Prevent chapter explained, “We have taken the topic related to social media’s impact and how the face-to-face/peer connection is missing in this current generation due to social media. Our target audience is specifically 4th 6th grade because that’s where we see most kids getting phones and using it daily.”
Inspired by their research findings and firsthand observations, the team focuses on the effects of early exposure to social media on school-age children, aiming to address risk factors toward targeted violence.
Gowder and the team surveyed parents and students across the city, organizing three activities to encourage face-to-face social interactions. Additionally, they initiated an English tutoring program for those struggling with language barriers, partnering with the school’s new Global Minds chapter.
This is the first Global Minds chapter in Alabama. The chapter’s main purpose is to foster intercultural relationships,” said Gowder. The tutoring service pairs one tutor with an English learner throughout the year.
The James Clemens Invent to Prevent team’s project is under review, and if selected among the top three out of forty high schools, they will be officially recognized for their achievement and have the opportunity to present their idea in Washington, D.C.
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