10/13/2026
Beware: Long Post
We all know how the algorithms work and our phones can hear our thoughts. Recently my feed has been filled with young kids (8-16) dying by su***de. Yes I am aware it could be AI but regardless the numbers are staggering. Every time I think wow, how could it be so bad that a 10 year old decided life isn't worth living, it is heart breaking. Well after the last week I now understand it, SOCIAL MEDIA. This is purely my opinion, so if you disagree that is fine, no need to berate me, or attempt to argue, keep scrolling.
What has really opened my eyes to this is the barrage of posts between the Albia and Centerville football teams. I am not saying either team is more at fault or innocent, my observation is that these kids say horrific things about each other, the kids' families, girlfriends, friends, etc. There is nothing off limits, nothing too low, the nastier the better. I was talking to someone else about this and they shared oh you should see the bigger schools. They went on to tell me that on these Bar Stool posts there are videos of students from the opposing school engaging in s*x acts. This is on SOCIAL MEDIA, for all to see. I was baffled. Where does the line get drawn? At what point does something more need to be done?
I know our game with Centerville is done and over with, but the jabs and posts and ridiculing sure hasn't.
I don't have a solution, it just makes me sad and gives me a little bit more insight into how a child can decide they don't want to deal with the onslaught and how often we as parents, providers, teachers, etc have no idea the extent because the child is fearful and so so ashamed. I urge you to have this conversation with the kiddos in your life and reassure them no matter how big the screw up to come tell an adult. Because no matter the age we always need to know someone is in our corner. 💚💚💚
***de
