Student panelists from both Papillion La Vista High School and Papillion La Vista South High School participated in this week's illuminating 'Behind the Screen' event, courageously sharing their personal experiences and insights about navigating today's complex digital landscape with an audience of parents and guardians seeking to better understand and support young people's online experiences.

The student-led discussion covered a wide range of topics central to adolescent digital life, including the multifaceted pressures associated with social media presence and participation, concerns regarding online safety and privacy, and the daily realities of growing up in an environment where technology is deeply integrated into social interactions, entertainment, education, and identity formation.

By bridging the digital generation gap, the event aimed to equip parents and guardians with more nuanced understanding of young people's online experiences, helping adults develop more effective strategies for supporting healthy technology use. The student panelists not only identified challenges but also offered practical suggestions and insights based on their lived experiences.

The 'Behind the Screen' event was organized by the PLCS Empowerment Collective, led by Dr. Deb Anderson, Mental Health Liaison, and Dr. Christopher Villarreal, Director of Communications. The Collective works to provide students, staff, and families with actionable strategies and information on key topics affecting today's educational community, fostering a collaborative learning environment where stakeholders can learn and grow together through shared understanding and open dialogue.