Today’s youth are growing up with challenges that their pastors, parents, and teachers never experienced. We know that social media has its grip on the attention and mindsets of today’s young people, yet, research shows that teens using social media for just three hours a day are more likely to experience negative mental health outcomes. Given this landscape, churches have a duty to make trauma-informed digital engagement a priority if they intend to truly support today’s youth.
Digital trauma—triggered by exposure to cyberbullying, emotionally abusive content, or disturbing news like school shootings—is a reality for many young people. The church can play a vital role in addressing this by creating safe online spaces and using social media as a tool for mental health awareness. By doing so, churches can engage youth on platforms where they feel comfortable and supported.
Churches can take practical steps to promote trauma-informed care in digital spaces by:
- Moderating Content: Carefully curating digital content ensures that online spaces remain safe and supportive, free from triggering material.
- Offering Resources: Providing links or guidance on mental health resources helps young people access help when they need it.
- Encouraging Real Connection: While digital interactions are valuable, in-person connections foster deeper healing. Events like the #StayWoke Mental Health Youth Summit by Alliance for Greater Works have shown that young people benefit greatly from safe, face-to-face interactions.
Creating supportive digital spaces and embracing trauma-informed digital engagement can empower youth to navigate their challenges with the church’s support, reinforcing their sense of community and connection.
By embracing trauma-informed engagement online, churches can reach young people where they are and counter some of the negativity they encounter online. To deepen your knowledge of how your faith community can support its youth, consider Alliance for Greater Works’ specialized training through our Healing Youth Alliance program. This course is aimed at equipping pastors, educators, families, and young adults with tools to recognize signs of trauma in youth and empower them to respond in ways that will begin to create a pathway for healing.