First lady Melania Trump opened the Cyberbullying Prevention Summit Monday urging adults to listen to children in addressing the problems of social media abuse and bullying.
“It can be used in many positive ways but can also be destructive and harmful when used incorrectly,” Trump said of social media and Internet use in brief remarks ahead of the summit taking place in Rockville, Md.
The topic aligns with the first lady’s “Be Best” platform, which highlights children’s mental and physical well-being. Trump addressed negative and positive impacts of social media, and urged responsible use of social media.
“Most children are more aware of the benefits and pitfalls of social media than some adults, but we still need to do all we can to provide them with information and tools for successful and safe online habits,” she said.
Alex Azar, secretary for the Department of Health and Human Services, also made brief remarks highlighting the issue and the administration’s efforts related to school safety and mental health. Children who face bullying and untreated mental health issues are more likely have health difficulties later in life, he said, including problems with smoking, drug use, suicide, or worsening mental health conditions. They also are less likely to succeed in school.
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“We should be making every effort to reach troubled children and help them find a path to happy, healthy lives,” he said.
Azar noted the work of the the Health Resources and Services Administration, where the event was being held, which runs the “Stop Bullying Now” campaign providing information on bullying and its prevention.
President Trump reportedly wanted the first lady to focus her platform on a topic other than anti-bullying, warning her that she could face criticism over his use of social media to attack his critics. Melania Trump ignored that advice and formally rolled out her platform in May.
She has publicly acknowledged she’s aware of scrutiny brought on by the president’s use of Twitter and the questions about whether it contradicts her initiative. She’s said the skepticism won’t stop her from tackling issues such as cyberbullying.
