When School and Social Media Collide: The Mental Health Toll Inside Schools – Doug Parker
Doug Parker, superintendent of Bigfoot Union High School in Wisconsin, pulls back the curtain on what’s really happening behind the scenes of education today. From the outdated HVAC systems that quietly define a school’s infrastructure to the emotional damage of endless scrolling, this episode hits hard.
Doug and Janet get real about how social media and technology have changed the mental health landscape for students and staff alike. From increased anxiety to eroded trust, the consequences are piling up. But Doug isn’t interested in finger-pointing. Instead, he shares how his team is embracing AI, fighting burnout, and leading with what’s best for kids—even when that means going against the grain.
This isn’t just a conversation about tech. It’s about leadership in the digital age, and what it really means to center students when the world around them is anything but stable.
If you’re an education leader who knows that mental health and mission are inseparable—this one’s for you.
