Philadelphia Youth Leverage Social Media to Combat Gun Violence Narratives
Youth in Philadelphia are actively using social media platforms to change narratives surrounding gun violence. This initiative is spearheaded by the UPenn Creators for Community Safety Institute, a year-old program that trains student activists to create anti-violence messaging through various media, including social media skits and rap songs. The program aims to counter the online escalation of conflict that can lead to real-world harm. Zyla Smack, a nine-year-old participant, highlights how arguments among peers online can quickly lead to suggestions of gun violence. The institute's co-founder, Dr. Elinore Kaufman, an associate professor of surgery who treats young gunshot patients, notes that many problems she encounters begin online, emphasizing that social media spaces are often missed opportunities for prevention. The first cohort of 15 creators, including dancers, rappers, and fashion designers, graduated in August, addressing topics like conflict resolution and the school-to-prison pipeline. A new ...