Unplugged and Empowered: Zora ’25 Champions Healthy Media Habits for a Digital Generation

 

By the time they turn 18, nearly 90% of young people in the U.S. are consuming news through social media platforms. Yet more than half of middle school students struggle to discern between advertisements and authentic journalism—or to distinguish fact from fiction altogether. As screen time and digital dependency surge, so too does concern: According to the CDC, 95% of teens aged 13 to 17 report spending multiple hours per day on social media, with 40% of children aged 8 to 12 active as well. The effects are sobering—40% of youth report persistent feelings of sadness, while nearly a third struggle with their mental health.

Amid this troubling landscape, Zora ’25 is offering clarity and guidance.

A passionate advocate for digital wellness and media literacy, Zora serves as a Student Ambassador for Take Two Media Initiative, a nonprofit organization committed to equipping K–12 learning communities with the tools to engage with media responsibly. Take Two provides research-based programming that empowers students, parents, and educators alike to critically navigate the digital world. Zora’s work with the initiative reflects her personal mission: to help her peers understand that digital citizenship isn’t just about what you consume—it’s also about what you create, share, and choose to believe.

Zora’s advocacy aligns with Friends Seminary’s newly implemented phone-free campus policy, which was launched this academic year to promote more authentic human connection, deepen focus, and strengthen a culture of presence. But for Zora, this isn’t just a school policy—it’s a lifestyle.

Introduced to Take Two through Erin Mumford, Associate Head of Upper School and Chair of the Computer Science Department, and Michelle Cristella, Head of Middle School, Zora quickly found her voice as an advocate. Her presentations to public school communities blend data-driven insights with personal reflection. She speaks candidly about the impact of COVID-19 on social media habits and mental well-being, and offers practical tools for both students and parents seeking balance. Her sessions empower others to recognize unhealthy patterns, set boundaries, and reclaim time for real-world connection.

Her commitment has not only made a difference in the lives of others—it has transformed her own. She credits the work with helping her build stronger personal relationships, embrace more mindful habits, and discover new ways of engaging with the world around her.

In recognition of her leadership, Zora was interviewed last year by CBS Mornings Plus, who highlighted her as a role model for future generations—both within the School and beyond.

Erin Mumford explains, “Zora embodies the kind of leadership we strive to nurture at Friends—insightful, purposeful, and deeply committed to community well-being. Especially in this first year of implementing Yondr pouches in the Upper School and advocating for healthier screen habits, her voice has been both timely and transformative.”

As the conversation around media, mental health, and responsibility grows louder, Zora’s voice stands out in the Friends community: thoughtful, informed, and driven by a deep desire to help others unplug and thrive.