When a 13‑year‑old reached out after seeing upsetting comments on a Facebook post, RN and health educator Dr. Mary Jo Podgurski took the time to write a thoughtful reply. She praised the teen’s maturity for seeking help and reminded them that most adults are kind and trustworthy.
Why the posts were shared
Dr. Podgurski explained that she occasionally posts about public‑health topics that affect teenagers, such as vaccination information, mental‑health resources, and the importance of voting. While she avoids partisan messaging, she felt compelled to share a few articles that highlighted the surge of racist content she observed on Facebook after the recent midterm elections. Her goal was to model human decency and give teens a clear example of standing against hate.
Respectful engagement
After the teen’s grandparent showed the upsetting comments, Dr. Podgurski deleted the original posts and issued a follow‑up explaining her decision. She emphasized that she never named the teen and that the concern expressed by the young reader inspired her to act. She also noted that one commenter removed a nasty remark, while another persisted with racist language, prompting her to remove the posts entirely.
Teaching conflict resolution
As a registered nurse and educator, Dr. Podgurski teaches conflict‑resolution skills, not avoidance. She believes that silence in the face of disrespect empowers bullies. By responding respectfully yet firmly, she hopes to show teens that they can defend human decency without compromising their core values.
Message to young people
Dr. Podgurski concluded by affirming the teen’s worth and encouraging continued care for others. She reminded the reader that human decency outweighs political debate and that respectful dialogue is essential in all interactions, online and offline. She invited any further questions to be sent to her email address, [email protected].
Community impact
This exchange underscores the role of trusted adults—parents, teachers, coaches, youth‑group leaders, and health professionals—in guiding young people through the challenges of social media. By modeling respectful behavior and standing up against racism, Dr. Podgurski hopes to foster a safer, more compassionate online environment for the next generation.
Original reporting: Herald-Standard – latest news for Uniontown, Pennsylvania — read the source article.
