Communications arts junior Hailee Butler recently represented the youth perspective before the Wisconsin Assembly Task Force on Protecting Kids. The task force session focused on issues such as parental communication, social-emotional effects of digital addiction, online risks, and strategies for creating a safer digital environment for children.
Butler attended the event as part of a delegation from the Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation (GWCHF), where she presented research and survey results from local initiatives. She advocated for actions to protect school-aged children from online dangers.
Her involvement began when Dean of Women Emily Haynes informed her about a community discussion on the impact of social media on youth. Butler had personal experience with the negative effects of digital influence, recalling an incident involving a sixth-grade student from her church bus ministry route who died by suicide after experiencing cyberbullying. This event motivated Butler to participate in community activities addressing these issues.
Reflecting on her participation, Butler said, “I don’t believe that I did anything truly astonishing or talented,” adding, “In my opinion, adults are not accustomed to younger adults engaging with them in intentional conversation anymore.” She encouraged other students to get involved by “simply putting themselves out there without being afraid to attend events and talk to people.”
At the capitol session, Butler addressed two main risks technology poses for children: information and communication. She shared insights from her bus ministry experience and expressed concern about what she described as “alarming passivity” among young people who have learned “about everything but to care about nothing.” She suggested building relationships with isolated children in the community and modeling discipline around technology use.
Summarizing her experience, Butler stated, “I got to participate in the process of enacting real change in society through government. It was awesome.” She also noted appreciation from state representatives and indicated willingness to participate in future opportunities.
GWCHF CTO Tina Crave and CEO Ben Wehmeier praised Butler’s efforts: “She was prepared, professional and inspiring! Hailee did an exceptional job of representing herself, Maranatha University, and our community, and we are grateful for her passion on this topic.”
Butler credited Maranatha Baptist University’s training for helping her prepare her presentation. She recalled advice from Mrs. Morris: “When writing my manuscript,” she comments, “I remembered Mrs. Morris’ encouragement that however, whenever we engage with the world, we need to intentionally include ‘salt,’” which she says, “gave me the boldness to directly mention Jesus Christ and His love in my presentation.”
