Many young people in Denver are spending more and more time on apps like Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram because there aren’t enough safe, engaging, and accessible community spaces for them to gather in person. While social media can be fun, too much of it can also lead to isolation, anxiety, and less real-world connection.

I’d love to see the City of Denver invest in youth-focused community centers and creative spaces where teens can have healthier alternatives to just being online. Ideas could include:

After-school programs with hands-on activities like art, sports, and music.

Tech labs that help students learn skills beyond just scrolling or snapping.

Safe outdoor hangout spots designed with input from young people themselves.

Workshops on digital wellness to balance social media use with real-life experiences.

If Denver provided more exciting, real-world spaces, maybe teens wouldn’t feel like their only option to connect is through apps like Snapchat.

Shouldn’t we be creating environments that encourage both online creativity and real-world belonging?