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MHA Issues New Report on Social Media and Youth Mental Health

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Co-authored by young leaders, “Breaking the Algorithm” outlines recommendations to promote healthier experiences across digital platforms

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Mental Health America (MHA) today released a new report that examines the impact of social media on youth mental health and identifies ways to mitigate potential harms while amplifying positive experiences. “Breaking the Algorithm: Redesigning Social Media for Youth Well-being,” is a first-of-its-kind analysis, co-authored by youth advocates.

The findings and recommendations contained in “Breaking the Algorithm” are based on insights from more than 900 survey respondents aged 13-25, focus groups, and an in-person summit hosted by MHA earlier this year.

“One thing has been notably absent from the public debate over social media’s impact on youth mental health: feedback from young people themselves,” said report co-author Tinuola Adebukola, MPH, CPH. “Any policy or technological solution must factor in the experiences of young social media users who have deep, unique insight into both the potential harms and benefits of these digital platforms.”

While everyone’s social media experience is different, an overwhelming majority of the young people surveyed by MHA recognized that certain features, such as infinite scrolling, short-form content and autoplay, are designed to maximize the time they spend online, making it difficult to log off. Only 41% of participants reported feeling like they have control over how much time spent on social media.

Those surveyed also agreed that social media algorithms often amplify content that is harmful to their mental health and well-being, including misinformation and material that is polarizing, sensational and graphic. Beyond that, young people acknowledged social media’s role in facilitating online harassment and harmful comparisons with others.

In keeping with the nuances of social media, the report also looks at the positive role it can play in fostering connection and sustaining offline relationships. Nearly 53% of respondents indicated that online communities and friendships play a critical role in their support network, with 48% also noting that social media can help affirm their identities.

Greater transparency regarding algorithms and the reasons that users are served with certain content is among the report’s many recommendations. The authors also call for features that limit passive content consumption and endless scrolling, such as periodic reminders, check ins, or other protective tools that are easily accessible and prominently displayed. Additionally, the report stresses the need for a more comprehensive education on digital wellness at an early age.

“Mental health affects us all and supporting the well-being of young people is in everyone’s interest,” said Kelly Davis, Vice President of Peer and Youth Advocacy at MHA. “By working together, technology companies, policymakers and advocates can mitigate the potential harm and amplify positive aspects of social media platforms. We hope these commonsense proposals will serve as a roadmap going forward.”

Download a copy of the “Breaking the Algorithm” report here.

About Mental Health America
Mental Health America is the nation’s leading community-driven nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health and well-being, resilience, recovery, and closing the mental health equity gap. Mental Health America’s work is driven by its commitment to promote mental health as a critical part of whole person health, including prevention services for all; early identification and intervention for those at risk; and integrated care, services and supports for those who need them. Learn more at MHAnational.org.

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SOURCE Mental Health America

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PREFORMED LINE PRODUCTS ANNOUNCES QUARTERLY DIVIDEND

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December 18, 2024

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CLEVELAND, Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Board of Directors of Preformed Line Products (Nasdaq: PLPC) on December 3, 2024, declared a regular quarterly dividend in the amount of $.20 per share on the Company’s common shares, payable January 21, 2025, to shareholders of record at the close of business on January 7, 2025.

ABOUT PLP

PLP protects the world’s most critical connections by creating stronger and more reliable networks. The company’s precision-engineered solutions are trusted by energy and communications providers worldwide to perform better and last longer. With locations in 20 countries, PLP works as a united global corporation, delivering high-quality products and unparalleled service to customers around the world.

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SOURCE Preformed Line Products

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Cassia Networks Releases the M1500 Enterprise-Grade Compact Bluetooth Gateway, Enhancing Enterprise Application Flexibility

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December 18, 2024

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Cassia Networks presents the new M1500, a compact Bluetooth Gateway designed to provide flexible and cost-effective solutions for enterprise IoT applications.

SAN JOSE, Calif., Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Cassia Networks, Inc., a leading provider of enterprise Bluetooth IoT products and solutions, announces the launch of its new M1500 Bluetooth Gateway in China. Further announcements for the global release will follow.

Cassia’s M1500 is a compact and cost-effective Bluetooth gateway that delivers exceptional performance.

Cassia’s M1500 is a compact and cost-effective Bluetooth gateway that delivers exceptional performance. It is designed to be easy to install and use, offering the convenience of supporting both Wi-Fi and Ethernet as backhaul options, along with Power over Ethernet (PoE) supply capabilities.

The M1500 provides customers with enterprise-grade security, flexibility, and scalability, making it an ideal solution for deploying IoT projects in a cost-effective manner. Like all of Cassia’s Bluetooth gateways, the M1500 can be managed using Cassia’s IoT Access Controller (AC), which stands as the industry’s most robust enterprise Bluetooth network management solution.

The M1500 also supports Bluetooth roaming and positioning, features that are shared with other Cassia enterprise Bluetooth gateways such as the M2000, E1000, and X2000. It serves as a complementary addition to this lineup.

The M1500 is available in two distinct versions: the M1500 Standard and the M1500-XT. The M1500 Standard is an indoor model equipped with an omni-directional antenna. In contrast, the M1500-XT is designed for outdoor use, featuring a robust outdoor enclosure and a directional antenna.

The versatility of the M1500 gateway allows it to be utilized across a wide range of industries and applications. These include continuous vital sign monitoring in hospitals, telehealth, Industrial IoT, smart campuses, supply chain management, and personnel and asset tracking.

Felix Zhao, CEO of Cassia Networks, expressed his enthusiasm about the new product, stating, “We are thrilled to announce the M1500. This addition enhances our suite of enterprise IoT solutions by providing flexible, secure, and cost-effective connectivity for our enterprise customers.”

To learn more about the M1500 technical specifications visit: https://www.cassianetworks.com/products/m1500-bluetooth-gateway/

About Cassia Networks

Cassia Networks is the leading provider of enterprise Bluetooth IoT products and solutions. Our patented technology provides the most reliable and easy to manage long-range, multiple device connectivity, edge processing and locationing for Bluetooth IoT networks. Our mission is to solve the IoT connectivity, locationing and management challenges faced by today’s enterprises and make IoT easy.

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SOURCE Cassia Networks

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Pye-Barker Fire & Safety Launches into Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, Acquiring Seacoast Security

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December 18, 2024

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ATLANTA, Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Pye-Barker Fire & Safety – the largest fully integrated and full-service fire protection, life safety and security services provider in the United States – has acquired Seacoast Security, a Northeast leader in security systems, fire alarms and video surveillance with eight locations in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. These locations will be Pye-Barker’s first in these three states, marking important milestones for the company. By partnering with values-aligned organizations like Seacoast, Pye-Barker is in nearly every continental state.

“The decision to join Pye-Barker came after thoughtful consideration for all those we serve and the legacy of Seacoast.”

Since 1976, under the oversight of H. David Haynes, Seacoast Security has built a strong reputation for excellence in the industry, specializing in integrated security systems, fire detection and alarms, CCTV and access control. Today’s owners, Stephen and Scott Haynes, started as technicians and have upheld their father’s commitment to prioritizing relationships with customers, team members and communities.

“The decision to join Pye-Barker came after thoughtful consideration for all those we serve and the legacy of Seacoast Security,” said Seacoast Co-owner Scott Haynes. “We’re grateful to our loyal customers, 94 dedicated employees and trusted partners who have supported us throughout this journey, and we believe all will benefit from continued success and innovation under Pye-Barker’s leadership.”

“This new partnership will enhance the company’s growth and bolster our ability to continue offering high-quality security products and services,” added Co-owner Stephen Haynes. “We are confident that Pye-Barker shares our values and will continue to build on the strong foundation we have established.”

“Pye-Barker is committed to honoring the legacies of the owners and families who choose to join us,” said Pye-Barker CEO Bart Proctor. “Together, we are stronger in our shared goals to serve our communities with pride, provide for our teams and protect our communities.”

Seacoast’s highly qualified team will continue to serve customers in New England, delivering the same quality service and dependability.

In the transaction, Barry Epstein of Vertex Capital represented Seacoast, and Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP represented Pye-Barker.

About Pye-Barker Fire & Safety

The U.S. leader in fully integrated life safety systems, Pye-Barker Fire & Safety provides complete fire protection and security systems nationwide. With over 230 locations and 7,000 team members nationwide, Pye-Barker ranks No. 849 on the Inc. 5000 and No. 8 on the SDM 100.

Visit pyebarkerfs.com/acquisitions to learn why we’re the industry’s acquirer of choice.

Contact:
Eric Garner
Chief Business Development Officer
801.395.8738
eric.garner@pyebarkerfs.com

Media:
Alycia Volpe
media@pyebarkerfs.com 

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SOURCE Pye-Barker Fire & Safety

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