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Vaccines: Michigan’s response to a federal executive order and new data showing rising school vaccine exemptions fueled debate about childhood vaccine safety.
Mental health: A landmark Meta settlement sparked conversation about how social media impacts youth mental health.
Gun violence: After a Missaukee County shooting, social media users discussed Michigan’s “red flag” law.
Vaccines
MDHHS vaccine recommendations and rising school vaccine exemption rates spark debate
What’s happening:
On August 17, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services affirmed that Michigan will continue following the childhood vaccine schedule from the American Academy of Pediatrics, despite an executive order calling for changes to federal vaccine recommendations.
Then, on September 1, MDHHS released data showing that the rate of school vaccine exemptions in Michigan reached a new high during the 2025-2026 school year.
News stories covering the executive order and exemption trend sparked debate about routine childhood vaccines. Some commenters alleged that vaccines are unsafe and ineffective and that children receive “too many” vaccines. Others urged parents to vaccinate their children, expressing concern that declining vaccination rates could lead to more disease outbreaks and deaths, particularly among children.
Helpful messaging to share right now:
Routine childhood vaccines have prevented hundreds of millions of illnesses and millions of hospitalizations and deaths in the U.S. over the past three decades.
Vaccines are recommended at specific ages to help protect kids before they’re most likely to be exposed to potentially dangerous germs.
When vaccination rates fall, Michigan communities become more vulnerable to outbreaks of diseases like measles, which spreads quickly in schools and can be deadly.
Vaccines don’t just protect individual kids. They also protect vulnerable community members, including older adults, babies who are too young to get vaccinated, and people with weakened immune systems.
MDHHS and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that all kids receive routine vaccines on time for the best protection. Talk to a health care provider to learn more about which vaccines your family needs and when. It’s never too late to get back on schedule.
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Meta settlement revives conversation about social media and youth mental health
What’s happening:
On August 26, Meta agreed to pay Michigan at least $171 million as part of a multi-billion dollar settlement after the tech company was accused of designing social media features that harm youth mental health.
Meta also agreed to add stronger child safety features to its platforms, including time limits, reduced notifications, and more age-related content controls.
In response to local news articles about the settlement, many commenters suggested that these safety features are unnecessary or ineffective and that parents and caregivers should take full responsibility for youth social media use.
Helpful messaging to share right now:
Social media use can affect young people’s mental health, including increasing the risk of depression and anxiety.
Parents and caregivers can promote healthier social media habits by monitoring use, encouraging offline activities, modeling balanced technology use, and watching for signs that their child may be struggling.
If your child is struggling with their mental health because of social media or any other reason, local resources can help. Learn more about mental health services for Michigan youth from MDHHS.
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Missaukee County shooting generates new conversation about Michigan’s red flag law
What’s happening:
On August 14, a man in Missaukee County carried out shootings in three locations, killing five people and injuring another before the suspect was found dead. Some articles noted that the suspect had previously faced charges for domestic violence, child abuse, and criminal sexual conduct.
Social media users focused on the shooter’s past, saying that the shooting could have been prevented. Some highlighted Michigan’s red flag law, also called the Extreme Risk Protection Order law, which allows courts to temporarily restrict people from purchasing or possessing firearms if they pose a threat to themselves or others.
Helpful messaging to share right now:
If you’re concerned that a family or household member may hurt themself or someone else, Michigan’s red flag law allows you to request an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO).
An ERPO can temporarily restrict someone’s access to firearms and prevent them from purchasing firearms, with approval from a judge. It’s one tool for helping reduce the risk of gun violence.
If you’re in immediate danger, call 911. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can also offer emotional support from trained counselors anytime.
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