Englyn Maydisyn Roberts was vibrant and outgoing. She had an infectious laugh that would make anyone she came in contact with feel welcomed. She was the youngest in our family and loved being the center of attention. She enjoyed spending time with family and getting everyone together for cookouts and celebrations in the backyard. She was an avid dancer and loved the latest fashion.

At only 14 years of age, Englyn passed away on September 7, 2020. After her unexpected passing, we discovered things on her phone that startled us. We learned that she had been experiencing body image issues, self-harm ideation, and social media addiction. She had also viewed a video, on social media, that showed how to take her own life.

As parents, we figured that we had to do something to honor her life so we turned our pain to a purpose and began advocating for a safer online experience for children and youth.

Our work began in May of 2021, when we joined forces with two local organizations, Heart for Iberia and Iberia Mental Health Initiative. These two organizations put on an annual run/walk called The Bayou Side Run. They bring together surrounding communities to recognize the need for good mental health.

We have been to Washington, D.C. on several occasions to walk the halls of Congress and speak to Senators/Representatives to ask them to pass legislation that would hold social media companies accountable for the harms they are causing to our youth. We are calling for Congress to regulate these social media companies.

We have been featured on 60 Minutes with Sharyn Alfonsi, where we began sharing Englyn’s story on a larger scale. We have also appeared on CBS with Jane Pauley and other local television stations.

We have joined a network of parents, in an organization founded by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex called The Parents’ Network. In this network endless bonds have been made with parents who have experienced liked harms.

As we continue to honor our daughter, Englyn, we hope that this foundation can be the start of educating families and raising awareness. Through advocating, we hope that no other family has to experience this type of loss or harm. We are opened to interviews, assemblies, and speaking engagements.