The rapidly rising use of social media, particularly among teenagers, is often met with consternation by educators. Some even try to curb its use. This may be—and likely is—the wrong tack to take.
A recent survey of 1,141 13- to 17-year-old students nationwide indicates it may not be as bad as we assume. The report, “Social Media, Social Life: Teens Reveal Their Experiences,” published by Common Sense Media, reveals that about 70% of those surveyed use social media more than once a day. In a previous iteration of the survey conducted in 2012, this was 34%. Social media use in your students’ lives is now just a given—so, how does this change education?
The study reveals most students (57%) realize social media often distracts them from doing homework. But, on the other hand, the teenagers indicated they believe social media has a positive effect on how they feel and on their well-being. Those surveyed said they felt less lonely, less depressed, less anxious, more confident, and better about themselves.
Perhaps not surprising, 46% of students surveyed believe their parents worry too much about social media. The students certainly don’t believe the use is as dire as adults and popular culture make it out to be. Of course, there are negative effects, such as lack of sleep and the potential for cyberbullying. But, overall, social media has become a positive force in students’ lives, providing broader communication, access to information, and mutual support.
With all this in mind, it’s clear that social media is here to stay. Educators should reevaluate their approach instead of attempting to discourage student use of social media—it’s a futile effort. Understand how your students use the different social media platforms (Snapchat and Instagram are the latest rages) and determine how you can best advise them in its use. Instead of portraying social media as the “enemy” of education, help students better recognize its caveats and explore better ways to use the technology.
Common Sense offers four key ways to address your students’ use of social media.
- "Understand your students’ social media lives.” Face it, most teenagers (and even younger students) now have smartphones. The use of social media is deeply embedded in teen culture and continues to escalate. Educators must accept this and determine how to make better use of this technological arena.
- “Listen to what students say about their social media experiences.” Most students recognize that social media is a distraction—at home when they should be doing homework and even in the classroom. They also recognize that they are being manipulated by tech companies to spend more time on their devices (and, therefore, spend more money). As educators, we must listen to student concerns about social media ,and advise them on how to focus on the positives and handle (or eliminate) the negatives.
- “Recognize the importance of social-emotional learning (SEL).” In recent ISM research, it’s clear that student (and teacher) well-being has a significant impact on the success of the program your school provides. When supporting students and their social-emotional learning, you cannot ignore their use of social media. Again, help them focus on the positives and improving their own well-being.
- "Support digital citizenship education in your school.” Teach students how to properly use technology, and avoid cyberbullying and hate speech. Unfortunately, racist, sexist, and homophobic content has increased in social media in recent years. Your advice in these concerns is clearly valuable.
Perhaps the best approach to social media is not to tackle it, but to embrace it. Social media is here to stay. Determine how you can best serve your students in this regard, and always keep their well-being at the forefront.
Additional ISM resources:
The Source for Private School News Vol. 10 No. 2 Educating Kids About Social Media—21st Century Technology in the Classroom
The Source for Advancement Vol. 9 No. 1 Why We Need to Further Educate Students on Responsible Social Media
Additional ISM resources for members:
I&P Vol. 43 No. 10 Student Engagement’s Impact on Stress and Well-Being—What Your School Must Know and Do
I&P Vol. 36 No. 3 Addressing Bullying and Sexual Misconduct
