 |
| Source: www.pexels.com |
Guest blog from The Social Institute
This is one blog in a series of blogs regarding the issue of social media and youth mental health.
With teens reaching for their phones an average of 100 times daily, educators and families are looking to find positive strategies to empower students to strike a balance online and offline.
At The Social Institute, we believe that gradually introducing students to social media is key to preparing them for a tech-fueled world. Recently, students shared their insights with CBS on how to coach younger peers in proactive social media use.
From setting online time limits to taking social media ‘detoxes,’ let’s explore advice from high school and college students and how educators can guide students this school year:
Striking a balance with tech: Insights from older students
CBS recently huddled with students to gather their insights on tech use and what they wish they had known before diving into the online world.
For many students preparing to graduate high school and begin their college journey, technology plays a significant role in their lives and will continue to do so. With 91% of students owning a smartphone by age 14, many have become experts at navigating social media platforms in positive ways. By elevating student voices and learning from their experiences, educators can share valuable tips with others on how to maintain a healthy balance with tech.
Here’s what these students had to say about managing social media:
Set time limits: “If there was advice that I could give to my younger self, it would be to tell my parents to set up time limits for me — even though I would have never said that when I was starting social media.” –Sienne, 17
Take time to interact with the world around you: “You can use social media to amplify your passions, but to do that you need to do a lot of work outside of social media, to discover who you are as a person, what matters to you, and what contributions you can make to the world.” –Lea, 18,
Monitor screen time and set tech-free breaks: “When you first get these apps, it hits you — like, BOOM, there is so much content. Styles, fashion models. It really impacts you heavily when you first get it, this feeling of: ‘How do they do it? How do they look like this? How do they get clothes like that?‘ When you’re new to social media, these trends can overtake you. I started to use Screen Time (monitoring) on my phone and limit the amount of time I am on social media. I’ve been taking phone detoxes. On weekends, I’ll take a social media detox for 10 hours or the majority of the day. I’ll hang out with my family, ride my bike. I only have notifications for my messages and workspaces. I don’t have any notifications on for social media apps.” –Ava, 18
Social media is not real life: “It’s so easy to look at your friends’ stories and feel this feeling of FOMO, of missing out and comparing yourself, like: ‘Oh, my friend just got a new car.‘ It’s like this overwhelming sense of comparison, but the things that people post on social media, it’s just the highlight reel, like the 1% of their life that they want to showcase to other people.” –Bao, 18
Given that 75% of students view their teachers as role models and mentors, educators have a powerful influence in empowering students to navigate social media and technology in positive, high-character ways.
When students feel like they have a voice, they're more motivated, engaged, and find purpose in school. By huddling with students on these strategies, educators can meet students where they are and create a positive learning environment.
The Social Institute’s Take: Helping Students Navigate Technology
Striking a healthy balance with technology is essential for prioritizing key activities like studying, pursuing hobbies, and spending time with friends. For younger students, getting a new device or an Instagram account can be thrilling, leading them to spend significant time online. While social media offers great opportunities for connection and learning, it's best used in moderation to ensure students can focus on what truly matters to them.
Here are some tips to help young students ease into technology and manage screen time effectively in the classroom:
1. Introduce the Screen Time Pyramid: The Screen Time Pyramid helps students understand that not all screen time is equal, guiding them to balance online activities like connecting, socializing, learning, and relaxing.
2. Gradually Introduce Technology: Platforms like Zigazoo, the world’s largest social network for students, provide a community where young learners are introduced to technology in a controlled environment. This approach empowers them to make positive online choices through project-based learning, mentorship, and innovative strategies. Learn more about it here!
3. Seek Student Voice: Engage your class by discussing tips for striking a balance with technology. Amplify their voices by asking for their own advice on managing screen time.
When students are encouraged to balance their tech use, they are better equipped to make decisions that support their health, happiness, and future success. For more ideas on how educators can inspire students to balance their screen time, explore our #WinAtSocial lesson, Learning from the pros and balancing time on tech to reach our goals.
To read and download our briefing paper, Social Media and Youth Mental Health, click here.
No comments:
Post a Comment