Knowledge
Navigating Social Media: A Guide for School-Going Teenagers
Safer Internet Day on 8th February serves as a poignant reminder of the digital age’s complexities, especially for teenagers navigating the choppy waters of social media. Once considered prudent to keep teens at arm’s length from social media, this approach has become impractical due to the ubiquity of digital platforms. The challenge now is not about restricting access but ensuring that their engagement fosters positive mental health.
Jaya Chakravarty, Principal-CAIE, Satpuda Valley School, Betul, views social media as “a vast canvas that blends feelings of unheard voices, stories of vibrant colours which leave their radiant strokes to create an alluring impression on the masses.”. However, the digital landscape is a double-edged sword for teenagers, who are at a pivotal stage of personal development. Social media can significantly influence their mental well-being, shaping their views and self-esteem. The constant quest for validation, coupled with exposure to fake news and a myriad of opinions, can be overwhelming. Adolescents, amidst hormonal shifts and a natural inclination towards rebellion, remain highly impressionable and vulnerable to the adverse effects of social media on their evolving psyche.
Recent statistics shed light on the magnitude of social media’s impact on youth. According to a study by the Pew Research Center, 95% of teenagers have access to a smartphone, and 45% claim they are online “almost constantly.”
This connectivity brings to the fore the importance of navigating social media responsibly. A notable case is that of the “Social Media Anxiety Disorder,” a term increasingly referenced in psychological studies, illustrating the direct correlation between social media usage and heightened anxiety levels among teenagers.
Films and documentaries such as “The Social Dilemma” and “Screenagers” delve deep into the intricacies of social media’s impact, offering invaluable insights into how digital platforms engineer a need for constant validation.
Moreover, Shipra Verma, Coordinator at Nehru World School, stresses the importance of digital literacy and open dialogues about cyberbullying in creating a positive social media landscape. She believes in empowering students to use social media for learning and self-expression, which will instil critical thinking skills and lead to responsible online behaviour.
Educators play a crucial role in guiding teenagers through the digital thicket. They are uniquely positioned to influence positive social media practices, teaching students to discern the authenticity of information, encouraging self-confidence beyond digital affirmations, and fostering a healthy skepticism towards the polished facades often presented on social platforms. By incorporating digital literacy into the curriculum, teachers can empower students to engage critically with social media, identifying fake news, understanding the implications of sharing personal information, and selecting influences that enrich rather than detract from their self-worth.
The digital age demands a nuanced understanding of social media’s impact on youth. Mr Nasir Shaikh, Group CEO of The Lexicon Group of Institutes, emphasises the delicate balance educators must achieve: “Balancing the landscape of social media for teenagers feels like walking a tightrope. Educators have to step into the role of coaches, teaching critical thinking and empowering youth to become responsible creators rather than passive consumers.” highlighting the importance of integrating social media into academic curricula, promoting digital literacy, and setting positive examples for students to follow.
The dialogue around social media and mental health is incomplete without discussing the proactive steps teenagers can take to safeguard their mental health. This includes curating their social media feeds to reflect positive content, engaging in meaningful online interactions, and balancing screen time with offline activities. Swati Gauba, Thinker-In-Chief at Kidspreneurship Pte Ltd, advocates for a proactive approach to social media education. She said, “Prohibiting use of social media often sparks curiosity. Instead, integrating social media education into the curriculum can be highly beneficial. By incorporating lessons that demonstrate how social media can be utilized for constructive purposes, alongside discussions about its potential drawbacks, educators can empower students to navigate these platforms responsibly. For instance, Kidspreneurship curriculum includes a dedicated module titled ‘Utilize Social Media for Positive Change’, emphasizing the potential of social media to drive meaningful societal impact.”
As teenagers inevitably traverse the digital landscape, it is imperative to arm them with the tools to do so safely and positively. By fostering an environment where they can critically assess and constructively engage with social media, we pave the way for a generation that leverages digital platforms for growth and learning, rather than falling prey to their pitfalls. A.N. Suryavathy, Principal of Harvest International School, Bangalore, encapsulates this approach perfectly: “Let’s embrace social media with wisdom and courage! Schools and educators, guide our teens to build digital bridges, not walls. Empower them to share positivity, learn endlessly, and connect responsibly. Together, we can make social media a force for good and growth!”