Social Media: How (some) use can be good for teenagers

Social Media: How (some) use can be good for teenagers

Form 4, 18/9/2023

Learning Objectives

• At the end of the lesson, you will understand the impact of social media on teenagers' mental health and wellbeing.
• At the end of the lesson, you will understand the difference in interactions and experiences on different social media platforms.
• At the end of the lesson, you will understand the importance of moderating screen time and maintaining a balance in online and offline interactions.

What do you already know about the impact of social media on teenagers' mental health and wellbeing?

The Role of Social Media in Teenage Friendships

• Sasha, Katie, and Ruby use social media to communicate and maintain their friendship.
• Research shows that online time spent with known friends is associated with better wellbeing.
• Unknown online contacts are linked to poorer wellbeing.

The Research on Social Media Use and Mental Wellbeing

• Dr. Rebecca Anthony's research at Cardiff University found a positive association between online time spent with known friends and better wellbeing.
• The girls' experience confirms this, as they feel more positive when interacting with close friends.
• Larger group chats tend to bring negative experiences.

Teenagers' Experiences with Different Social Media Platforms

• Sasha, Katie, and Ruby believe technology enhances their friendship and happiness.
• They emphasize the importance of self-control and moderation in social media use.

The Potential Pitfalls of Excessive Social Media Use

• Excessive screen time can have negative effects on mental health and wellbeing.
• Interacting with unknown online contacts can be risky.
• Maintaining a balance between online and offline interactions is crucial.

The Importance of Understanding and Monitoring Children's Online Interactions

• Parents and educators should be aware of the platforms teenagers use and the potential impact on their mental health.
• Encouraging open communication and teaching responsible online behavior is essential.

Definition List

• Screen time: The amount of time spent using devices such as smartphones and computers.
• Wellbeing: The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.
• Social media: Websites and applications that enable users to create and share content or to participate in social networking.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.