This week in the news, we’re seeing high school students using their mics for good by organizing a mental health fair to support their peers and students handling the pressure of social media trends like influencers promoting Ozempic and TikTok Shop’s new ‘Most-Loved’ tag.
How can schools proactively address social media and tech challenges in a way that aligns with their core values and doesn’t add to teachers’ plates? St. Croix Lutheran Academy landed on #WinAtSocial, a modern life skills approach that aligns with their biblical teachings and empowers students to use tech in high-character ways. Adam Frey, Dean of Student Life at St. Croix, huddled with The Social Institute to discuss how they are positively impacting their school community through a proactive approach to social media and tech education that equips students with future-ready skills.
The reality is that A.I. isn’t going away and students are already using it to generate ideas, summarize research, and complete assignments. The challenge isn’t if A.I. should be in schools, but how to integrate it without sacrificing critical thinking and high-character decision-making. By teaching students to evaluate A.I. content, think critically, and see A.I. as a tool, not a shortcut, schools can prepare them for a future where A.I. is woven into work, life, and learning. Here’s how:
At The Social Institute, we’ve worked with schools across the country and have seen how clear, well-structured A.I. policies can empower students to make informed, ethical decisions about technology. But we’ve also seen how unclear, inconsistent, or overly restrictive policies can create confusion, frustration, and even unintended academic violations. So how can schools bridge this gap? By developing student-friendly A.I. policies that equip students, educators, and families with the tools they need to navigate technology in positive, high-character ways.
This week in the news, we’re seeing students getting around Yondr pouches, viral celebrity feuds influencing students, and more states implementing social media age restrictions. As these trends pop up and impact student behavior, school culture, and classroom management, let’s explore how educators and school leaders can proactively encourage students to strike a balance, follow positive influencers, and build meaningful connections online and offline.