Lessons for students on online authenticity and balance, from trends like Subway Surfing and apps like YouTube and Roots
Key points summarized
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YouTube Reminds Us That Not All Screen Time Is Equal
The Gist: YouTube recently released a study highlighting just how much teens use the platform for learning, not just entertainment. The findings? 74% of teens said they watch YouTube to learn something new for school, while 71% said they use it to explore new interests outside of school. Teachers and parents agree, with 84% of teachers using YouTube content in class and 80% of parents believing it offers quality learning opportunities. With governments worldwide debating stricter age-based restrictions on social media, YouTube is attempting to position itself as a valuable educational tool rather than just another digital distraction.
What to Know: The new data underscores that YouTube has become an extension of the classroom, helping students not only with assignments but also fueling curiosity about hobbies and real-world topics. From history videos to coding tutorials, students are actively using the platform to learn every day. At the same time, concerns about the risks of too much screen time, like its impacts on mental health, attention, and sleep, are fueling conversations about teen access to social media, which includes YouTube. Policymakers are responding by proposing bans for users under 15 or 16. YouTube is leaning on its educational benefits to argue for an exception, pointing out that cutting teens off entirely could take away meaningful learning opportunities.
TSI’s Take: YouTube’s research is a reminder that not all screen time is created equal, especially when students are empowered to balance time online to connect, socialize, learn, and relax. While we don’t want to encourage students to endlessly scroll, empowering students to navigate social media with balance and for educational content can enrich classrooms and spark creativity. Schools can play a critical role by:
- Show students how YouTube can be a study partner: Explore reliable tutorials or experiment with creative projects.
- Teaching media literacy: Help students question sources and distinguish fact from misinformation.
- Modeling balance: Show that it is possible to combine fun with focused, meaningful learning online.
According to YouTube’s report, students are already treating the platform as a learning tool, which means schools and families do not have to start from scratch; they just have to guide it. With an empower and equip approach, rather than a scare and restrict one, we can encourage students to take advantage of YouTube’s benefits while staying mindful of risks. Not sure where to start? Preview the #WinAtSocial Lesson, Dealing with screens during the day: What do you do? to spark meaningful conversations about productive versus passive use of technology.
From Subway Surfing to Smarter Choices: Not Every Trend is Worth Following
The Gist: Social media makes it easy for trends to spread quickly, from fun dance challenges to more dangerous dares. One recent example is “subway surfing,” a viral stunt where teens ride on top of moving subway cars. While some may see it as thrilling, the reality is that the trend has already had deadly consequences. This particular viral trend is a reminder that not every online challenge is worth participating in. Students have the power to pause, reflect, and decide which trends align with their values and which are better left alone.
What to Know: Trends like ‘subway surfing’ show how social media’s influence can be both powerful and dangerous. Viral content often pressures students to join in for likes, attention, or clout, but it does not always show the consequences. While some trends are creative and bring people together, like a fun lip-syncing challenge, others can put students in harm’s way. The most important message is that students should always think for themselves. When we equip students to handle the pressure of online trends and play to their core values, they can enjoy safe, positive trends while confidently stepping away from ones that are unsafe or that do not reflect who they are.
TSI’s Take: Trends come and go, but the decision to follow them is always in students’ hands. Schools and families can empower young people to make thoughtful choices by:
- Finding influencers who set positive examples: Encourage students to follow people who model creativity and kindness, instead of risk.
- Talking about real-world consequences: Highlight the extreme dangers of following trends like subway surfing to show how some trends can have life-altering results.
- Promoting positive alternatives: Celebrate when students start or join challenges that highlight leadership, community, and creativity.
According to safety experts, students do not need to chase every viral trend to feel included online. With an empower and equip approach, we can help them recognize the difference between harmless fun and harmful risks and always play to their core values. Not sure where to start? Preview the #WinAtSocial Lesson, Recognizing how much we’re influenced by online influencers to guide students in curating the people and content that truly inspire them.
A Student at the Forefront of Making Social Media More Authentic
The Gist: Michigan college student Steven Lohan is reimagining how people connect online. Tired of the pressure that comes with follower counts, likes, and endless scrolling, he set out to build a social media platform that would help people share more authentically. His goal was simple: make it easier for users to show their real selves online, not just curated versions designed for attention. Steven’s story is a reminder that students are often at the forefront of finding creative ways to use technology for good.
What to Know: Steven’s project highlights a growing desire among young people to rethink the role of social media. With an app he says is built without an algorithm or ads, he hopes it will inspire people to focus on meaningful connections and authenticity. While not every student will build a platform, his example shows how students can step back, reflect, and choose to engage online in ways that align with who they truly are. It’s also a reminder that students themselves can lead the conversation about what their digital spaces should look like.
TSI’s Take: Steven’s story is an inspiring example of how students can take ownership of their experiences online and set new standards for how to navigate social media. Schools can encourage this same mindset by equipping students to:
- Play to their core: Remind students that they do not have to use social media and perform for likes or followers to have meaningful relationships
- Use their mics for good: Share stories of students their age who are using tech in ways that reflect their values and goals.
- Explore what authenticity means to them: Encourage students to reflect on whether their online lives match who they are offline.
Stories like Steven’s show that students are ready to challenge the idea that social media must always be about likes, comments, and tons of followers. By lifting up examples of authenticity and true connection, we can help them see that they have the power to shape their digital spaces for the better. Start the conversation with students with the #WinAtSocial Lesson, Reflecting our values in the content we share or consume, to encourage students to rethink how they present themselves online.
The Social Institute (TSI) is the leader in equipping students, families, and educators with modern life skills to impact learning, well-being, and students’ futures. Through #WinAtSocial, our interactive, peer-to-peer learning platform, we integrate teacher PD, family resources, student voice insights, and more to empower entire school communities to make positive choices online and offline. #WinAtSocial Lessons teach essential skills while capturing student voice and actionable insights for educators. These insights help educators maintain a healthy school culture, foster high-impact teaching, and build meaningful relationships with families. Our unique, student-respected approach empowers and equips students authentically, enabling our solution to increase classroom participation and improve student-teacher relationships. Through our one-of-a-kind lesson development process, we create lessons for a variety of core and elective classes, incorporating timely topics such as social media, A.I., screen time, misinformation, and current events to help schools stay proactive in supporting student health, happiness, and academic success.