Navigating Tech, Social Media, and Student Well-Being: A Back-to-School Guide for Educators
Did you know that 56% of teachers feel unsure about using technology in their classrooms? And yet educational technology usage has increased by 99% since 2020. Just ask any K-12 school what software they use to teach students, and you’ll get a long list… As the new school year begins, educators face new challenges; from integrating technology effectively to managing the impact of social media and AI on student well-being, the back-to-school period isn’t always easy.
Yet, with the right tools and strategies, educators can turn these challenges into opportunities for growth. And here at The Social Institute, we empower students, educators, and families with the tools to navigate these challenges and develop resilience, build healthy habits, and effectively navigate their social world.
Let’s explore how your school community can navigate these challenges this fall and beyond and empower students to thrive – both online and offline.
Supporting Students: What’s Being Done?
Beyond technology, 8 in 10 educators are concerned about the impact of social media on students. These concerns range from the amount of time students spend online to the potential effects on their well-being. As social media and technology become more intertwined with students’ lives, educators are looking for ways to help students manage both the pressures inside the classroom and the influences outside of it. The constant connectivity and the need to maintain an online presence can amplify stress and anxiety, making it harder for students to focus on their studies and overall well-being.
But despite these challenges, social media is here to stay. The good news is that schools are making significant strides in navigating social media, student well-being, and the rise of AI. Here are a few examples:
- Student Well-Being: At Pennington School in New Jersey, students faced social media-related challenges, particularly the fear of missing out (FOMO). By implementing The Social Institute’s #WinAtSocial positive approach, the school helped students strike a healthier balance between their devices and social worlds, leading to improved well-being and personal growth. Learn more here!
- Social Media Use: While screen time often gets a bad rap, it can also be a force for good. St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes’ School in Virginia uses #WinAtSocial to empower students to use social media in positive, high-character ways. Read now!
- Technology: Today, 60% of educators report using AI in their classrooms. Those who embrace it use AI for educational games, adaptive learning, and automated grading. At Glenlyon Norfolk School in British Columbia, faculty enhance their tech skills and stay updated on trends through #WinAtSocial, boosting their confidence in using technology to support students. Learn more here!
As the new school year unfolds, schools have a unique opportunity to turn challenges with technology, social media, and student well-being into catalysts for growth. By working closely with students and leveraging programs like #WinAtSocial, educators can equip students with the tools to navigate their social world in positive, high-character ways.
TSI Take
Given that educational technology usage has increased by 99% since 2020, this trend shows no signs of slowing down. By adopting a proactive and positive approach, educators can help students develop healthy habits that allow them to harness the power of technology and social media, both in and out of the classroom.
The Social Institute’s Seven Social Standards provide a roadmap for practicing positive behaviors online and offline. Here’s how you can apply these standards to address technology, social media, and student well-being:
- Play to your core: Encourage students to reflect on their core values and make sure what they post online aligns with their values. Rather than discouraging social media use, educators can flip the script and empower students to post content that plays to their core values.
- Finding Your Influencers:With 82.8% of students reporting that online celebrities influence them, social media has become a significant source of advice and inspiration. Educators can leverage this by helping students connect with positive role models who promote healthy habits, such as effective study techniques or mental wellness.
- Handle the Pressure: Equip students with the tools to manage stress and anxiety, especially when they feel overwhelmed. By teaching students the tools to handle the pressure, both online and offline, we can help students turn challenges into opportunities for growth and success.
- Cyberback: Encourage students to support and uplift their peers online actively. Students can create a safer and more supportive digital environment by celebrating positive moments, standing up against bullying, and fostering a sense of community. Educators can guide them in building these positive online communities where everyone feels valued and protected.
- Use Your Mic For Good: Using your mic for good is all about using social media to support and talk about causes that are important to you. Students can use social media to learn about different perspectives and cultures and post about campaigns and movements they want to be a part of.
- Protect Your Privacy Like You’re Famous: Educators can encourage students to protect their personal information by frequently changing their passwords and keeping their phone number, email address, and passwords offline.
As the school year begins, educators can guide students in building healthy habits that will help them overcome online and offline challenges. Interested in learning more about how The Social Institute can support you this school year? Learn more here.
The Social Institute (TSI) is the leader in empowering students by understanding students. Through #WinAtSocial, our gamified, peer-to-peer learning platform, we equip students, educators, and families to navigate their social world – in the classroom and beyond, online and offline – in healthy, high-character ways. Our unique, student-respected approach empowers and equips, rather than scares and restricts. We incorporate timely topics about social media, tech use, and current events that are impacting student well-being and learning. #WinAtSocial Lessons teach life skills for the modern day, capture student voice, and provide school leaders with actionable insights. Through these insights, students play an essential role in school efforts to support their own health, happiness, and future success as we enable high-impact teaching, meaningful family conversations, and a healthy school culture.