What educators need to know about the new study that reveals a link between social media and the student brain
Earlier this week, the Journal of the American Medical Association published a study that highlights the significant impact of social media on brain connectivity among teens, specifically 6th and 7th graders. As teachers gear up for the upcoming school year, it’s essential to understand the latest findings on how social media influences teenage brains, so that we can equip students with strategies to navigate their social worlds, both online and offline, in ways that foster a balanced approach to social media and technology use.
Understanding the Study: The Link Between Social Media and Teen Brain Connectivity
The study revealed a connection between increased screen time and altered brain connectivity patterns. Notably, prolonged social media use appeared to affect the development of brain regions associated with self-awareness, empathy, and decision-making. These regions are crucial for forming healthy relationships, making sound judgments, and understanding one’s emotions. The study suggests that prolonged social media use might contribute to an imbalance in brain development during students’ formative years.
The findings underscore the importance of addressing the potential cognitive effects of excessive screen time among students. As excessive social media engagement can lead to a skewed perception of reality and hinder meaningful face-to-face interactions, it’s important to empower students to maintain a healthy balance between screen time and real-world experiences to ensure students are developing the necessary social and emotional skills, such as the 5 Casel Competencies. Encouraging students to strike a balance between their digital lives and offline activities will foster healthy brain development, emotional well-being, and academic success.
If you remember your own adolescence, it’s probably no surprise that students’ brains are sensitive to what others say or think about them. When they are on social media, they get constant feedback from peers (Think Instagram likes or receiving comments on a TikTok video.) And guess what? This feedback can affect how the brain works. The more students use social media, the more certain parts of their brains can become active and sensitive to what others are saying.
When we huddled with Georgia Turner, a Ph.D. candidate from the University of Cambridge, she provided insights into the science of social media and how it impacts students. She provided tips for educators on ways that can help their students navigate social media + well-being.
- Try to see social media as a part of students’ lives. She shares, “It is easy to want to take social media and technology away from students when we see them struggling with it. But in reality, tech is a portal into this huge part of their social life. We as adults have to take seriously what is happening on their phones and not just view it as a toy that can be taken away.”
- Empower teens with the tools they need to understand the risks of social media and privacy. Georgia says, “Instead of harping on the don’ts and the risks, empower students to understand why they happen and how to prevent them.”
TSI’s Take
Educators play a pivotal role in providing students with the necessary tools to navigate the pressures of social media and technology. By understanding that social media can be a positive force when approached thoughtfully – we can empower students to strike a healthy balance.
Empower your own students to strike a balance between their social media and tech with these strategies:
- Promote Digital Detox: Encourage students to set aside designated periods for screen-free activities, such as reading, hobbies, or outdoor recreation. Emphasize the importance of disconnecting to recharge both mentally and physically.
- Facilitate Conversations: Create a safe space for open dialogues about the impact of social media on mental health and well-being. Encourage students to share their experiences and insights, fostering a sense of community support.
- Educate on Mindful Usage: Teach students about mindful social media usage. Encourage them to reflect on their online experiences, identify triggers for excessive use, and develop strategies to manage them.
As students prepare to return to school, educators have a unique opportunity to set the tone for a balanced and enriching digital experience. If you are unsure where to begin, check out this guide for equipping students to strike a balance with social media and tech after the summer break. With modern life skills that promote positive social media and tech use, teachers can empower students to make intentional choices as they navigate their tech-fueled and social media-filled lives.
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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.