Educating Youth in Navigating Social Media

The rise of social media has created both opportunities and challenges. While digital and social platforms can foster learning, creativity, and connection, they also pose significant risks and dangers – particularly for youth. Documentaries like The Sextortion of Amanda Todd and TikTok: Eating Disorders, Racism, Censorship, and Distorted Realities shed light on the darker side of social media, highlighting issues such as online exploitation and algorithmic manipulation. These stories are an important reminder that educators need to take an active role in helping students navigate the digital world safely and critically.

For many, social media offers an escape – a place where you can present an idealized version of yourself. For example, Amanda Todd found a sense of belonging and popularity online. Her desires to feel included and wanted lead to risky behaviours, only to become the target of blackmail and cyberbullying. Similarly, TikTok influencers experience the intoxicating thrill of becoming viral, with millions of followers offering instant validation. However, as the influencers mentioned, this approval comes at a devastating mental cost due to hate comments and an unrelentless pressure to post and maintain relevance.

What Can We Do?!

Educators must acknowledge that for many students, social media is an integral part of their identity and social life. Ignoring this reality only increases the disconnect between the classroom and students’ lived experiences. Instead, teachers can provide guidance by fostering open discussions about digital experiences and struggles, the curated nature of online personas, the impact of likes and views on self-worth, and the ethical considerations of digital engagement. For simplified posters and short videos to use in your classroom, I would recommend visiting Media Smarts!

I also believe that this video is beneficial to show students the impacts of social media on their mental health: