Social Media/ Texting/ Sexting Introduction

    If the generations born from 2000 and on had to be defined with one concept, it would be the concept of social media. These generations are embodied and consumed by technology. This is why these generations have doubled the numbers for suicide rates, psychiatric diagnoses, and many other negative factors. However, in regards to schooling, technology can be helpful by allowing for more flexible practices and interaction, but it comes with a price: student mental health. As a society, as educators, as parents, as whatever role we play, we have to ask to what price or extent are we willing to let social media control us. There is no amount of money, or valuables that should be worth more than one's mental health. 

    The documentary, Plugged-In: The Toxicity of Social Media Revealed, emphasizes the hidden toxicity of social media and the platforms it has created and promoted, and how harmful it is. Society has been on a gradual decline surrounded by the darkness exuded from social media. In the documentary, there were multiple interviews, but one man expressed the hidden toxicity behind social media and how it was created to stir controversy and these negative feelings people are consumed with. He says social media is malicious, malevolent, and even criminal and caters to human pathology in its most extreme forms (Willett, 2019.) which include our addiction to validation. This is because "Social media invites comparison," Twenge says. "It's not in real time. It invites anxiety over the likes and responses that you're going to get" (Kamenetz, 2019.) Social media is not as friendly and positive as we might think it is. In relation to schools, this directly has to have a similar affiliation because the people being affected are the youth, and the youth are students. Social media allows students to take what happens outside the classroom into the classroom, and what happens inside of the classroom, outside of the classroom. Students can interact at all times, which leads to the continuation of bullying, flirtation, and flirtation can later turn to sexting. What is sexting? "Sexting is the act of sending pictures of a sexual nature between cell phones, or other electronic media such as the Internet. It is often done between minors" (AASA.) Sexting has become increasingly popular and schools need to able to combat that; "School districts should consider a variety of actions around raising awareness of and increasing education about sexting. Districts may partner with other community organizations or public offices to provide staff trainings on bullying, cyberbullying and computer/internet safety, including sexting and safety on social networking sites" (AASA.) There are so many overwhelming factors that tie into social media and its negative effects on mental health. This is why as educators we need to take advantage of the time we get with our students, and capitalize on that. We are presented with countless opportunities to influence and discipline them, and we should not just leave things as is. 

     In relation to schools, after reading the articles and watching the video, I feel that schools should limit cellphone usage and hold assemblies that educate kids on how social media effects our mental health. One school in Michigan decided to ban cellphones in the school even at lunch. The reason was because they "... really wanted to provide a clean break for students and not have the frenetic energy that can happen if kids start texting each other or social-media posts start going,” (Klein, 2019.) However, people are finding that the more effective strategy would be to "keep cellphones in school and help train students how to use them responsibly, rather than just banning their use" (Klein, 2019.) I would say this is the best strategy, because even if we hinder their usage in school, they will use it ever more at home to make up for lost time. The smartest strategy would be teaching them the importance of being able to manage their cell phone usage on their own. The school expressed that " Educators in [the] district check for student understanding using cellphone applications like Kahoot, or they send their students on scavenger hunts that also rely on cellphone technology. And the district’s instructional-technology coach focuses on teaching students to use their devices responsibly (Klein, 2019.) It is better to be proactive than ignorant, especially when it comes to technology. It is important to note that "Technology provides students with easy-to-access information, accelerated learning, and fun opportunities to practice what they learn" (How Important Is Technology in Education? Benefits, Challenges, and Impact on Students, 2020.) Additionally, "Through the use of technology inside and outside the classroom, students can gain 21st-century technical skills necessary for future occupations" (How Important Is Technology in Education? Benefits, Challenges, and Impact on Students, 2020.)  

    The debate concerning social media and youth is ongoing and inevitable. The comfortability and noncholance that has come about in regards to attitudes about social media is unacceptable. I believe schools need to crack down more on their students because they are there to learn, not play with their phones or go on random websites during a lesson. To teach a classroom that is paying no attention to you is insulting and disrespectful, which tends to happen more often now due to cellphones. As educators, we put plenty of time and effort into creating lesson plans to teach our students. Cellphone usage should be hindered, and when laptops are involved they should monitored on websites to see what students are doing. 

    

References 

Sexting. (n.d.). The School Superintendents Association (AASA). Link (Links to an external site.)

Klein, A. (2019, September 6). Schools say no to cell phones. But is it a smart move? Education Week. Link (Links to an external site.)

Kamenetz, A. (2019, August 27). NPR's The Scientific Debate over Teens, Screens, and Mental Health. National Public Radio. Link (Links to an external site.)

Willett, R. (Director). (2019). Plugged-In: The Toxicity of Social Media Revealed. [YouTube Video]. Brick in the Wall Media.

How important is technology in Education? benefits, challenges, and impact on students. How Important Is Technology in Education? | American University. (n.d.). Retrieved November 18, 2021, from https://soeonline.american.edu/blog/technology-in-education.