With the ever growing world of social media, we are more exposed to each other’s lives than ever… or are we…?
Social media is becoming an integral part of our world and most young people have some kind of social media account now, but are they equipped to handle the responsibility? This kind of topic is sadly not high priority on the curriculum but it is a huge part of students’ lives and plays a significant role in their well-being and confidence.
As you may remember from a previous post, I recently went abroad on a school trip and I noticed the students (mostly girls!) Instagramming and SnapChatting the whole trip. They would spend 10 minutes pouting on their phones trying to take the perfect selfie, asking their friends for approval before posting and even borrowing each other’s sunglasses and accessories to take pictures…! From an observer’s point of view I can see how it would be quite funny to watch, but as a teacher who cares about these kids, it was quite sad seeing them under so much pressure to feel they have to take the perfect pictures and portray themselves and their lives in a certain way.
Adolescence is hard enough without social media, let alone growing up in front of the scrutiny of the whole world! Although this topic is not in my curriculum, I see my role as a teacher as more than an “imparter of knowledge”: I want to talk to students about their lives and topics that affect their mental well-being. Enter the most awesome video ever, just watch:
As you may remember from a previous post, I recently went abroad on a school trip and I noticed the students (mostly girls!) Instagramming and SnapChatting the whole trip. They would spend 10 minutes pouting on their phones trying to take the perfect selfie, asking their friends for approval before posting and even borrowing each other’s sunglasses and accessories to take pictures…! From an observer’s point of view I can see how it would be quite funny to watch, but as a teacher who cares about these kids, it was quite sad seeing them under so much pressure to feel they have to take the perfect pictures and portray themselves and their lives in a certain way.
Adolescence is hard enough without social media, let alone growing up in front of the scrutiny of the whole world! Although this topic is not in my curriculum, I see my role as a teacher as more than an “imparter of knowledge”: I want to talk to students about their lives and topics that affect their mental well-being. Enter the most awesome video ever, just watch:
How awesome was that! A hilarious video but with a very powerful message explaining that all is not as it might seem when it comes to social media. This video would make a great discussion starter if you teach Social Skills, PSHE or with your Tutor Group!
I believe it’s important that our young people know that what they are looking at is often staged, or at best it's just the highlights of someone’s life – it’s not reality! They shouldn’t feel the need to compete, be envious or feel pressure to look / act perfectly, which sadly is the effect social media can have on people. The earlier they learn this the better!
What do you think about this topic, I’d love to read your comments below!
I believe it’s important that our young people know that what they are looking at is often staged, or at best it's just the highlights of someone’s life – it’s not reality! They shouldn’t feel the need to compete, be envious or feel pressure to look / act perfectly, which sadly is the effect social media can have on people. The earlier they learn this the better!
What do you think about this topic, I’d love to read your comments below!
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