About 10 years ago a friend told me that her son started attending an “iPad school”. It sounded very modern and unique but to some it was gimmicky and a fad. However, soon after I realized that there were several such schools all over the country. One could argue that it is not so unusual as Montessori schools also focus on a child’s individual path. If the iPad as a tool supports learning, then there is no issue.
The same will be true for most new approaches until they are no longer new. We are in a digital age and things are developing and changing so fast and that includes social media. We also cannot pretend that social media isn’t very much a part of lives already. We cannot seem to avoid it – therefore it is better to embrace it and monitor it to the best of our ability. Some parents even use social media or internet applications as a “baby sitter” - so children are on the computer from a very young age. The next step for these children is perusing social media by themselves. Therefore, it is imperative that a social media classes are included in the education curriculum from an early age. Children can then learn the good and the bad aspects of social media and thereafter can navigate the internet responsibly.
What can happen
Some years ago, the 10 year old daughter of my friend Anneke created an account on Hyves. Coincidentally that was the name of the first Dutch social networking platform which was similar to Facebook/MySpace. There was a lot of excitement about the platform and all her friends were creating an account. Her daughter innocently included Anneke’s phone number because she did not have a phone of her own. She did not tell her mother. In addition, she did not limit access to her account. Soon Anneke was receiving calls from strangers – male and female, adults and children alike. Her daughter was neither aware of the privacy settings nor the dangers that came with being on social media. Interestingly, Anneke only became aware of the account because of the inquiry to the family regarding the strange calls. This was a good lesson to everyone to remain vigilant regarding these new and exciting social platforms and managing our children access to them.
Finding friends and making new connections via social media networking is how it initially started, but social media has graduated to higher heights. As a result, children in particular need to learn about the advantages and disadvantages. This can be added to the curriculum, starting with primary schools and reiterated in high school.
Advantages
The advantages for education which are mentioned here are not an exhaustive list, but what I have observed with my own children. There is:
Assisted learning and communication – classes can be held via social media or Team, Zoom etc. during emergency situation such as the recent covid lockdowns.
Efficient sharing of information – children are placed in project and study groups for instance via WhatsApp and can communicate efficiently or pose questions for their assignments outside of school. The groups are monitored by the teachers.
Easy access to information – social media has a wealth of information and a variety of resources available including learning aids and videos via YouTube for example. These videos assist with learning and often in a creative and user-friendly manner.
Enhanced creativity – children now have access to various forms of media – videos, images etc. are readily available. This has certainly stimulated their creativity and broadened their horizons.
Encouragement to develop computer and writing skills – by using social media platforms such as YouTube for example – children become curious and are encouraged to develop new skills for example editing skills for videos and effective text writing.
Disadvantages
There are also disadvantages, such as:
Lack of privacy and security – children do not always see the dangers in sharing their personal information, photos etc. and identity theft is rife. Children can be exposed to lewd and inappropriate content at a very early age.
Less face-to-face communication – many text messages and comments are sent by children instead of physically meeting.
Phishing links – some children are eager to receive and read emails and links which could have phishing links which steal personal information etc.
Distraction – children are often distracted as they want to check or scroll on the numerous social media sites whether they receive a notification or not. They get FOMO and want to know everything. They go from app to app - Snapchat, X (Twitter), Instagram, Tiktok etc.
Cyberbullying – sometimes social media platforms are used for bully children by the sharing/spreading of false or embarrassing information.
Fake news – there is disinformation and propaganda which thwarts the truth and influence impressionable and innocent minds.
Fake behaviour – many interactions on social media are superficial and some children emulate that or would like to. This ranges from how people look to what they share.
Children can learn to use social media responsibly – not only regarding what they post but also based on what other posts. They can also learn how to use it and when to use it. As there is no filter - children need to learn what they can click on and what to avoid. In addition, they can learn that not everything posted is the truth hence developing a more critical mindset. This can all be taught in a structured manner in a classroom setting like other subjects.
Other thoughts on Social Media
Some time ago my oldest daughter did a project at school about social media. I asked her what she thought about social media today. She said, “It has changed a lot since I wrote about it. The fun aspects are still there but it’s also become a cesspool!”
I said, “Wow – strong sentiments.” I requested an example.
This is what I understood based on what was shared with me. It’s no longer only about likes and the dopamine rush received from scrolling. There is so much more.
Continuous selling (shilling) All social media platforms are beginning to have similar features and are now selling (schilling) products to the user especially via one’s favourite influencers. A strong sense of self is needed more than ever before to not be easily be influenced into buying unnecessary items.
Algorithms There are constant streams of media and people become targeted. The algorithm pushes certain content to people. In the past on Instagram for instance, one could only view content from the people being followed. Now it is not only content from followers but anybody. Therefore, kids are also exposed to sexually illicit and violent content etc. without any warning. In addition, certain algorithms are pushed in order to satisfy certain agendas. It does not matter whether the user view the content or not it can appear in the Feed continuously.
Verification process changed on X (Twitter) The trusted blue checkmark meant that a real person owned an account and it was verified and could be trusted. Now blue checkmarks can be allocated or bought and these accounts get pushed in the algorithm. This opportunity is taken advantage of by people pushing lewd content which is not always apparent until it is clicked on.
Access to everything Platforms like Instagram use to be a snippet of your life which would be disappear in 24 hours. Now curated content remains in Feeds for longer periods and there are stories, reels and advertisement. One can scroll infinitely. The platforms are monetized and more addictive than before.
Conclusion
Monitoring and guidance are clearly needed along with a lot of discernment and awareness. However, some parents do not use social media and are not aware of its content. Educating children is necessary because such parents cannot adequately inform or protect their children. As a result, a social media lesson should be added to the curriculum. This will help the psyche of younger children to decipher some of the things they see and hear and do not understand. In addition, social media is constantly changing and parents cannot keep up to date with the workings and content of new platforms. A school could do so in a structured way.
A course at school will assist students in using social media wisely and responsibly to make good choices. As a result, the benefits of social media in education will be enhanced and some of the risks minimised. The social media world is a waste one and it is easy to get lost and addicted. However, schools can create safe environments for children to learn how to be smart, responsible and respectful social media citizens.
This is my response to the @Hivelearners community contest on the topic titled, Social Media.
All photos are my own