Social media

Students growing up in a digital age need to feel confident about making positive choices online, which will benefit their ongoing wellbeing. Schools and the classroom provide safe spaces for students to explore their ideas around social media, and to learn that there are both positive and negative aspects of using platforms. Ultimately, however, each individual needs to decide for themselves how to engage with the online world.

Social media platforms are developed and updated regularly; accordingly, the way students engage with each platform will also evolve. These platforms differ in functionality which can include sharing messages, ideas, photos, stories and other content. Some platforms were popular for only a short time (e.g. Kik, Yik Yak, Vines, Myspace), while others have evolved with the audience to become part of everyday life (e.g. Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YoutTube).

It's important that teachers and parents stay up to date with each platform's functionality and terms of service, so they can have informed, engaging and factually accurate conversations with young people. The eSafety Commissioner provides updates on popular social media platforms through the eSafety Guide.

Regardless of the platform, it is imperative that we teach students respectful behaviours, responsible use of technology and the importance of resilience and reasoning.

By teaching students about concepts such as boundary setting, privacy, trolling, cyberbullying and overuse, they’ll feel confident to make these choices. Helping students to see how social media can be used to promote positive upstander behaviour and to do good for others in our society will support them to make positive online choices. By using these classroom resources and Wellbeing Fives, students will be confident as they navigate the ever-changing social media world.