According to the U.S. Surgeon General  2023 Social Media and Youth Mental Health Advisory, up to 95% of young people aged 13-17 report using a social media platform, while nearly two-thirds of teenagers report using social media daily. 

We’ve outlined three practical tips for educators to mitigate the risks associated with social media usage in today’s digital age. From fostering supportive environments to staying informed on trending topics, these guidelines give teachers the tools to protect their students.  

Educate Students about Online Safety

According to a 2020 study of over 35,000 surveyed teens, about 30% indicated they had been cyberbullied at some point in their lifetimes. With that number in mind, administrators, staff, and teachers should proactively educate students about the potential risks of social media, including:

• cyberbullying,
• online predators, 
• and the permanence of digital footprints. 

Encourage students to think critically about what they share online and to be cautious when interacting with strangers. Teach them how to set privacy settings on their accounts and how to report inappropriate behavior.

Create a Supportive Environment

Establish an atmosphere in the classroom where students feel comfortable discussing their experiences on social media. Encourage them to report if they encounter any troubling situations online, such as cyberbullying or harassment. 

Make it clear that the school staff (counselors and psychologists), teachers, and administrators are there to support them and that any concerns will be taken seriously and addressed appropriately.

Active Defender’s Student Behavior Analysis Reporting Feature

With Active Defender’s Student Behavior Analysis Reporting feature, school administrators, staff, and teachers can identify and streamline the process of analyzing student behavior, reporting detailed concerns to appropriate school staff, and documenting outcomes.

Stay Informed and Updated on Trends

Social media platforms and the ways students use them are constantly evolving. Teachers need to stay informed about the latest social media trends, apps, and prevalent challenges among students. 

A notorious example of a destructive social media trend is the “bathroom challenge” or the “devious lick challenge” on TikTok in late 2021. This challenge prompted students to steal or break large pieces of school property, such as water fountains, fire alarms, bathroom stall doors, and more. 

Knowing current social media trends can help teachers recognize potential risks and intervene effectively to protect their students. Additionally, school administrators can create workshops or professional development sessions focused on digital literacy and online safety.

Who is Active Defender?

Active Defender’s School Safety Platform revolutionizes emergency alerting and communication and provides the most comprehensive situational awareness available during a crisis. With Active Defender, ALL staff can immediately know WHAT the threat is, WHERE it is, understand WHAT TO DO, and REPORT their STATUS on a custom, dynamic campus map on their mobile device.

To learn more, visit Active Defender or take the first step in enhancing your school’s safety today by booking an interactive demo!