The Ubiquity of Digital Technology in Students’ Lives
In today’s digital age, adolescents’ lives are deeply intertwined with technology and social media. The vast majority of teens, around 95%, use smartphones, and many are constantly connected, with 45% reporting they are online almost constantly (Pew Research Center). Popular social media platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and YouTube have become a central part of how young people communicate and interact with their peers.
While technology and digital tools have undoubtedly become essential for learning and social connection, there is growing concern about the potential impact on student mental health. Reports indicate that mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, have been on the rise among adolescents worldwide (U.S. Center for Disease Control, 2023; World Health Organization, 2021). Experts believe there may be a concerning link between increased technology and social media use and these troubling trends.
The Complex Relationship Between Technology, Social Media, and Mental Health
The relationship between digital technology, social media, and mental health is a complex one. Research on this topic has yielded mixed results, with some studies suggesting negative associations and others finding more nuanced or even positive effects (Odgers & Jensen, 2020).
One key factor is the individual differences in how young people use and respond to social media and technology. The effects can vary based on a student’s developmental stage, existing mental health conditions, and personal risk factors (APA, 2023). For some, social media may provide valuable social connections and support, while for others, it can exacerbate feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression.
Moreover, the type and frequency of technology and social media use seem to play a role. Spending excessive amounts of time on social media, particularly passive scrolling and comparing oneself to others, has been linked to lower life satisfaction and increased suicide risk factors among teens (Twenge et al., 2018; Twenge, 2017).
The Impact of Social Media on Student Mental Health
Many educators and mental health experts are deeply concerned about the impact of social media on student well-being. Several key issues have emerged:
Reduced Face-to-Face Interaction and Deteriorating Communication Skills
As students spend more time engaging with their peers through digital channels, there are concerns that their ability to communicate and interact in person is deteriorating. Teachers report that students often struggle to communicate effectively with one another face-to-face, with one teacher noting, “Social media has crippled my students when it comes to interacting with one another in person. Their very ability to communicate is deteriorating” (Richter, 2023).
Social Comparison and Feelings of Isolation
Spending time on social media can heighten feelings of social comparison and isolation among students. Seeing their peers engaging in social activities or portraying seemingly perfect lives can make some students feel left out and magnify their sense of loneliness (Richter, 2023). This can contribute to increased anxiety and depression.
Cyberbullying and Online Harassment
The anonymous and ubiquitous nature of social media has also provided new avenues for bullying and harassment. Students may become targets of cyberbullying, which can have serious emotional and psychological consequences (Huset, 2023; Smith, 2023).
Addiction and Distraction
The constant availability of smartphones and social media platforms can lead to addiction-like behaviours and make it difficult for students to focus on their studies and other important aspects of their lives (Barkley, 2023).
The Role of Schools in Addressing the Impact of Technology and Social Media
Given the significant amount of time students spend in school, educational institutions have a crucial role to play in addressing the impact of technology and social media on student mental health. School district policies and practices can shape the way students engage with digital media and the support they receive.
Updating Outdated Policies
Many current school district policies have failed to keep up with the rapid changes in technology and social media use among adolescents. These policies often make limited, vague, or outdated references to social media, indicating a need for comprehensive revisions (Rohn et al., 2024).
Providing Proactive Guidance and Education
While schools often pledge to educate students about safe and healthy digital technology use, specific commitments and recommendations to execute this objective are often limited. Expanding these efforts to include proactive guidance and education for both students and adults can help promote digital well-being (Rohn et al., 2024).
Prioritizing Mental Health in Policy and Practice
Surprisingly, many school district policies rarely address student mental health directly, instead using proxy terms like “safe environments” or focusing on protecting students from harmful content and behaviors. Reframing policies to center adolescent mental health can be a crucial step in addressing the impact of technology and social media (Rohn et al., 2024).
Recommendations for Schools
To effectively address the impact of social media and technology on student mental health, schools should consider the following recommendations:
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Revise and Update Policies: Review and revise school district policies to explicitly address evolving social media and technology platforms and their role in students’ lives. Ensure policies are comprehensive, up-to-date, and prioritize student mental health.
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Implement Proactive Education and Guidance: Develop and implement evidence-based educational programs and resources to teach students, parents, and staff about healthy technology and social media use. This could include topics such as digital well-being, managing online interactions, and strategies for maintaining balance.
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Foster Balanced Technology Use: Encourage a balanced approach to technology and social media use, emphasizing the importance of maintaining face-to-face interactions, physical activity, and offline hobbies. Provide guidance on setting appropriate boundaries and limits.
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Integrate Social Media into Curriculum: Consider integrating social media components into classroom projects and assignments, helping students develop digital skills and a more nuanced understanding of the technology they use.
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Promote Mental Health Support: Ensure that schools have robust mental health support systems, including counselors, therapists, and referral networks, to help students navigate the challenges they may face related to technology and social media use.
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Collaborate with Families and Community: Engage with parents, guardians, and the broader community to raise awareness, share resources, and collaborate on strategies for supporting student mental health in the digital age.
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Advocate for Policy Change: Encourage school district leaders and policymakers to prioritize the mental health impacts of technology and social media use in education policy and funding decisions.
By implementing these recommendations, schools can play a proactive role in addressing the complex and ever-evolving landscape of social media and technology, and its impact on the mental health and well-being of their students.
Conclusion
As technology and social media continue to permeate every aspect of students’ lives, it is crucial that schools take a leadership role in addressing the potential mental health implications. By updating policies, providing comprehensive education and guidance, and prioritizing student well-being, schools can help empower young people to navigate the digital landscape in a healthy and balanced way. Through collaborative efforts with families, community resources, and policymakers, schools can ensure that the benefits of technology are maximized while mitigating the potential risks to student mental health. The Stanley Park High School community is committed to supporting our students’ overall well-being and will continue to evolve our approach to address the dynamic challenges posed by social media and technology.
