Working at a junior high school is exciting. I see many children experiencing a difficult and emotional time in their lives. I teach them science, but I also strive to share life morals and give support whenever I am able. However, this is effective only if I genuinely hear and comprehend their experiences. Lately, I have been worried about their mental health, experienced with harassment and how they feel on social media.
Today, I requested three of my classes to complete the sentence: my parents have no idea: The responses were both surprising and disheartening. I surveyed 85 ninth-grade students, all approximately 14–15 years old. Only five said they had no social media. They are doing well in school and having well behaviors and grades. However, this is what the remaining 80 children expressed regarding their social media usage.
I have been teaching for ten years. When I started in 2004, most kids have simple mobile phones like Nokia’s or Motorola’s. At that moment, our main tension was when kids text or use their phones during tests.
My partner works in behavioral health, and we often talk about social media and its impacts. Initially, it appeared to be harmless. Social media slowly turned into a spot where kids do the same things they used to do like bullying and taking bad choices. But now, it occurs continuously throughout the day and affects many more individuals. What once was private now happens online unstop. This is one of the most important issues, most of all for kids.
There is an eleven-year-old in our family, and I have found it tough to figure out the appropriate amount of technology for him to spend time with. I asked my students about their thoughts on allowing a child of his age to use social media. I promised them to keep it in between us only if they responded truthfully. I was surprised to come across so much truthiness and honesty.
Out of the eighty-five kids, about seventy mentioned that they hide certain features of their social media from their parents. It broke my heart into pieces. I just want to say this because I believe this generation is reaching a mental health disaster. They possess deep and dark secrets and feelings but find it hard to convey them or ask for any kind of help.
I have seen that social media has now changed and so kids are so happy about it
By every kid’s answers, I uncovered that two major knowledge:
This problem cannot be resolved with additional technology. Children are already quite sharp with social media.
We must take action past red flags and have open communication about social media. Kids look for people who listen to them and avoid those who judge when they make mistakes. We should keep our phones aside, preventing kids from seeking approval from strange people online.
Parent, wake up and be fresh and bright. Your kids live in a world where you do not fit in, and they succeed at keeping you out. You are a teenager and do not need any personal device.
I have a strong relationship and connections with these children. It is simple to hold parents, children, or educators responsible. Immediate, we should share kindness and understanding online. I am teaming up with my school and community to help others.
