Important Dates

One way is to bring awareness to the ways that connections over social media can be profoundly different than relationships in real life. Social media platforms can create a false sense of connection among students. It might feel like an achievement to have dozens (or hundreds) of friends and followers, but these connections often lack depth and authenticity, leaving kids feeling lonelier despite their online presence. 

Counselors can help by promoting the cultivation of real-life connections through face-to-face interactions, such as encouraging students to join clubs, sports teams, or attend community events to meet people. Talk with your students about how online interactions differ from real-life conversations, and stress that with friendships, quality is more important than quantity.

Even more concerning is that social media (and even texting) can be a breeding ground for bullying. The anonymity that comes with online interactions often emboldens individuals to act in a way that they would never do in a face-to-face encounter. 

What’s worse is that this can lead to a “mob mentality.” When a group of individuals comes together online, it can lead to impulsive decision-making and a loss of personal accountability. This phenomenon often results in situations where individuals feel pressured to conform to group norms, even when those norms are harmful.

Encourage students to think critically about what they see and share online. Questions like “Is this accurate?” or “How would I feel if I were on the receiving end?” can promote self-reflection. You can also make sure that students know how to report bullying incidents on social media platforms. 

Finally, remember that your students’ parents or caregivers are your partners in sensible smartphone and social media use. 

You can help parents understand that their relationships to their phones impacts what their children do and the critical role they play by modeling a healthy relationship with technology and social media.

Learning how to navigate social media is essential for our students' emotional and social development, and school counselors can help families guide their children toward a healthier, more balanced relationship with social media.