A Useful Guide to Social Media for Students

We live in a digital world where everyone is familiar with social media. X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, Reddit, Discord, and other social media applications have become an integral part of many people’s lives, including school-going children. Recently, much of the debate went around the positive and negative impact of social media on students.

So is it good or does it cause more harm? The answer is somewhere in the middle. Social media has both pros and cons. While it can prove to be a distraction, social media helps kids learn, interact and find solutions to various problems. This is why in today’s write-up, we will discuss the role and important questions regarding social media for students. Keep reading!

Role of Social Media in Student’s Life

The role of social media has evolved through the years. Playing a multifaceted role in an individual’s life, it has proven to be exceptional for students. Before the pandemic, people had a hard time thinking about online studies. Today online education has become a norm. From doubt-clearing sessions to assigning projects, online classrooms have incorporated several such features. 

• Social media is widely used around the world as an academic resource. There are plenty of educational benefits of using social media.
• With the advent of new technologies like cloud, it has become so much easier to share resources with others.
• Online classes have shattered the boundaries of location and time.
• Social media has increased digital literacy among the children.

Top 10 Questions About Social Media for Students

We have understood the benefits and role of social media for students. Unfortunately, there are many disadvantages too. Hence, many parents are concerned and have questions regarding their kids using these platforms. Let’s look at the 10 burning questions and answers on the usage of social media by students.

1. When is it recommended for kids to start using social media?

It is generally recommended for children not to use social media before high school or attaining 14 to 17 years of age.

2. How do you prepare kids for social media use?

Parents or guardians should create a plan that includes fixing schedules, and boundaries, creating open communication, and discussing online safety.

3. Are there any benefits to social media for students?

Yes, there are many benefits of kids using social media including facilitating academic learning, easy access to resources, sharing information, fostering connection, etc.

4. What are the cons of using social media platforms for children?

Like pros, there are several cons of using social media too. This includes exposure to cyberbullying, development of low self-esteem, anxiety & depression, sleep problems, low academic performance and more.

5. Are there any alternatives to social media?

The alternative options for traditional social media platforms include YouTube Kids, Edmodo, Google Classroom, Discord, etc.

6. How to monitor a kid’s social media activities?

Parents and guardians can monitor the social media activities of their children by setting up parental control, setting screen time and using parental control apps such as Google Family Link, Bark, Norton Family, Net Nanny, Boomerang, etc.

7. How to protect children from cyberbullying and harassment?

You can protect your children from harassment and cyberbullying by monitoring their activities, setting their account private, using a block feature for emails, messages and texts, reporting inappropriate behaviour, etc.

8. How to teach kids about using social media responsibly?

Parents should create an open environment, model responsible behaviour, make children learn digital etiquette, practise safe internet practices and follow set boundaries and rules.

9. How long can kids use social media?

It is recommended that above the age of 13, the children can use social media platforms for 2 hours or less.

10. Which is the safest social media app for students?

Some of the safest social media applications for students include Goodreads, Cocoon, Zigazoo, JusTalk Kids, Kinzoo Messenger and more.

Read more - Understanding the Meaning & Importance Power of Education

Conclusion

As we rapidly shift towards the digital age, the use of social media for students has become inevitable. Whether it’s about online classes, new skills or sharing academic resources, social media applications have become an integral part of student life. At K. R. Mangalam World School in Panipat we believe in the transformative power of digital technology. This is why, KRMWS have smart classrooms with interactive whiteboards. Join us and enhance the digital literacy of your child.

Frequently Asked Questions

How useful is social media for students?

Social media can be highly useful for students as it can provide learning opportunities. Besides enhancing academic skills, they also learn to collaborate and communicate with others. Social media also widens the networking scope which is useful for their future.

What are some benefits of social media for students?

Social media can benefit students by strengthening connections, boosting creativity, easy accessibility to useful resources, encouraging engagement and more.

What are some educational social media platforms for students?

Some useful social media platforms for students include YouTube, Facebook, Edmodo, WhatsApp, Schoology, LinkedIn, Khan Academy and more.

What are the disadvantages of social media for students?

There are several disadvantages for students who use social media like negative impact on studies, risk of harassment and cyberbullying, low self-esteem, sleep deprivation, social isolation, privacy concerns, misinformation spread, etc.

Which is the best school in Panipat?

Despite having many options, K. R. Mangalam University, Panipat is considered the best school for the overall development of kids.