How Does Social Media Affect Students’ Behavior?
There are many effects of social media on people of all ages. Students, however, are in their formative years. The impact of social media is doubled by the fact that their peers surround them at school. But what exactly are the effects of social media on their behavior? Read on to find out more!
Cyber Bullying
Bullying in the traditional sense would end once students are physically away from their bullies. But now it creeps through their mobile devices and laptops, even as they sit in the privacy of their own home.
Sites like Instagram give teens a chance to express themselves. But it also leaves them vulnerable to comments and messages from their peers that might not always be kind.
Children who are already bullied in person may find themselves being further taunted online. Pictures, videos, and online arguments can haunt students if they are spread around to other teens in their classes.
Bullying in school is something that teachers can look out for and resolve right there and then. Cyberbullying is a lot harder to spot. It’s not all bad news, though. An internet lawyer in NYC can help schools to have security settings on their internet so that students can’t access social media during school time.
Lack of Focus
It’s no surprise that being glued to phone screens all day will have an affect on students’ focus. Phones are usually a common culprit when it comes to a dip in grades. Students can expect their classwork and exams to suffer as a result of social media addiction.
A good way to avoid this problem is by rewriting the school code of conduct so that mobile phones are forbidden in class. In most cases, all that is required is the school taking a stand on phone use in class.
Mental Health Issues
Sadly, more than half of American teenagers suffer from depression. It’s a result of peer pressure, family problems, and social media addiction.
Being sad is something everyone experiences. The problem is, teenagers turn to the internet to resolve their low feelings. Posting on sites like Snapchat and Instagram can give them a sudden surge of attention and feel-good hormones. Once these wear off, however, they’re left feeling worse than before.
There’s also the issue of body dysmorphia that arises from social media. Teens are most at risk of feeling inadequate or suffering from low self-esteem. Along with the pressure of performing well in school, teens can feel depressed and anxious.
The Final Word
If you were unsure about the exact ways that social media affects students, now you know! While there are some positives associated with social media sites, there are some harmful effects also. It’s important for teachers and parents to be vigilant and limit how much time teens spend on these sites.