Social Media Means
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio Pexels Logo Photo: Andrea Piacquadio

Why do students use social media?

Social media provides students with multiple ways to connect virtually with others (family, friends/peers, teachers, members of interest groups, and even strangers).

What happens when you get 1,000 subscribers on YouTube?
What happens when you get 1,000 subscribers on YouTube?

At the 1,000-subscriber mark, creators reap the biggest benefits of being on YouTube. They become eligible for the YouTube Partner Program, which...

Read More »
How much Twitter pays for 1 million followers?
How much Twitter pays for 1 million followers?

Twitter influencer marketing pricing Here the WebFX influencer marketing stats are in sync with those of BusinessInsider, with Twitter offering the...

Read More »

It can feel like it’s impossible to keep up with the fast pace of young people's use of social media. Striking a balance between respecting their privacy and independence, while looking out for their safety and wellbeing, can be tricky. Here are some facts and tips to help you teach your students how to use social media safely.

What is social media?

Social media is any digital technology that allows people to share ideas, information and thoughts via online communities and networks. Social media provides students with multiple ways to connect virtually with others (family, friends/peers, teachers, members of interest groups, and even strangers). The list of social media platforms used by students is growing steadily and is always changing. Some of the most popular platforms currently include: The eSafety Commissioner can provide information on these apps, including the latest info on their security and terms of use.

Why do students use social media?

Young people have countless opportunities to engage with social media. It gives them an opportunity to engage virtually with the bigger world around them. Students will use social media in different ways, depending on their interests, communities, friends and family.

Some ways include:

to share small funny moments with friends via a meme or video

to engage in local and global activism, as seen in recent student-led, climate-related school strikes to access content from articles and videos, or from events they may not be able to attend in person

to communicate and connect with family members

to follow popular culture, such as bands, fashion and sport

to organise a catch-up with friends.

Students’ access to social media

Most popular social media platforms are completely free. However, they may contain paid add-ons, as well as regular targeted advertising. The platforms are user-friendly, and while there are age restrictions for some (e.g. Facebook requires users to be at least 13), these terms of use are often unknown or ignored. If students have access to a suitable electronic device and an email address or phone number, these platforms are available at their fingertips. This ease of access makes it difficult to know exactly where your students are socialising online, as well as why and how they are using the various platforms. While some students may be excluded from using social media, either by bans from their parents or by limited access to technology, it’s still important that they understand its complexities and how to use it safely, as they are likely to engage with it in the future.

Online safety

The ease of creating, posting and sharing content creates equal opportunities for students to have both positive and negative experiences online. Young people can engage in as much or as little social media use as they like; but even with all the right information and the best intentions from parents, carers and educators, it can be tough to understand how some students are using social media without invading their privacy. While most teens will use social media safely and experience its benefits, some might make negative choices. For instance, they might use it to:

put down their peers

say things they may not feel comfortable saying to someone's face

unwittingly and/or insensitively share illicit or embarrassing images of other people without their consent. These instances can have an impact on their friendships, and on their own and others’ wellbeing. This is why it’s important to engage students in an honest and open dialogue about their use of social media, and to be well informed as an educator in order to help students use social media safely.

What does a recruiter do all day?
What does a recruiter do all day?

They are experts in the finding, screening and attracting of applicants for open positions. Recruiters own the entire talent acquisition process...

Read More »
What is the best selling Doodle?
What is the best selling Doodle?

The Goldendoodle is one of the most popular doodle dog breeds out there. It is a cross between a Poodle and a Golden Retriever. Apr 7, 2021

Read More »

What was the most downloaded app in 2022?

TikTok Is the Most Downloaded App Worldwide in 2022 So Far, Analyst Says. The social media app has surpassed more than 3.5 billion total downloads.

TikTok's is now the most downloaded app in the world. The social media app was downloaded more than 176 million times since the start of 2022, making TikTok the fifth app to reach over 3.5 billion total downloads, according to a report released Thursday by analytics firm Sensor Tower. No other app has had more total downloads than TikTok since the start of 2018. The second most downloaded app was Instagram, with about 151 million downloads. Instagram was previously the most downloaded app. In Asia, Instagram still holds the top spot for the most downloaded app. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, had three of the top five most downloaded apps. Instagram and Facebook were the most downloaded apps from the Google Play store. HBO Max made the list of top five most downloaded apps in the US, and January was the app's second best month overall. For more app news, check out CNET's list of alcohol delivery apps, CNET's best music streaming service and CNET's best workout subscription apps.

Who got banned from Instagram?
Who got banned from Instagram?

Andrew Tate, the controversial social media influencer and self-help guru has been banned on all Meta platforms as of Friday as confirmed by The...

Read More »
Do introverts ever succeed in life?
Do introverts ever succeed in life?

It doesn't mean that introverts can't be successful. In fact, the list of successful introverts is long: Michael Jordan, J.K. Rowling, Christina...

Read More »
How old are most billionaires?
How old are most billionaires?

Becoming a first time billionaire takes a bit longer, with the average age coming in at 51. Feb 25, 2022

Read More »
What are the two types of social media?
What are the two types of social media?

Different Types of Social Media Networks Social Networks: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn. Media Sharing Networks: Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube....

Read More »