Social Media
Social media has become an increasingly important and popular method of communicating between teachers and schools on the one hand and students and their families on the other. Used responsibly, social media can be an informative, fun and engaging way of keeping up with current events and staying connected with others. Users can explore new hobbies, learn digital skills and even find help with schoolwork. Social media can also provide outlets for budding creativity in art, music, photography or writing.
The negative impacts of social media use among children and teens is, however, well documented and, as a parent, it’s good to be aware of these. Here’s a simple summary:
- Mental health issues: Constant exposure to unrealistic images and comparisons can lead to anxiety, depression and low self-esteem, especially for teens who are still developing their self-identity.
- Cyberbullying: Social media can sometimes be a platform for mean or harmful behavior. This can have a lasting emotional impact on kids.
- Addiction & Distraction: The addictive nature of social media can lead kids to spend too much time online, which may affect their school performance, sleep, and physical activity.
- Privacy & Safety Risks: Kids may not always understand how to protect their personal information, which can expose them to risks like online predators, scams or unwanted content.
- Negative Influences: Social media can sometimes expose children to inappropriate content, harmful challenges, inaccurate information or unhealthy role models that might encourage risky behaviors.
By staying involved and setting boundaries, parents can help their children enjoy social media more safely. Here are some useful resources for parents and their children:
Give me a break… from social media (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health)
Youth, smartphones and social media use (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health)
Social Media and Mental Health (Canadian Mental Health Association)
In accordance with the provincial requirements detailed in PPM 128, the HDSB has revised its expectations with respect to the student use of social media on board devices and the board network. These expectations are aimed at promoting a positive and supportive learning environment as free as possible of distractions while maximizing academic engagement and positive student mental health and well-being.
PPM 128 directs that school boards are required to restrict access to all social media platforms on board devices and/or school networks. Social media platforms can only be used by students at school for educational purposes, directed by an educator.
School boards can determine exception protocols for the use of social media for pedagogical or work-related purposes. The HDSB has developed an exception protocol for secondary students to access a limited number of social media platforms for educational purposes and for a limited period of time as requested by a classroom teacher and reviewed and approved by Information Services.
For more information about your children and internet safety, please view the Social Media and Electronic Communications for Staff Administrative Procedure.
