Questions to prompt discussion with students:

Parents and Teachers: View the full VIP Facilitation Guide Here

Dialogue Starters:

Parents of Elementary School Students (to ask students)

• Your student and social media
  • (For students on social media) What kinds of things do you like to see on social media, and what are some things that might bother you? 
  • (For students not yet using social media) What do you think would appeal to you about social media when you’re old enough to have your own accounts?

Parents of Middle School Students (to ask students)

• Keeping drama in check
  • If you’re experiencing drama in your peer group, how can it become worse if it spills over into social media? 

Parents of High School Students (to ask students)

• Truth vs. Fiction
  • How do you decide if what you see on social media is real or not?

Additional Resources

• Positive Effects of Social Media for Students
• Parental Control on Student Devices: What Parents & Educators Need to Know
• Making Screen Time Fun While Reducing the Negative Impact

Conclusion

Students have been told time and time again that social media can have a negative impact on their lives, but they rarely hear about the ways that it can benefit them or positively impact their mental health. From creating a more dynamic college resume to building communication and online editing skills, social media can create plenty of positive opportunities for students.

While it’s important for parents to talk about the dangers and risks of being online, it’s also important for kids to understand the positives of social media. When kids understand the negatives and positives of social media – and regularly talk to their parents about them – they will be better equipped to use social media wisely.