The Power of Social Media and Effects on Children Teach-Out

As social media becomes increasingly present in our everyday lives, there are rising concerns about how young people interact online. In fact, about half of parents of children aged 10-12 and a third of parents of children ages 7-9 report that their child used social media, and 45% of teens say they are online nearly constantly. In this Teach-Out, children, teenagers, parents, teachers, and content creators will hear from both experts and peers about the benefits and potential risks of social media use, such as privacy concerns, skill development, and effects on physical and mental health.

The Teach-Out will encourage all learners to think critically about their social media use, adopt safe social media practices, practice empathy and self-regulation, and become informed digital citizens.

This Teach-Out will answer:
- What are the positive aspects of social media use for children and teens, and how can these platforms aid in their development?
- What are the main risks and concerns associated with young people using social media, including issues related to privacy and well-being?
- How can individuals practice safer social media habits and protect their personal information while online?
- What strategies can help foster empathy, self-regulation, and responsible behavior in the digital environment?