The Upside of Social Media: A Focus on Its Positive Potentials

Advertisement

Originally published in TEACH Magazine, Digital Citizenship Special Issue, 2020

By Alex Newman

Released in 2018, TikTok has become one of the fastest growing social media platforms. The wild popularity of the app can be accredited to users’ ability—often youth—to express themselves through music, singing, dancing, and comedy routines. The app, however, has also raised concerns—mostly among parents, but also with educators—for the way it’s being used. One example is the “pass out” challenge whereby kids cut off oxygen to their brains and then record the results.

Focusing on those types of negative incidents—as dangerous as they are—is missing the point, explains motivational speaker Joe Whitbread. “Kids today are digital citizens from birth,” he says. “They already know about cyber bullying, rights, and wrongs. This shouldn’t be a conversation about TikTok per se, but about the mental health of the child and whether he or she is exploring places in a negative state. If a child is healthy, chances are high that their online explorations will also be healthy.”

Usually, kids use social media to connect with friends and have fun. In the course of their school visits, Whitbread and his business partner Jo Phillips have addressed over 27,000 kids. They say fun is the number one reason they use social media. TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, and many other platforms allow kids to explore their creativity, for entertainment and information purposes, he explains.

It’s also instructional and kids learn things like how to apply make-up or fix rollerblade wheels. Also, they can build up their personal brand, although that has to be handled with care, Whitbread says. “If your reputation in high school is drinking likely it will precede you in your job future.”

Subscribe to Keep Reading

🔑 You’re one step away from unlocking premium content.
Subscribe now for just $15.99/year and get full access!
If you’re already subscribed, please .

Alex Newman is a Toronto freelance writer and editor. Visit her website, alexnewmanwriter.com.

Education News

National Principals of the Year Announced

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) have named the 2025–26 National Principals of the Year.

Is Your Child’s Literacy on Vacation? How Parents Can Beat the Summer Slide

Did you know students can lose up to two months of learning progress over summer break? Here's how to tackle the “summer slide” and keep kids engaged.

Nominations Open for Heroes of the Classroom Teacher Recognition Program

Nominations are accepted through August 3. Ten finalists will advance to a public vote for the chance to win the Grand Prize—valued at approximately $16,000 in cash and prizes.

New School Safety Trends Report Shows Training and Technology Are Saving Lives in U.S. Schools

CENTEGIX’s 2025 School Safety Trends Report reveals a national movement toward proactive, integrated school safety strategies, including campus mapping.

Join Our Newsletter

Get 10% off a subscription, monthly giveaways, and the latest updates—straight to your inbox!

Alex Newman
Alex Newman
Alex Newman is a Toronto freelance writer and editor. Visit her website, alexnewmanwriter.com.

Advertisement

Read More

National Principals of the Year Announced

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) have named the 2025–26 National Principals of the Year.

Guardians of the Coast: Building Kids’ Confidence Through Art

I was recently involved with an art exhibition in the Thanet District of Kent, England, that helped students see themselves as artists, advocates, and changemakers.

Is Your Child’s Literacy on Vacation? How Parents Can Beat the Summer Slide

Did you know students can lose up to two months of learning progress over summer break? Here's how to tackle the “summer slide” and keep kids engaged.

The Power of Music and Melody: Using Songs to Engage Young Learners

By harnessing the power of music, teachers can create a lively and dynamic atmosphere that also improves concentration, focus, and retention.

Nominations Open for Heroes of the Classroom Teacher Recognition Program

Nominations are accepted through August 3. Ten finalists will advance to a public vote for the chance to win the Grand Prize—valued at approximately $16,000 in cash and prizes.

Real (and Really Funny) Math

I'm an author of math books, which may sound like a dry job, but that’s exactly why I do it. It’s my goal to show kids that math can be fun (and funny!)
xoso wap vn | nhạc đám cưới tiếng anh | v6bet | game 777 slot club | michigan casinos map | chot lo | co up sanh rong | slotted wooden fence posts | xsqbinh | payment gateway for online casino | shanghai beauty slot | casino in tokyo japan | honey select | slot canyon | tải evowars io | casino engineering | slot no hu | slot vlt | eye of horus online slot | judi slot terpercaya | thống kê xsmb năm 2020 | xổ số đồng nai ngày 21 tháng 09 | khu đô thị lideco trạm trôi hoài đức hà nội | casino đồ sơn | kieu nu viet net | casino de monte carlo | casino peru | casinos en ligne | thống kê giải đặc biệt theo năm tháng tuần | m88 casino | rebuy stars casino | cool wolf slot | jungle trouble slot | lichthidau bongdahomnay | nằm mơ thấy người chết đánh số gì | energy casino 20 | tito casino | bongdatructuyen keonhacai | slot god of wealth | 32 bit pci slot | social | casinos gratuitos | soi cau tg | yêu nhầm chị dâu tập 17 | qq288 mobile | vegas slot wins | lịch thi đấu lck 2021 | fbu edu vn đăng nhập | golden mane slot | lich thi dau1 | casino | live casino malaysia | liên quân modpure co | casino boni deutschland |