How Can I Balance My Child's Social Media Use Without Hurting Their Learning?

by Julie Diamond, OCT

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As parents, it’s natural to be concerned about how social media is impacting your child’s education—especially with recent lawsuits involving Ontario school boards and social media giants like Instagram and TikTok. These platforms have become such a dominant force in the lives of young people that they’re often a source of distraction, both inside and outside the classroom. But where do we draw the line between allowing kids to stay connected with their peers and ensuring that social media doesn’t interfere with their learning?

As a teacher, I’ve seen firsthand how social media can both benefit and disrupt students’ education. Let’s explore how to strike a healthy balance ourselves and for our children. 

The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media

Social media, when used wisely, can be a great tool. It allows students to access educational content, stay informed, and engage in creative self-expression. For example, TikTok is home to a large community of educators who break down complex subjects in fun, digestible ways, and Instagram can be a space for students to share their accomplishments and stay connected with study groups.

However, the flip side of this is that these platforms are also designed to be addictive. The constant flow of notifications, videos, and updates can easily pull students away from their studies and lead to procrastination or even anxiety. I’ve seen students struggle to stay focused because of the distractions social media introduces.

Finding the Balance: Strategies for Parents

Here are a few practical steps parents can take to find a balance between social media use and academic focus:

1. Set Clear Boundaries and Routines

It’s important to establish clear rules around when and how much time your child can spend on social media. Consider implementing “device-free” times during homework or study sessions. Setting limits on screen time will help your child focus without the constant pull of notifications and messages. 

2. Encourage Purposeful Use of Social Media

Guide your child to use social media in more constructive ways. Encourage them to follow educational accounts, join study groups, or even create content that aligns with their academic goals. When students see that social media can be a tool for learning, they’re more likely to use it mindfully.

3. Lead by Example

Children often mimic the behaviours they see at home. If they observe that their parents use social media responsibly and with clear boundaries, they’re more likely to adopt similar habits. Model balance by limiting your own screen time and engaging in activities outside of social media.

4. Maintain Open Conversations

Don’t demonize social media or make it seem like the enemy. Instead, have ongoing conversations with your child about the role social media plays in their life. Help them understand its benefits and drawbacks. By maintaining an open dialogue, your child will feel more comfortable coming to you if they’re feeling overwhelmed or distracted.

5. Monitor for Signs of Distraction or Distress

Watch for signs that social media might be interfering with your child’s academic performance. Are they spending excessive time online? Are their grades slipping? Are they becoming more anxious or withdrawn? If so, it might be time to revisit the boundaries you’ve set and discuss healthy social media habits.

The Role of Schools and Educators

As teachers, we also have a responsibility to address the role of social media in education. In some cases, we use these platforms as educational tools in the classroom to make learning more interactive and engaging. However, we must be mindful of how they are used and whether they are helping or hindering students’ learning.

Many Ontario school boards are pushing for greater accountability from social media companies to ensure their platforms don’t detract from students’ education. These lawsuits serve as a wake-up call that while technology has its advantages, we must be aware of its impact on students’ mental health and ability to focus.

Conclusion: Working Together for Balance

The reality is, social media is here to stay. Rather than trying to eliminate it completely, the goal should be to teach our children how to navigate it responsibly. By working together - parents, teachers, and schools - we can ensure that students use social media in a way that supports their education rather than detracts from it. After all, balance is key to helping them develop a healthy relationship with technology and their studies.

How are you managing social media use at home? Let’s keep the conversation going—share your experiences with me by sending me an email!