The content discusses the $4-billion lawsuit filed by four Ontario school boards against major social media companies, claiming that their products have negatively influenced how children think, behave, and learn. University of Regina professor Alec Couros, an expert in educational technology media, supports these concerns by highlighting the impact of social media, particularly in creating an environment for cyberbullying and affecting students’ mental health. He also mentions how constant distractions from notifications can impede students’ ability to focus on academic tasks like reading Shakespeare or studying calculus. Despite the negative effects, he acknowledges that social media can also provide a sense of belonging for marginalized students who struggle to find themselves in traditional school settings.
The article also features input from 15-year-old Payton Desjarlais, who spends eight to nine hours a day on social media platforms like TikTok and Snapchat. While he acknowledges both negative and positive aspects of social media, he emphasizes the opportunity for socialization and connection with others that these platforms provide. Another individual, Creedance Caisse, describes her relationship with social media as ‘rocky,’ expressing both love and hate for the platforms. She recognizes the role that social media has played in shaping her as a person, enabling her to learn from the content she consumes online.
In addition to discussing the ongoing lawsuit, Couros highlights the role that parents play in addressing the negative impacts of social media on children. He points out the inconsistency between allowing children unrestricted access to phones at home while expecting them to disconnect at school. Couros emphasizes the need for better legislation regarding age requirements for social media users, as well as more responsible parenting practices and student behaviors. Overall, he believes that addressing these issues requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders, including social media companies, parents, and educators.
The content also touches upon the positive aspects of social media, such as providing a sense of belonging for students who may feel marginalized in traditional school settings. Couros acknowledges that while there are challenges and risks associated with social media use, there are also opportunities for connection and learning. He advocates for a balanced approach that considers both the negative and positive impacts of social media on children and emphasizes the importance of responsible usage and parental involvement in managing these risks.
As the Ontario school boards pursue legal action against social media companies, Couros emphasizes the need for greater awareness and accountability regarding the impact of social media on children’s well-being. He calls for more thoughtful approaches to managing technology use in both home and school settings, recognizing the 24/7 responsibilities that come with navigating the digital world. Ultimately, Couros hopes to see advancements in legislation, parenting techniques, and student behavior that promote healthier and more responsible use of social media among children and teenagers.
