Social Media's Effect on Gen Xers and Gen Zers / Unintended Consequences / Combatting Depression, Anxiety, and Suicide in Schools
20 plus years ago, the first social media platforms were launched. Sites such as America Online, Friendster, and later Facebook changed the way we communicate, getting information, and how we behave. Today, there are countless others that influence what we like, how we relate to others, and even what we believe.
While these social media platforms blasted open the doors to information, sharing, and revolutionized commerce, they also altered how we interact socially.
So, is this good or bad? The answer is complex. Of course, it is good to have access to information and use these platforms to the benefit of society. Just like with everything else, however, moderation and control are key to having a healthy relationship with this phenomenal tool.
Recent revelations suggest that Social Media sites such as Facebook make more profit on negative content than focusing on positivity. The young and impressionable are not receiving proper guidance on how to use this amazing media which can be a double-edged sword. It is like learning to drive a car without driving lessons.
While most Millennials were not drastically affected, Gen Xers and Gen Zers know Social Media as some sort of "Matrix" and just like in the movie, they accepted it as their Alternate Universe.
Unfortunately, they do not understand that the "Matrix" can lead to serious harm. There are significant unintended consequences such as depression, anxiety, and suicide that since the introduction of Social Media have increased 37% by 2019 and a staggering additional 20% in the past two years!!!
NO WONDER OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM IS STRESSED TO THE LIMIT EXPERIENCING NEVER BEFORE KNOWN ISSUES AND A CRISIS OF EPIC PROPORTIONS!
The bottom line is that without intervention, these students may never be able to reach their full potential.
ROCK MY CAMPUS is a program that was designed to run interference and get kids back on track to feeling secure, being productive, and believing in their uniqueness.
We offer support for teachers and superintendents as well as ROCKSHOPS for students in high-energy and fun sessions that work. We speak their language and they listen. We educate kids about the dangers of too much exposure to Social Media and prepare them to deal with bullying and other unwanted attention. These classes and the year-long support we provide to the schools also change the student/teacher and student-to-student dynamics for the better, creating a healthy learning environment.
We know how serious these problems have become in the classroom. We know how hard and exhausting it is for teachers without the right tools to provide support and teach at the same time. We employ Social-Emotional Learning techniques and neurodiversity methods to make schools a safe and trusted place where all students can thrive.
Contact us to learn more about how to make your school a SAFE ZONE.