Healthy Social Media Habits

Ciara McNearly

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Healthy Social Media Habits

Digital Safety

This lesson will help teens maintain mental health while using social media. We'll start with a video on healthy social media habits and follow it up with collaborative activities where students create personal action plans and discuss tips to balance online and offline activities. By the end of the lesson, students will be better equipped to use social media in a positive and healthy manner.

Audience

Teens

Time

1 hour

Approach

Digital Safety

Materials

Pens, Post-it notes, Large poster paper, Social Media: Ways to Stay Healthy video, Discussion Questions, and Personal Action Plan Worksheet

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

Welcome students and introduce the topic of digital safety with a focus on social media.
Explain the importance of maintaining mental health while using social media.

Step 2

Video Viewing

5 mins

Show the video Social Media: Ways to Stay Healthy.
Ask students to note down key points or tips mentioned in the video.

Step 3

Group Discussion

15 mins

Divide students into small groups and provide them with discussion questions.
Facilitate a discussion where each group shares their thoughts on the video and personal experiences with social media.

Step 4

Group Projects on Social Media Habits

20 mins

Divide students into small groups.
Ask each group to create a poster or presentation on healthy social media habits, based on the video and discussion.
Encourage creativity and collaboration in their projects.
Provide materials like large poster paper and markers.

Step 5

Personal Action Plan Creation

15 mins

Hand out the Personal Action Plan Worksheet.
Ask students to list specific actions they can take to maintain healthy social media habits based on the video and discussion.
Encourage creativity and honesty in their responses.

Step 6

Sharing Tips

10 mins

Have students share one or two key action points from their plans with the class.
Create a large poster with everyone's tips to display in the room.

Step 7

Closure

5 mins

Summarize the key takeaways from the lesson.
Encourage students to implement their personal action plans and monitor their social media use.

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Discussion

Discussion Questions

Discussion questions for the group activity following the video viewing.

What are some positive ways to use social media based on the video?

Encourage students to reflect on the tips from the video, such as following feel-good posts, advocating for oneself, and posting positive comments.

Can you share a personal experience where social media impacted your mental health?

Guide students to think about both positive and negative experiences and how they handled them.

How can you balance your online and offline life?

Discuss practical strategies like setting time limits, taking breaks, and planning offline activities with friends and family.

Worksheet

Personal Action Plan Worksheet

Worksheet to help students create personal action plans for healthy social media habits.

List three positive accounts or content creators you will follow.

Choose creators who post inspiring, educational, or entertaining content that makes you feel good.

Identify two actions you can take when you see negative content online.

Think about steps like blocking, reporting, and taking a break from social media.

Set a daily time limit for your social media use.

Be realistic and consider how much time you spend online currently versus how much time you want to spend.

Plan one offline activity you will do this week instead of using social media.

Choose an activity you enjoy, such as hanging out with friends, reading a book, or going for a walk.