At Educate Excellence, we understand how important technology is in students’ lives, especially social media. From chatting with friends to watching short videos, social media can be fun, creative and a way to feel connected. But for students in Year 6 through to Year 11, it can also have a real impact on mental health, confidence, focus and overall wellbeing.
In this blog, we look at how social media can affect students both positively and negatively, and what they, and their families, can do to stay balanced and mentally strong in a digital world.
How Social Media Is Part of Teen Life:
Social media is everywhere. Many students use apps and platforms daily to:
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- Chat with friends
- Share videos, photos or stories
- Follow influencers, celebrities or content creators
- Keep up with trends and news
- Express themselves creatively
While these platforms offer connection and entertainment, they can also make it harder for students to switch off, focus on schoolwork or feel good about themselves.
Positive Effects of Social Media:
When used in a healthy way, social media can have some real benefits for students, including:
1. Staying connected
Students can stay in touch with friends and family, especially if they attend different schools or live far apart.
2. Finding support
Many students follow pages or creators who share tips about mental health, study advice or positive thinking.
3. Learning new things
From revision videos to language tips, social media can provide educational content in short, accessible ways.
4. Expressing creativity
Art, music, dance or photography can all be shared and celebrated online, helping students grow their confidence.
At Educate Excellence, we encourage students to explore what inspires them, including through online platforms, while learning how to protect their wellbeing.
When Social Media Affects Wellbeing:
While social media can be helpful, too much time online, or the wrong kind of content, can negatively affect students in several ways:
1. Poor sleep and focus
Scrolling late at night makes it harder to sleep, and constant notifications can interrupt homework or revision.
2. Comparison and low self-esteem
Students may compare themselves to others online, leading to feelings of not being good enough or missing out.
3. Anxiety and stress
Negative comments, online arguments or pressure to always reply quickly can increase anxiety and reduce emotional safety.
4. Distraction from real-life goals
Too much screen time can take students away from their studies, hobbies and in-person friendships.
Signs That Social Media May Be Affecting Your Child:
Parents and carers should watch for signs that social media is having a negative impact. These might include:
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- Mood swings after using their phone
- Avoiding schoolwork or falling behind
- Sleep problems or feeling tired all the time
- Talking less with family and friends in person
- Being overly concerned with likes, views or followers
Open, calm conversations can help. Ask questions such as “How do you feel after spending time online?” or “What do you like and not like about that app?”
Tips for Healthy Social Media Use:
1. Set time limits
Use built-in app settings or phone tools to manage screen time. Encourage time off screens during meals, homework and before bed.
2. Follow positive content
Help your child choose accounts that are uplifting, educational or supportive, rather than ones that lead to comparison or stress.
3. Take regular breaks
Encourage screen-free days or activities. Time in nature, sports, reading or talking with friends in person can reset the mind.
4. Talk about online pressure
Let students know it is okay to ignore messages, block unkind users or take a break from social media when needed.
5. Be a role model
Students learn from the adults around them. Show balanced phone use and take breaks yourself to set a strong example.
How Educate Excellence Supports Student Wellbeing:
We know that modern life brings both opportunities and challenges. At Educate Excellence, we help students balance the digital world with strong habits for emotional and academic success.
Our tutors:
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- Encourage focused, distraction-free study sessions
- Talk about stress, screen time and self-confidence in a supportive way
- Help students feel proud of real-life progress, not just online approval
- Work closely with parents to support healthy routines at home
Technology Should Support, Not Distract:
Social media is not going away, but students can learn how to use it in a way that supports their wellbeing, learning and happiness. With awareness, limits and support, they can stay connected without feeling overwhelmed.
If your child is struggling with focus, confidence or motivation, Educate Excellence is here to help. We offer academic tutoring alongside encouragement and guidance that supports every part of the learner, not just their grades.