Is Social Media Always a Good Thing?: The Negative Influences of Social Media
Lisset Almazo Hilario
Lalmazohilario@schools.nyc.gov
PS/MS 206- Grade 5
INTRODUCTION:
Did you know that the earliest forms of social media have been around since around the late 1990s and early 2000s? Over time though, technology has gotten better and so has the power of social media. I can bet that some of you might have social media even at your young age! The problem with kids in your age group having social media so young, is that it can have very negative effects on your self-esteem, body image, and mental health. Your job is to be a New York Digital Detective and teach other students what the negative effects of social media are, so that they make better choices and can be aware of how not to fall victim to those negative effects!
TASK
Objectives:
Your job will be to explore different articles, videos, images, and more to do your own research on how social media can negatively affect kids in your age group and come up with smart and creative ways to fix those problems using the 6 steps of the Public Policy Analyst (PPA) process!
Final product:
By the end of your WebQuest, you will have created google slides in which all of the 6 steps of PPA are addressed on their own slides. You will also do an oral presentation to other elementary classes in our school.
*TIP: Use the rubric linked below under “evaluation,” as a checklist for exactly what is expected*
Timeframe: 15 days.
PROCESS
The tasks will be completed independently. You will have 2 days to complete each step of the PPA process by gathering information, and 3 days to create your final Google Slides.
How to gather information:
You will be given paper copies of the graphic organizers for each step of the PPA process and will also have digital versions (click on “file” and then “make a copy” so that you can edit your own copy) linked below to fill out. How you want to gather information is up to you.
You will also be provided with resources under each step to start you off, but you should also do some of your own research using other online sources or physical books from our class library!
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Step 1: Define the Problem |
Task: What is the problem with kids in your age group having social media so young? What are some of the negative effects? Be specific (ex: cyberbullying, low self-esteem, screen addiction, etc)
Graphic Organizer: Page 1
Resources: How social media impacts teens' brains (video) Kids and Social Media (article) 8 Ways Social Media Negatively Affects Mental Health (article) Social Media (article) Book Suggestions:
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Step 2: Gather the Evidence |
Task: Look for facts, articles, and examples that show that these problems are real.
Graphic Organizer: Page 2
Resources: Constantly Connected: How Media Use Can Affect Your Child (article) Infographics (kids social media use) (google images) |
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Step 3: Identify the Causes |
Task: Why do these problems happen? What might make kids your age most likely to be affected?
Graphic Organizer: Page 3
Resources: Social Media Dangers — Childhood 2.0 (documentary) Kids and Social Media (article) Is Internet Addiction Real? (article) |
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Step 4: Evaluate Existing Policies |
Task: Are there already rules or laws in place to help kids with this problem? Are these rules & laws working?
Graphic Organizer: Page 4
Resources: What to Know About the Kids Online Safety Act and Where It Currently Stands (article) Push for 'kids online safety act' in Congress (video) CHILDREN’S ONLINE PRIVACY PROTECTION ACT (COPPA) (article) |
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Step 5: Develop Solutions |
Task: What could be done differently? (come up with new, realistic solutions)
Graphic Organizer: Page 5 |
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Step 6: Select the Best Solution (feasibility vs. Effectiveness) |
Task: Pick your best idea(s) and compare them based on their feasibility vs. effectiveness. Why would one of your solutions be better than others? How will it help kids your age be safer and healthier online?
Feasibility: How well something works Effectiveness: How possible or easy it is to do something and make it happen!
Graphic Organizer: Page 6 |
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Step 7: Google Slides |
Click for Ms. Almazo’s sample slides using the 6 steps of PPA. Requirements: ● Title slide: name, school, topic ● 1-2 slides for each step of the PPA process ● Visually engaging slides: easy-to-read font, pictures, colors |
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Step 8: Oral Presentation |
Requirements: ● Project your voice loud and clear ● Presentation of information is detailed |
EVALUATION
Rubric Link (this is the “checklist” I will use to grade you! Please use it so that you know exactly what is expected of you. Look at the “4- excellent” column for the requirements to get a perfect score.
CONCLUSION
Great job on completing this WebQuest, NYC Digital Detectives! You were able to successfully:
- gather information on social media and its negative impact on kids in your age group
- Follow the 6 steps of Public Policy Analyst (PPA) to thoroughly research this issue and propose solutions for kids your age who might be using social media
As young social media users, you have the power to use it safely and have a pocket full of tips to stay safe and happy online.
STANDARDS:
NYS SEL Benchmarks:
2A.2b. Communicate perceived understanding of the expressed feelings and perspectives of others
2B.2c. Identify ways to respond when they experience or witness bullying and/or relational aggression, such as seeking support of a trusted adult, or demonstrating courage in speaking up for themself or a peer.
2D.2a. Identify strategies for preventing, managing, or navigating interpersonal conflicts.
3A.2a. Demonstrate consideration for the safety and well-being of self and others.
3B.2b. As part of a decision-making approach, generate multiple solutions and evaluate the impact on self and others for a range of academic and social situations.
3C.2a. Identify ways they can take action to support their school community
NYS NEXT GENERATION ELA STANDARDS:
5R1: Locate and refer to relevant details and evidence when explaining what a text says
5W1b: Provide logically ordered reasons that are supported by facts and details from various sources.
5W1c: Use precise language and content-specific vocabulary while writing an argument
5W1e: Provide a concluding statement or section related to the argument presented. 5W1f: Maintain a style and tone appropriate
5W6: Conduct research to answer questions, including self-generated questions, and to build
5SL5: Include digital media and/or visual displays in presentations to emphasize and enhance central