The Power of Social Media and Effects on Children Teach-Out

Unpack the evolution of social media platforms and influencers

Globally, there are rising concerns about how young people interact online. 45% of American teens say they are online nearly constantly, and social media use is rapidly rising among younger children as well.

On this two-week course from the University of Michigan, you’ll hear from teenagers, parents, teachers, researchers, and content creators on the benefits and risks of social media.

Whether you are a parent, teacher, or young learner, this course will help you understand how to adopt mindful and healthy social media practices.

Delve into how children and teenagers use social media

There are a number of potential pitfalls on social media and it’s just as imperative that young people understand the risks, as it is for parents and teachers to be able to guide young social media users.

On this course, you’ll learn methods and tips for protecting personal information and navigating digital spaces appropriately and effectively.

Discover the impact of social media on youth mental health

By nature, social media is limitless. While the freedom to share and connect is a positive aspect, it also allows for more harmful interactions.

Social media users report concerns about self-image, addiction, bullying, and more. You’ll explore the negative effects of social media on the mental and emotional health of children and teenagers and hear ways these issues can be mitigated through mindfulness, authenticity, and parental oversight.

Pursue digital citizenship with the University of Michigan

Throughout the course, you’ll be guided by the educators at the University of Michigan. With their expertise, you’ll know how young learners can think critically about social media use, adopt safe social media practices, practice empathy and self-regulation, and become informed digital citizens.

This course is designed for parents, teachers, and teenagers, but will also be useful to anyone interested in learning more about social media and its effects.