- Get students thinking critically about social media and mental health
- Encourage students to connect with one another in person
- Empower folks to think critically about how what they post online affects themselves and others
- Students are engaging in social media for progressively longer periods of time. Research suggests that social media utilization can both positively and negatively impact student mental health
- This campaign will focus on engaging students in critical thinking about their relationship with social media and how it may impact their mental health
- Entire school
- Seek approval from administrators
- Partner with teachers to ensure that the various challenges and games can be met during the school day
- Collaborate with other leaders in the school to engage as many folks as possible, such as SGA
- “Mindful Monday”: students will sign a pledge to be mindful of their language online and in person
- “Talk to Each Other Tuesday” encourages students to put their phones down and connect with their peers during lunches using conversation starters
- “What Defines You Wednesday”: students will wear name tags/stickers with attributes that define them aside from social media
- “Think it Through Thursday”: students will be asked to take a 5 minute pause during homeroom or first period to write down or discuss how what they post online can affect themselves or others
- “Phone Free Fun Friday”: students are challenged to put their phones down or away for the day and invited to do fun activities during lunch or free periods
- Ideas might include card/board games, outdoor time, or open gym
- Use this sample language to promote the campaign via posters, newsletters, and morning announcements. Feel free to adapt as needed for your school
- “Is social media good or bad for you? Join the OMM club from (Insert dates) for social media awareness week to help you explore how social media impacts you so you can decide for yourself.”
- Track the approximate number of students who participate in the week of activities
- Are you hearing more conversations about social media’s impact? That is what this campaign is all about!
- Are you seeing more students take breaks from their phone/ social media? Mission accomplished!
- How did our campaign increase awareness about social media?
- Did you notice any changes in your peers’ use of social media?
- What else could our club do to promote social media awareness for the rest of the year?