Navigating The Pressures Of Social Media (Session Plan)

We use a youth voice approach when deciding what sessions to deliver therefore all session plans are created at young peoples request.

Young people have told us they feel pressure around their social media activity 

This session plan aims to empower young people to navigate the pressures of social media, promoting healthy online habits.

*Safeguarding Considerations*
1. Ensure a safe and supportive environment for all young people.
2. Establish clear boundaries and expectations for discussion.
3. Provide resources for support if needed.

*Objectives*
1. To understand the impact of social media on mental health and well-being
2. To identify strategies for managing social media use and pressures
3. To develop critical thinking skills for evaluating online content
4. To promote positive online interactions

*Session Plan*
1. Introduce the topic of social media pressures and ask participants to share their thoughts and experiences. Tip encourage young people to show examples of the content they engage with and discuss why

*Understanding Social Media Pressures*
1. Discuss the potential negative effects of social media on mental health (e.g., anxiety, comparison, FOMO).
2. Explore the ways in which social media can impact self-esteem and body image.
3. Use real-life examples or videos to illustrate the pressures of social media. Tip Many content creators and reality tv stars have publicly suffered with poor mental health related to social media. These examples provided some passionate discussion amongst young people 

*Critical Thinking Activity*
1. "Fake News" activity: young people evaluate online content for credibility and bias. Tip use popular online content that young people are likely to be aware of for a more engaging activity
2. Group discussion: Share findings and discuss the importance of critical thinking online.

*Strategies for Managing Social Media*
1. Discuss ways to manage social media use (e.g., setting boundaries, taking breaks).
2. Introduce strategies for promoting positive online interactions (e.g., kindness, empathy).

*Conclusion*
1. Recap key takeaways from the session.
2. Encourage young people to share what they learned.
3. Provide resources for support and further discussion.

*Evaluation*
1. Participants will complete a feedback form to evaluate the session's effectiveness. Tip if possible do this a week later for more measurable feedback
2. Youth workers will observe participant engagement and feedback during a debrief reporting any concerns.





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