It is found that 80% of students in grades 7-12 visit social media sites daily. Recently, Instagram, YouTube, Whatsapp, and Facebook have become the most prominent and highly used social media apps by students.
Social media apps offer various features, from social interactions to top information sharing. Excessive use of social media can make students feel more lonely and isolated. It can also bring mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
The boarding schools in Chhattisgarh offer students various extracurricular activities and relaxation techniques to help them manage stress, maintain mental health, and promote self-care.
Like the Academic World School (AWS), the Best boarding school in Chhattisgarh fosters a supportive learning environment by establishing a structured schedule that helps students manage time for academic classes, study sessions, and extracurricular activities.
The balance in academic and extracurricular activities helps maintain students’ mental well-being.
The blog discusses the impact of social media on students’ mental health and how Academic World School (AWS) supports students with tutoring, counselling, and specialized assistance to improve their mental health and overall wellness.
Negative Impact of Social Media on Student’s Mental Health
There is growing evidence linking heavy social media use with increased risks for mental health issues. These impact a student’s school performance, such as difficulties in focusing, studying, or even simply attending school.
Let us look at the significant negative impacts of social media on students’ mental health.
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Reduces Learning and Concentration Capability
Extensive use of Social media platforms serves as a significant distraction. Nowadays, students rely more on social media platforms for information and knowledge than looking at books or notes, leading to a loss of focus and reduced time for studying or completing assignments.
Constant notifications and the urge to check frequently reduce students’ ability to engage in deep, focused learning. Thus, using social media negatively impacts concentration and productivity.
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Anxiety and Depression
Do you know that social media usage is directly correlated with depression symptoms? Mainly due to Comparison and cyberbullying, students feel stressed on social media, leading to less self-esteem, decreased social activity, and an increase in loneliness, ultimately leading to depression.
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Poor Sleep Quality
Sleep is essential during adolescence. Children aged 5-16 need between 11 and 9 hours of sleep. Insufficient sleep can result in exhaustion and for the brain to become refreshed. Use of Social media can lead to excessive screen time, particularly at night, which disrupts students’ sleep patterns.
Consequently, students could experience difficulties falling asleep and demonstrate signs of tiredness during the school day. It can have a direct impact on their academic performance as well as moodiness and overeating and exacerbate existing problems such as anxiety and depression.
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Impact on Academic Performance
Social media use can make it difficult for students to focus on their studies and achieve their educational and career goals. Excessive use often leads to increased stress levels and decreased academic performance.
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Comparison
One of social media’s most significant negative impacts is the tendency for students to engage in social Comparison. Social media makes it easy for students to compare themselves to other students, leading to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and even depression.
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Impact on Mental Health
Excessive use of social media has been associated with various mental health issues among school students, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and social Comparison.
Positive Impact of Social Media on Students’ Mental Health
Students living in boarding schools also benefit from social media platforms through social connections and peer support.
Students can even maintain contact with family members and friends at home through social media.
Here are some of the significant positive impacts of social media on a student’s mental health.
- Information and Awareness
- Critical thinking and Creativity
- Parental involvement
- Access to Educational Content and Resources
- Social & Peer Support
How Academic World School (AWS) Addresses Students Mental Health
Academic World School (AWS) has designed a curriculum prioritizing mental wellness for all age groups. The school promotes positive mental health by building self-esteem and self-confidence among students.
Also, there’s a strong correlation between physical activity and mental health. Exercise releases endorphins, naturally elevating mood and significantly reducing stress and anxiety.
Academic World School (AWS) is the Best boarding school in Chhattisgarh. It offers various extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, music, drama, and more, which help boost students’ mental resilience.
The school also recognizes the importance of parental engagement in supporting students’ mental health and well-being. It is the Best school in Chhattisgarh that helps communicate with parents, providing regular updates on students’ academic progress, emotional well-being, and participation in school activities.
Final Thoughts
It is necessary to understand that Social Media has positive and negative impacts on children. While it contributes to feelings of social Comparison, FOMO, cyberbullying, sleep disturbances, and academic pressure, it can also foster positive connections, offer support networks, raise mental health awareness, and provide valuable resources.
If used correctly, it can be the greatest blessing, but if misused, it has the power to destroy the self-esteem, self-confidence, and overall mental health of its users.
However, Boarding schools provide a warm, welcoming environment that encourages students to maintain good mental health. Academic World School (AWS) offers various extracurricular activities and is dedicated to the academic and emotional well-being of the students.
In the modern digital world, parents and teachers can work together to promote healthy social media habits and foster a positive digital environment for children.