Happy fall, fellow school counselors! Thanks for joining @MrsAveryBMS and I tonight for the November edition of #SCCHAT! We are so thrilled to be your moderators tonight.
Hello #scchat! Nicohl Webb, Elem SC from Georgia. Joining from my state conference @WeAreGSCA#GSCA2018. Might have to dip out early b/c I present at 8:30 am tomorrow on Making Data Informed Decisions using Tech!!
Hello #scchat! Nicohl Webb, Elem SC from Georgia. Joining from my state conference @WeAreGSCA#GSCA2018. Might have to dip out early b/c I present at 8:30 am tomorrow on Making Data Informed Decisions using Tech!!
Howdy #scchat from Barbara, school counselor (just retired from public school), life coach, mentor and author of What's Under Your Cape? in TX. Eager to learn and grow with you!
A1: The social isolation. Kids are staying indoors and by themselves; in our day, we were outside until it was dark playing hide and seek, flashlight tag and Red Rover. Nothing can replace those social interactions for conflict transformation and friendship building. #scchat
A1 there is no "down" time. Ss cannot get away and let things simmer down. W/ social media kids have become keyboard warriors and keep the pot stirred. #scchat
A1. Last week I heard of the term FOMO-Fear of missing out. I feel some of our kids don’t know how to handle being alone or not busy. They struggle with not doing anything-being calm and present, due to access to friends at all times with the use of technology. #scchat
A1: When I went home, I went home. I could breathe. Now, kids are always “on” to everyone’s life whichever creates that I will never measure up to what this other person has created. #scchat
#scchat it is crazy how we tend to go towards the negatives. we need to teach Ss appropriate use. It is not the tool, but how it is used that can create issues. @JCasaTodd book #socialLEADia is a great read and tool
A1. Everything is at their fingertips instantly. I had to dig through encyclopedias/microfiche to get answers which took forever. Also used a typewriter until 5th grade! 😫 Wait time is hard for kids which I find often leads to difficulty with academic perseverance. #SCCHAT
#scchat it is crazy how we tend to go towards the negatives. we need to teach Ss appropriate use. It is not the tool, but how it is used that can create issues. @JCasaTodd book #socialLEADia is a great read and tool
A2: In 5 years, I have actually only had one true bullying issue. All the rest have been students being mean. Kids say mean things and then when the kids they said it to respond in a mean way, they don't know how to handle it. They only tell 1/2 the story. #scchat
A2: The things that I have had to deal with the most is the aggressive and mean comments said to other kids especially between girls. It takes the “mean girls” to a whole new level. #scchat
A2: I think we get see a lot of mean and rude - simillar to what happens IRL but more visible. Lots of work around kindness & compassion and PARENT education #scchat
A2: In 5 years, I have actually only had one true bullying issue. All the rest have been students being mean. Kids say mean things and then when the kids they said it to respond in a mean way, they don't know how to handle it. They only tell 1/2 the story. #scchat
A3 #scchat It's so constant: the negativity and comparison to other peers. That's hard enough in person developmentally. To then have it 24/7 socially and online must be torture for some as far as self esteem goes.
A2. Very few true bullying issues get reported/founded, but the ones students officially report are usually verbal/exclusion/kids being mean behind their backs. Some cyberbullying aspects to it. Ones founded typically are physical or verbal. #scchat
A3: Social media creates loneliness. It is just a kid and their phone. No conversation, no talking to someone when they see things on social media that hurts them, and the never measure up syndrome. #scchat
#scchat. Middle school kids seem to be into shaming or isolating individuals. At that age not all kids are confident to share their story so we need to be watching for changes in behaviour- behaviour is language #scchat
A3: That whole "likes" thing drives them to do weird things, really messes with their esteem.
So excited that our HS kiddos are doing these PSAs to help combat what's happening. #scchathttps://t.co/J6uU2ULT4F
A3 Ss put value in the number of likes, mentions, retweets and all the instagram/snapchat stuff I don't know. Care more about what others think than what they value in themselves #scchat
A3. I think it depends on the kids and the way they use social media. Some kids are able to use it as a healthy way to connect with others and express themselves while others seem to find trouble wherever they go. #scchat
A3. I find my students find a community and sense of belonging on social media that they might not find within school as easily. It’s important to explore their self-concept to get to the root of what might be driving them to a digital world to find that connectedness. #SCCHAT
A3: Technology has huge effect on self-esteem. I've noticed hardest part on students is seeing or hearing of students having fun together at sleep-over, party, etc. via snapchat, social media, or text. Then feeling bad they aren't there and their life "isn't as fun". #scchat
So ironic because kids don’t want it done to them, and they fall apart when it does happen, yet many times they don’t think twice about doing it to someone else. Crazy! #scchat
A3 Kids also use all sorts of filters on their photos and I notice tons of people commenting "So beautiful" or "You're gorgeous". I would imagine reading that and seeing those pictures can hurt self-esteem of our middle school students as they naturally compare. #scchat
A3: It absolutely does. Similar to Q1 and how students can’t unplug and remove themselves from that type of conversation, it can impact one’s self-esteem. #scchat
So ironic because kids don’t want it done to them, and they fall apart when it does happen, yet many times they don’t think twice about doing it to someone else. Crazy! #scchat
A1. Students have access to a lot of info. They keep comparing themselves to people they see in SM. They try to imitate them & live a life that is not real #SCCHAT
A4 #scchat I've seen students use their voice online for good! I've seen kids posting positive post-its that they gave out to students or on lockers, as well as people posting a pic without makeup on to be real
Social Media is students’ reality. I had a student tell me that she felt awesome because she had over 200 people on Snapchat, yet couldn’t tell me how many were “true friends.” Kids base their personal value and esteem on others, some that they don’t even know. #scchat
A4: We have some students who have connected w/others outside of our school and found "their group" online and outside our walls. What could feel like being an outsider, now has them connected and helps them know they are not alone. #scchat
A3: I think adult vs teens views on this can be very different. This is their world - they are far less fearful or worried about it than we are #scchat
A4: The school where I counsel at is a 1:1 school where every student is issued a device. The types of classroom activities they can do as a result is truly amazing and definitely a positive. #scchat
A4: Students make a difference online every day! millions and millions of students use social media for good we need to model it for them and share the good others are doing #scchat
A4 social media has helped give Ss a voice and a platform that many would not have tried. This is very helpful for Ss who do not like being in front of peers. #scchat
A4. Connecting with family and friends that they wouldn’t otherwise hear from often. Finding friends who have similar interests, family situations, or traumas that they are experiencing or have experienced. #scchat
A2. Cyberbullying. The students love to use youtube & other apps and they can be very mean. I’ve had reports about Kik, snapchat & https://t.co/MRVXAQ2L0h#SCCHAT
A4 How have I seen technology used for good among youth? #scchat
I may run out of space here...
Teamwork! Shared resources that offer a collaborative environment have been influential.
A4: I have Ss do gratitudes our social media. We write things we are thankful for. Some kids do it and some don’t, but I have a pretty big following of kids who look at my lists. I’ve also seen kids use social media to display their art or creativity to share with others #scchat
A5 I am getting ready to do a class lesson on coping skills and was going to talk about how social media impacts. This will help Ss realize that they have the ability to read something they may not agree w/ and not feel the need to argue back or lose their mind #scchat
A1: S’s have to choose to be disconnected. If it’s cold, raining or simply late in the evening S’s have to choose to disconnect. I didn’t have that choice. When I was inside, I was not disconnected, especially if my brother was on the phone #scchat
A5: Show Ss this video clip about the 100 Club, then talk with them about their Digital Footprint. We simply can't ignore these trends.
https://t.co/m5gyIXwX8x#digcit#scchat
A3. Kids keep comparing themselves to the social media influencers & you tubers. They want to live & look like them. They have a hard time understanding that is not real. They live for the perfect pose & are desperate for all the likes they get from their pics #SCCHAT
A4 #scchat Ss can progress as communicators with technology. Educational technology can allow all Ss to express themselves in constructive ways and provide all a voice.
A5 Interested in answers to this. Always looking 4 ideas. I try to be real w/students & tell them that seeing others have fun is tough for extravert like me. Its tough to see friends together looking happy on s. media. But I know this is just 1 snapshot, not whole event #scchat
I love doing a girls leadership group which gives me an opportunity of teach being strong, self-esteem, conflict resolution, and dealing with stress. When they talk to each other, they see they are not alone! #SCCHAT
A4. I truly admire how the MSD High students in Parkland used social media to leverage change and awareness. The @MFOLParkland movement is pretty remarkable. I applaud their maturity and the way they honor their fellow classmates. #SCCHAT
A5: I host a parent workshop with our #edtech team where the kids teach the parents about social media apps they use, time management strategies, responding to negtivity. Its amazingly powerful! #scchat
A5 #scchat I've taught my students this year about coping skills to use IN the classroom to keep them focused in class and not walking out due to emotional issues. They need those skills to manage places they can't just leave when stressed.
A4. The students have been able to connect & learn from others. Not only that but they’ve been able to see how people use SM to spread kindness and they have used SM to share their positive experiences and highlight their learning #SCCHAT
A3: self esteem may be the most impacted area from social media. Everyone plays the comparison game but they are comparing their everyday life with the filtered and altered “reality” of others. No one can really compare with instagram #scchat
A5. I talk about coping skills all year long! But I also talk about impulse control with responding b/c that’s what gets them in trouble. I talk about what they can control & then ask them what gives them value as a person & whose voice they should listen to #scchat
A5. I’m planning a lesson on social media anxiety, and how it can impact one’s self-esteem, as well as how to cope with feelings of isolation. This hasn’t been a topic I have spent a lot of time on, but I’m looking forward to sharing information with students! #scchat
A5 #scchat Teaching about assertiveness and I statements is really helpful! Also giving them their power back: talking about simple ways to manage a cyber bully or negativity online. Empower them to sign off, block the bully, report issue
A5. As I always say, we need to stop separating our lessons into digital citizenship and the rest of the topics. When I talk & read about self-esteem in guidance I remind them of the importance of being the same person online & offline. How they need to love themselves & #SCCHAT
A6: We brought in a speaker @JoshOchs to talk with the Ss and the parents about social media safety and being a light in the darkness. His website is filled with amazing video clips, ideas, tools.
https://t.co/OBXqgSCxA3#scchat
A3: self esteem may be the most impacted area from social media. Everyone plays the comparison game but they are comparing their everyday life with the filtered and altered “reality” of others. No one can really compare with instagram #scchat
A6. School-wide we do #digcit lessons so students have tools/resources in/out of school. I’m loving my new hashtag #digitalWOKEness for kids to evaluate screen time and their wellness in a digital world. Having a digital wellness week this year! 🙌🏼 #SCCHAT
A6b: Practicing mindfulness can help; using these apps helps students unwind proactively and reactively for prevention and intervention. Inhale courage and exhale chaos. #scchat
A6. Definitely makes a huge difference to have parents who are checking their child’s media. If kids know their parents are looking it helps them be better but also helps them know they don’t have to worry about what to do if they are being bullied b/c they’ll know #scchat
A4: it’s so easy for many to focus on the negative and unintended consequences of social media but it has so many positives as well (see this chat). Among S’s, they are able to connect and learn from others quickly and easily. #scchat
A6 last year in advisory, we had students read the article/research on how social media and smart phones have some connection to decrease in sleep & increase in anxiety and depression. Helped students think and even limit time on technology. #scchat
A6. Definitely makes a huge difference to have parents who are checking their child’s media. If kids know their parents are looking it helps them be better but also helps them know they don’t have to worry about what to do if they are being bullied b/c they’ll know #scchat
A6. It is important to remind the students about their digital footprint & how SM can impact their lives positively or negatively, but most importantly, we need to embrace SM & be the role models the S’s need to use SM in a favorable way #scchat
A6c: And practicing #mindfulness through these stories can also help Ss stay in the moment, mindfully aware, unwrapping the present (escaping the past if need be). #scchat
A6: Taking a school-wide approach to addressing these issues and concerns while letting students know that all staff members are there for support. We are all part of the protective factors for our students. #scchat
#scchat Jim, MS counselor from Texas, joining late. We have incident report forms in the office that the kids can fill out. Our district has also started using an anonymous report app this week. Kids have numerous ways to communicate.
A7 if a student reports to me, I report it up. I also check back as well as telling kids that if it happens again I want to know and if it happens 10 times a day I want to know every time. We want to make sure we get it stopped! #scchat
I usually start with talking to the students involved, although I have had incidents in the past where I have asked my Sro to join our conversation too #SCChat
A6c: And practicing #mindfulness through these stories can also help Ss stay in the moment, mindfully aware, unwrapping the present (escaping the past if need be). #scchat
Thanks; these are just our favorites. There are SO many more out there now. Julia Cook's Be Where Your Feet Are is pretty good, too! #scchathttps://t.co/D1KneLH6y4
A7. I appreciate it when parents or students report anything of concern. I think it’s critical for parents to go through their Ss phone *with* them to address anything and ensure appropriate use. #SCCHAT
A5: We have taught solution focused methods in classroom guidance lessons in response to self-destructive behaviors. These lessons are applied to social media and it is mentioned throughout but I have not done a lesson on social media specifically #scchat
A7: Usually starts with the counselor. But administrative support is there if needed. It’s a great team of counselors working with admin support. #scchat
A7: Students can complete a bullying report. We investigate the situation and if possible try to have a mediation with the students to resolve the issue. Depending on the severity we put a safety plan in place and change the students classes/teacher.#scchat
A7. We have a district report students can get and fill out in my office. I help students fill out. If report is filled out, it is investigated. Many are not founded, but still good to have Ss fill out. I help Ss understand just b/c it isn't "bullying" doesn't mean its ok #scchat
A8: We focus on #kindness proactively, first by putting it on the walls and in the halls, then by engaging in campaigns to #MakeKindnessNormal. We model and teach empathy, compassion and kindness intentionally; we can't leave something this important to chance. #scchat
A6: helping S’s focus on the positive, the solutions that work (solution focused) can help their resilience in situations that bring challenge. Focusing on what has worked in other situations for a S can present methods that work in a new situation #scchat
A8. This is simple for me. We have a student who created a group called "Joyology". Has about 7 members. She has facebook page & they do positive events throughout year. She wants to be a "Joyologist" when she grows up. She already is! https://t.co/EXBqzchNc7#scchat
A8 #scchat Our students just completed a UNITE Against Bullying Walk last week where our whole school stood up against bullying and pledged to be kinder! We wrote a pledge, had speakers, and all kids signed pledges stating how they'll be kind
A8. This is simple for me. We have a student who created a group called "Joyology". Has about 7 members. She has facebook page & they do positive events throughout year. She wants to be a "Joyologist" when she grows up. She already is! https://t.co/EXBqzchNc7#scchat
A8. As I said previously, we need to model for them. We’ve had kindness challenges where teachers post pics abt acts of kindness. I’ve been wanting to run a social media club to spread kindness but this has been just an idea #SCCHAT
A8: I think I need to focus more attention on promoting kindness schoolwide. We participated in Unity Day and teachers are teaching Second Step. I’m interested in reading other responses and learning new ideas. #scchat
A7: if it disrupts the school day, from a discipline standpoint, it is handled as any other bullying incident. However the challenge comes when other students share the images, statement or source of bullying. #scchat
A8 #scchat Get the kids involved. Listen to them. Take their ideas seriously. Give them a voice. THAT is how you make real change among students: get their youth out there speaking up!
