The days of cell phones and social media are approaching for fifth graders in the Massapequa School District and now they have the knowledge to use that technology correctly. Over the last two weeks of April, high school student council members visited the six elementary schools for presentations on safe and responsible social media use.
Presenters included student council members from grades 9-12. A group went to each elementary school to share a digital presentation and engage in dialogue with the fifth graders. They highlighted a survey that shows a large majority of secondary students are on social media, explained how to use those platforms appropriately and discussed the potential consequences. High school presenters talked about the pros and cons of several different apps like Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok.
“The presentations explored why students use social media, its advantages and disadvantages and encouraged reflection on how much time should be spent online, emphasizing the importance of setting limits,” said Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Brian Trapani. “Our high school student leaders were role models for their elementary peers in reinforcing key messages about being safe, kind and responsible online.”
Sophomore Brooke McGovern was part of a group that presented at Birch Lane Elementary School that told fifth graders to mindful of the digital footprint they leave. “Think before you post” was an oft-repeated reminder.
“We hope they learn that what they do on social media can follow them,” Brooke said. “Getting this message to students at a younger age can help them build good digital habits and make them into more responsible individuals.”
There was a strong focus on privacy settings, safe posting and respectful communication. Additional topics included responsible Chromebook use and an introduction to artificial intelligence, including its benefits and risks such as misinformation and scams. Student council members also engaged the fifth graders in discussion about parental involvement and social media challenges, encouraging students to seek help from trusted adults.