Effects of Social Media to the Education of Kids 7 to 12 Years Old

Research Proposal – Impact of Social Media on Kids Ages 7 to 12
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June 23, 2023
Understanding the impact of social media and how we can use it to improve the lives of everyone is essential for every end user. This is more so considering that such an impact on various aspects of society has become increasingly significant in recent years. One area that has experienced notable changes is the social institution of education, particularly in relation to children aged 7 to 12. This age group represents a critical stage of development where cognitive and social skills are shaped, laying the foundation for future academic success and overall well-being. However, the growing prevalence of social media platforms has introduced a new layer of stratification that can profoundly influence children's educational experiences.
Notably, the social institution of education for children aged 7 to 12 plays a vital role in imparting knowledge, fostering critical thinking, and promoting social interaction. Traditionally, this institution has relied on established pedagogical methods and face-to-face interactions to facilitate learning. However, the advent of social media has disrupted this conventional approach, offering new opportunities and challenges in the educational landscape.
Today, social media platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and Facebook have become pervasive and widely accessible to children as young as seven. These platforms offer avenues for entertainment, socialization, and access to information, fundamentally transforming the way children learn, interact, and perceive the world around them. As a result, it is essential to critically examine the impact of social media on children's education and understand how it shapes their experiences and outcomes. Thus, the prevalence of social media usage among children aged 7 to 12 is a growing concern. According to a report by Common Sense Media (2020), children in this age group spend an average of 4.5 hours per day on screen media, a considerable portion of which is dedicated to social media engagement. The global pandemic further amplified this trend, which forced educational activities, including schooling, to transition online. Consequently, understanding the current status of the social institution of education and the changes needed to address the implications of social media usage is of utmost importance.
While integrating technology and digital tools into education has yielded some positive outcomes, it has also given rise to challenges and disparities. Some children enjoy resource-rich environments that enable effective utilization of social media for educational purposes. However, others need help accessing such resources, leading to digital divides and exacerbating existing inequalities (Helsper, 2021). Furthermore, unregulated social media usage raises concerns about privacy, mental health, and the development of effective social skills. Cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and addictive behaviors have also been identified as potential consequences.
In light of these complexities and implications, it is crucial to explore and understand the comprehensive impact of social media on t...