How Does Social Media Affect the Age Group Between 7 and 12

SOC-436 Research Proposal Outline
Sociology students should know how to organize their writing to present a research proposal. This assignment will help you learn this skill. Complete the sections below as directed, citing scholarly sources where needed.
Assignment Directions:
Use this outline below as a template to complete this assignment. You will fill in the missing portions needed to write a research proposal based on your research question and selected type of research. This outline will help you write the Research Proposal rough draft due in Topic 6:
Write your research question related to a social institution of your choice (Those in the Hispanic Experience or the African American Experience minors should select a topic in line with their minor.):
How does social media affect the age group between 7 and 12? Moreover, how does it reflect in their education?

* Title: Social Problem/Issue
Describe the social institution and stratification (50-75 words).
Social Institution and Stratification: The institution focuses on education, specifically elementary education for children aged 7 to 12. This institution plays a critical role in shaping cognitive and social skills. However, increasing exposure to social media platforms has introduced a new layer of stratification. It affects children's learning capabilities, engagement, and behaviors differently, often influenced by variables like socioeconomic status, parental guidance, and access to technological resources. This proposal explores these stratifications and their impact on educational outcomes.

* Introduction:
Provide information about your topic: Background information, prevalence, and scope of the social institution. Explain the current status of the social institution and changes that need to be made here in this section of your paper (200-250 words).
Social media is ubiquitous in modern life, with children as young as seven accessing these platforms. Platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and Facebook have become common sources of entertainment, socialization, and information for this age group. The digital age, particularly the social media environment, has undoubtedly transformed the social institution of education, affecting how children learn, interact, and perceive the world around them.
According to a report by Common Sense Media in 2020, children aged 8 to 12 spend an average of 4.5 hours a day on screen media, a significant part of which is dedicated to social media. This trend has risen significantly over the past years, particularly with the global pandemic pushing more activities, including education, online.
The current status of the education institution reflects a gradual integration of technology and digital tools into learning methodologies. However, this transition is fraught with challenges and disparities. While some children enjoy resource-rich environments that allow for effective utilization of social media for educational purposes, others need access to such resources, leading to digital divides.
Additionally, unchecked social media usage raises concerns over privacy, mental health, and the development of effective social skills. Research has also highlighted potential problems such as cyberbullyi...