Should Schools Teach Social Media Literacy?

Lexile: 1050 | Grade: 9

Passage

In today’s world, most teenagers interact with social media daily. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat shape not only how students communicate, but also how they think, compare themselves, and understand the world. Given its powerful influence, schools should begin teaching social media literacy as a regular part of the curriculum.

Many students learn how to use apps, but few learn how to navigate them critically. They are exposed to idealized images, persuasive content, and emotionally charged videos, often without understanding the algorithms behind them. Studies show that excessive social media use is linked to increased anxiety, depression, and poor self-esteem—especially among teens who compare their lives to carefully edited posts.

Social media literacy would not mean banning social media or discouraging creativity. Instead, it would teach students how to recognize misleading information, identify emotional manipulation, and reflect on the mental health impact of their online habits. It’s not just about screen time—it’s about screen awareness.

Critics argue that schools are already overwhelmed with academic requirements and limited time. However, just as schools teach students how to read books and write essays, they must also prepare students for the digital texts they see every day. Ignoring the role of social media in students' lives would be like ignoring the water fish swim in.

In conclusion, social media isn’t going away. Instead of leaving students to figure it out on their own, schools should give them the tools to think clearly, act responsibly, and maintain mental well-being in a connected world. In the age of influence, literacy must go beyond paper.