Kids have to be at least 13 to sign up for most social media platforms. But we know that many tweens work around the restriction. In doing so they can connect with peers and have fun, but they're also vulnerable to a number of risks -- mainly overuse and challenges to their social-emotional health. Reflecting on age-appropriate content and behaviors can help students think through social media's effects on all of us, regardless of our age.
Students will be able to:
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Explain why websites that collect personal information have an age requirement of 13.
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Identify the risks of targeted advertising, especially when it is targeted to children.
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Explain what age they think is best for beginning to use social media, and support their argument with specific reasons and examples.
Lesson Snapshot
Estimated time: 50 mins.
Consider:
Collection Protection
15 mins.
Analyze:
'Ad' It Up
15 mins.
Create:
Letter to My Younger Self
20 mins.
What You'll Need
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Video: When Is Your Brain Ready for Social Media?
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Student Handout: Letter to My Younger Self
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Lesson Quiz
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