Recent brain research has shown that the frontal lobe of the brain is not fully developed until after high school age. This is the area that helps us reason, make good judgments, and problem solve. It helps us to realize the consequences of actions which reduces impulsivity and risky behaviors.
The scary fact is that social media is inundated with adolescents who may not have the skills to safely and appropriately use these sites. The consequences of posting inappropriate and/or unsafe information about oneself can be devastating.
I created the Safebook product to help students to think before they post, “like,” or upload photos and videos to social media sites. It targets perspective taking skills by asking students to take on many character roles of people who may be viewing their social media.
While beneficial for all ages using social media, it is especially important for students with poor perspective taking skills (ASD), impulsivity (ADHD), and students with decreased ability to understand cause and effect relationships (Learning Disabilities).
Safebook targets judgment, reasoning, safety, cause-effect relationships, perspective taking, and social skills while connecting to real world experiences as found on popular social media sites.
Appropriate for all ages using social media and critical for students with higher level Autism Spectrum Disorders, Attention Deficit Disorder, and students with generalized learning and language weaknesses.
Students can play in a one-on-one setting, small group, or large group. Three types of cards are used to describe ways of interacting on social media: Direct posts, "liked" and linked sites, and pictures and uploaded videos. The comments, "likes", links, and visuals are reviewed through the lens of varying identified persons and determined if they are appropriate, safe, or inappropriate (unexpected).
"Know Your Audience" Perspective Taking Board/Mat
Cards:
Direct Status Posts
Shared/"liked"link
Photo/Video Uploads
"create-your-own pages
Thumbs Up/Down Chips
Answer Key: including explanations of online:
Safety, TMI, Negativity, Rudeness, Permission, Bragging
Thanks for checking out this blog post in an area that I'm very passionate about. Our students can be so vulnerable and I believe that we as educators are able to help our students make smart decisions.
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