Redefining the New Media Divide

In response to the pervasive influence of social media on students, GNS has enlisted the support of renowned social media and digital literacy expert Jesse Miller (mediatedreality.ca) to deliver a series of workshops to our Senior School students. The workshop rationale is grounded in extensive research, aiming to empower students to responsibly engage with social media and create a positive digital footprint for themselves. The primary objective of the workshop is to educate students about the benefits and risks associated with social media use, foster responsible online behaviour, and empower them to make informed decisions when using these platforms. 

By the end of the workshops, students should be able to:

• Understand the impact of social media on personal, academic, and professional lives.
• Recognize and manage the risks associated with online privacy, cyberbullying, and misinformation.
• Develop critical thinking skills to evaluate online content.
• Promote positive digital citizenship and online etiquette.
• Utilize social media effectively for networking, learning, and personal growth.

Here are some questions that parents could ask their children to learn more about the topics covered in the social media workshop and continue discussions at home:

Understanding the Impact

• “Can you share an example of how social media has positively or negatively influenced your personal life recently?”
• “In what ways do you think your use of social media can impact your academic and professional future?”

Recognizing and Managing Risks

• “Have you ever encountered situations online where you felt your privacy was at risk? How did you handle it?”
• “What would you do if you witnessed someone being cyberbullied or if you were a target yourself?”

Developing Critical Thinking Skills

• “How do you determine if information you come across on social media is reliable or accurate?”
• “Can you share an experience where critical thinking helped you navigate through online content effectively?”

Promoting Positive Digital Citizenship

• “What does being a responsible digital citizen mean to you?”
• “How can you contribute to creating a positive online environment for yourself and others?”

Utilizing Social Media Effectively

• “In what ways do you currently use social media for learning or personal growth?”
• “Can you think of an instance where networking on social media positively impacted a goal or interest of yours?”

Encouraging open conversations about these topics will not only help parents understand their children’s perspectives but also foster a supportive environment for responsible and mindful social media use.

In addition to the workshops for students, we’d like to provide parents, caregivers, and members of our GNS community the chance to also benefit from Jesse’s expertise in these areas. We are offering an additional free information night with Jesse Miller on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, from 7 to 8 p.m. in Denford Hall. All parents and GNS community members are welcome to attend. When you RSVP you can select either the LIvestream or In-Person viewing option. A livestream link will be sent to you on the day of the event.

>> Click here to RSVP