About this resource
Social media can connect, entertain and inform, and it can also affect mood, sleep and confidence. This reflection helps young people look at the apps they use, how they feel after using them, what they get out of them and what they might want to change, without judgement.
Purpose
To help young people notice how their online habits affect them and choose changes on their own terms.
Who it is for
Primary profession: Youth workers. Also relevant for counsellors and therapists, educators and school support staff.
Client or participant group: Young people aged about 12 to 25.
Practice setting: Youth services, school wellbeing programs and group work.
Suggested uses
- Wellbeing conversations
- Group sessions on online life
- Sleep and mood support
- Following up on online conflict or comparison
Instructions for practitioners
- Take a balanced view that recognises benefits as well as risks.
- Let the young person lead decisions about change.
- Explore sleep, comparison and conflict gently.
- Follow your organisation's procedures if harm, exploitation or bullying is disclosed.
Instructions for clients or participants
- List the apps you use.
- Rate how you usually feel after using each one.
- Choose one change, if you want to.
Accessibility considerations
Can be discussed verbally or completed on a phone.
Scope and limitations
A reflective activity. It does not assess problematic internet use or mental health.
Research basis
Australian eSafety guidance supports young people, families and educators to stay safe online and to report harm.
- eSafety Commissioner. Advice and resources for young people, parents and educators. https://www.esafety.gov.au/
What is included
A 2-page printable A4 PDF, including a practitioner notes page with the research basis (version 1.0).
Originality
Original Practitioner Plus content: wording, activity structure, layout and icons were created for this resource. No third-party worksheets, illustrations or text were reproduced.
