A Mobile World

A Mobile World The Use of Cell Phones and the Role of Social Media in School Counseling: 

A Mobile World The Use of Cell Phones and the Role of Social Media in School Counseling

Who is Using Social Media: 

Who is Using Social Media 95% of teens aged 14-17 use the internet. This percentage spans all income and social groups. 75% of all adults over 18 use the internet. The use of “smart phones” has doubled from 2009-2011. 53% of teens, 64% of 25-35, and 47% of 35-54 years olds use a smart phone with data capabilities

What are They Doing? : 

What are They Doing? 3 of the top 10 downloaded apps were social media applications; Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Facebook was the second most used app. (The most used was the app store itself.) 80% of smart phone users are logging on to Facebook.

What Does it All Mean? : 

What Does it All Mean? The way students and parents are accessing web content is changing 66% of young adults now own laptops instead of desktop computers. People are consuming information on-the-go and wirelessly.

Implications for Counseling Programs: 

Implications for Counseling Programs Counselors need to be aware of how students are obtaining information. Providing an outlet for media to be dispersed efficiently needs to be a priority for counseling programs. Twitter Feeds, Facebook pages, and mobile compatible websites can boost the visibility and accessibility of your program.

Twitter: 

Twitter Twitter is a micro-blogging service that allows users to post short 140 character updates. Twitter is a great way to post reminders, updates, and share links with students and parents about upcoming events. Twitter is not as commonly used by students, but is popular amongst 25-45 year olds. Content can be tailored to connect and share information with parents.

Facebook: 

Facebook Facebook provides a platform for users to engage with one another, ask questions, and post information. Facebook can be used to conduct polls to determine appropriate services and programs for students and parents. Facebook can also be used to help organize events and spread information and details about specific topics.

YouTube: 

YouTube Video content is a great way to reach student populations. Videos pertaining to suicide prevention, alcohol and drug use, and other pertinent teen issues could be important for your program. Videos pertaining to college applications, financial aide, technical schools, and careers are also great content for students to have access to.

Blogger, Word Press, and Type Pad: 

Blogger, Word Press, and Type Pad Blogs are a great way to create a central hub for all your social media outlets. Popular blogging services such as those listed above, have built-in mobile capability, are easily customizable, and have the ability to link to Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites. Blogs also allow content to be available to those who choose not to sign up for social media accounts.

Make Yourself Known: 

Make Yourself Known Spread the word about your social media presence by placing your twitter handles, Facebook links, and account names in school newsletters, posters, and anywhere you can get them around campus. Spend time developing a logo/icon/avatar that ties all your social media platforms together. Content is king! It is better to have one account that is active and continually updated with new content, than many accounts that lie dormant.

Examples: 

Examples Mr. Eric Sheninger is a principal at New Milford High School in New Jersey He uses twitter to update his followers (parents, students, and others) on school sports results, praise for specific events, creating awareness about events, and recommending services to parents and students https://twitter.com/#!/NMHS_Principal

Examples : 

Examples Counselors can use twitter to post information about the most popular colleges in the state. Facebook polls can be created to determine student views on subjects. Twitter updates can remind students about upcoming deadlines for applications. YouTube videos about specific careers can help to spark interest in a career day.

Something Familiar: 

Something Familiar Social Media provides a familiar platform for students to communicate with. Students who may normally not feel comfortable speaking aloud or with someone may be more comfortable speaking through a social media platform. “ When we have class discussions, I don’t really feel the need to speak up or anything,” said one of her students, Justin Lansink, 17. “When you type something down, it’s a lot easier to say what I feel. ” in response to using twitter in a classroom discussion Students use twitter for a group discussion

A Closing Reminder: 

A Closing Reminder While social media provides counselors and educators with a great opportunity to reach out to students and parents and provides a mode of communication for those who are less likely to speak face to face, social media also carries responsibilities. Refer to ethical standards if you notice a situation that needs to be addressed. Don’t be afraid to reach out to a student and meet with them face to face. You may be held responsible for content posted. Be sure to post with integrity and maintain the security of all accounts.

References: 

http://nielsen.com/content/dam/corporate/us/en/reports-downloads/2011-Reports/state-of-mobile-Q3-2011.pdf http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/06/22/internet-usage-statistics_n_620946.html http://pewinternet.org/Static-Pages/Trend-Data-for-Teens/Whos-Online.aspx http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2010/Social-Media-and-Young-Adults/Summary-of-Findings.aspx http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2011-07-24-schools-social-media_n.htm http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/13/education/13social.html?pagewanted=all References