Should Middle School Age Children have Social Media?

     There are times that WE as adults have to make difficult decisions that are not popular. I will be the first to tell you I have high expectations for the students, faculty and myself, but I know there are going to be times WE may not meet those high expectations. Our goal is to learn from all situations and do our best to prevent future distractions here at school. Ashford Middle School and the Ashford School Communities are in the middle of making Ashford GREAT. 
      Cell phones usage is a major discussion every day, no matter what age the person is. One topic that always comes up is middle school students using social media/ group messages. This is a very hot topic and there is no right or wrong answer, as this is a parent decision. From a school standpoint some middle school students are not of age to legally have a social media account, not mature enough to handle reading or posting on social media, bullying on social media after school hours leads to problems at school, and it leads to kids making decisions based off peer pressure. 
     Parents, take time to talk to your child about social media and the dangers it may present itself to your child. As we navigate this school year and the most important years of your child’s learning, they not only have to learn the academic knowledge, they have to learn the real world knowledge that is out there. Take time to look at your child’s cell phone and have those difficult conversations with them regarding their text group or snap messages, their snap streaks, TikTok pages they follow, pictures/videos they have on their phones, or even the games they are playing on their gaming system. As a parent of two children, I know it is a difficult time they are facing and sometimes the parents have to be the bad person, but WE are all working for the same goal “making these children the best they can be and keep them as safe as we can”. While WE understand kids may need a cell phone, they need to use them responsibly and leave social media / group messages, if they are causing them distractions. 
     Please take time to read these websites and make your decision as a parent of a middle school student: 
https://www.defendyoungminds.com/post/social-media-not-smart-middle-school-kids
https://parentingteensandtweens.com/why-you-shouldnt-let-your-middle-school-kids-have-socialmedia/
https://www.king5.com/article/life/family/when-should-kids-be-allowed-social-media/281-19b0d6f9- bbb8-4fec-9257-1d9e91f6c207
https://raisingchildren.net.au/teens/entertainment-technology/digital-life/social-media
https://yourteenmag.com/technology/tweens-and-texting

                     "If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself". Henry Ford
Thank You for ​your time!
Jarod Andrews
Principal