Media competence of young people - Effects of media consumption on schools in Saxony
Optimism over Future Anxiety: The Impact of Media Consumption is Increasingly Becoming a Topic at Saxon Schools. Social Media Platforms like TikTok or Instagram are in the Spotlight. A Flood of Negative News about Wars, Crises, and Disasters is Making Students Anxious, According to a Blog Post by the Saxon Ministry of Education.
Living in a Constant Crisis
"I notice that many students feel overwhelmed and helpless. They feel like they're living in a constant crisis where they can't do anything and nothing is being done for them. Their feelings of helplessness are exacerbated by the many news updates they receive daily through social media," explained Amy Kirchhoff, Chairperson of the Saxon State Student Council.
Neuroscientist Maren Urner sees further consequences for the younger generation due to the prevalence of social media: "Firstly, there's the constant availability. The internet and smartphones create a constant pressure, accompanied by questions like: What could I be missing right now? When will my friends react to my post, story, or video?"
Consuming Negative News Can Lead to a Negative Worldview
According to Urner, there's a proven link between long social media usage times and feelings of loneliness and mental illnesses like depression. Consuming negative news in an addictive manner can lead to an overly negative worldview and helplessness during this crucial life stage.
Strengthening Resilience with Positive News
At the Oberschule Elstra (Bautzen district), they're countering this trend with positive news. Principal Jana Schwan introduced a "Future Workshop" last school year, where students work on self-chosen projects every Friday, focusing on topics like helping others, the environment, animals, or plants.
"We don't just want to talk about how we can drive sustainable development, we want to get into action," Schwan reported. To strengthen the students' resilience against a dominance of bad news, the Future Workshop starts with "Good News," such as reports about new Arctic protected areas or less waste in Germany.
"After that, we get into action ourselves and create 'Good News' in Elstra by doing something good together with the children right here on the spot," the principal explained. Students have already used magnetic fishing to remove metal debris from local waters, built insect hotels or birdhouses, planted wildflower meadows, apple trees, sung in a hospice, or beautified the schoolyard.
Positive News as a Counterbalance
Amy Kirchhoff from the State Student Council sees this as a constructive approach: "Negative news is presented more prominently in the media. It's sensible to talk about positive news and create a counterbalance." It's particularly effective when children and young people can actively co-shape their school. Instead of feeling helpless, they can experience a sense of self-efficacy.
"To combat this overwhelming sense of helplessness and focus on positive change, Amy Kirchhoff suggests that schools should give more attention to positive news and allow students to contribute to creating their own 'Good News'."
"The implementation of activities like the 'Future Workshop' at Oberschule Elstra, focusing on positive news and action, can significantly help students stay resilient against the dominance of negative news, thereby enhancing their sense of focus and self-efficacy."
