Gulf Regional Innovative Teaching Conference - GRITC 2023

Social media has become a ubiquitous part of our lives. It has transformed the way we interact and communicate with each other. However, it has also created a new set of challenges, especially for our youth. The rapid growth of social media has resulted in an increase in cyberbullying, online harassment, and exposure to inappropriate content. Social media giants have done very little to protect our children. As parents and educators we struggle in this space daily. What if we gave them the skills they need to confidently navigate these issues? What if we can meet them where they are...armed with the knowledge of the space they are sitting in? In understanding the landscape of their social media lives we can have more intentional, youth led conversations which can lead to empowerment when navigating online safely.
In this conference we will discuss what the current landscape looks like, the challenges our youth face...and how we can help support them by teaching crisis management and resolution skills. We will then take a look at what these skills... coupled with encouraging positive online behavior, as well as helping them to build a healthy relationship with social media...how this can and will help to protect them in the online space. We can help protect future generations mis-steps by supporting and educating todays generation with the skills that will serve them... not just as youth... but as they grow into adulthood.