Social Media and Children with Special Needs

For special needs educators, social media offers various benefits as a tool for learning. There are, of course, risks that come along with social media and the internet, such as security and cyberbullying, but that does not mean we shouldn’t take advantage of the intrinsic benefits. The main benefits of social media in special needs education include:

For many children diagnosed with ASD, making eye contact with others can cause anxiety and hinder their ability to perform in the classroom. Social media allows children to interact and participate in a way that is more conducive to them.

Educational Benefits of Social Media

Social media and technology are becoming increasingly prevalent in our daily lives, including educational institutions. Social media not only provides a platform for children with special needs to interact in a way that is best suited for them – but it also comes with numerous other educational benefits, such as:

Social media has the power to open new horizons for children with special needs, both inside and outside of the classroom. Giving students the tools and guidance to constructively engage with social media and online platforms is imperative to thrive in today’s technologically-driven society.

How To Use Social Media In The Classroom 

There are many fun and beneficial ways to incorporate social media into your daily curriculum with the seemingly endless online tools and platforms available. Some fun and collaborative ideas are:

Did you know?

The role of social media in education is quickly evolving, and special needs educators are at the forefront when it comes to ensuring inclusivity for their students. While we must be vigilant regarding the potential dangers of social media, we must ensure the special needs community is not left out and is allowed to reap the benefits.