As I’m heading into my senior year of high school, I’ve been reflecting on all the things I’ve learned about balancing schoolwork and social media. I’ve been through it all—middle school drama, high school friend shifts, and the ups and downs that come with being a teen on social media. I thought I’d share what’s helped me along the way, especially since I know how overwhelming it can be.
Middle School was rough for me. I faced cyberbullying in a way I didn’t expect. Some kids said mean things about me online, and it really hurt. But, social media also helped me connect with people I wouldn’t normally see because they lived far away. When I felt alone, those online friends were a huge support. My biggest advice for middle schoolers? Set limits on your time online. Trust me, you need breaks to focus on yourself and your schoolwork. Also, don’t be afraid to block or unfollow anyone who’s bringing negativity into your feed. It’s your space, and you should feel good about who’s in it.
In freshman year, I found that managing social media and schoolwork was all about routine. I started setting time limits for when I’d scroll through my feed and when I’d focus on homework. If you follow study accounts or motivational pages, your social media feed can actually help you stay productive!
As a sophomore, I noticed the friend groups started shifting. It’s easy to get caught up in the petty drama that can happen, both online and in real life. My advice? Don’t feed into it. Use social media to build people up, not tear them down. You don’t need to comment on every piece of gossip that comes your way.
For juniors, things get real. The schoolwork piles up, and social media can easily become a distraction. What helped me most was using study breaks for social media, but making sure the break didn’t last longer than the study session. And, start cleaning up your digital footprint—it’s never too early to start thinking about how colleges will view your online presence.
Finally, for my fellow seniors, we’ve got this! I’ve learned that social media can be a place to showcase who you are, but it can also become a time-suck. My biggest tip? Prioritize your mental health. Don’t be afraid to unplug when things get overwhelming. Focus on what’s really important—your friends, your future, and finishing strong.
Social media has its good and bad sides, but with a little balance, it doesn’t have to control you. Stay positive, stay focused, and remember—social media should work for you, not against you.
Sarah 'Jay' Bynum, PVHS Class of '25
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