Optimizing Social Media for Youth Health and Well-Being: A New Agenda for Physical Education Teachers

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 2
  In Roundtable Session: Roundtable 1. Examining Teaching Through the Teachers Eyes: Research With Physical Education Teachers

Abstract

This paper contributes to existing knowledge by providing new evidence, from a youth perspective, on the ways in which youth engagement with social media can be better supported by PE teachers to optimise the health-related benefits and minimise the risks. The fieldwork took place in the UK with 1347 youth (age 13-19; m=478; f=863; undeclared=6) and was carried out in 10 schools. Two themes were present in the data: (i) improving teacher empathy and (ii) enhancing the PE curriculum. Based on the data generated we argue that a research programme focussing on developing effective professional learning for digital youth agency is required, and that the PE profession could lead the way in addressing wider digital health and wellbeing policy/practice agendas.

Authors

• Victoria Anne Goodyear, University of Birmingham

• Kathleen M. Armour, University of Birmingham

• Mark Griffiths, University of Birmingham