Combating Negativity in the Classroom: A Guide for Educators on Navigating Social Media

By: Aaliyah Michael, Seasonal Public Relations Intern | Digital4Good

Negativity in the classroom is a serious issue that can significantly impact students' well-being and academic success. Various factors contribute to this harmful environment, such as bullying, gossip, and cyberbullying. These negative behaviors can have harmful effects on students' mental health, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and depression. As a result, students may experience a decline in their academic performance, struggling to concentrate, participate in class, or complete assignments effectively. 

Furthermore, individual academic performance and how students interact with their peers are a few results of negativity. 

According to the National Library of Medicine, “Peer connections and friendships often result in collaborative learning and the exchange of academic ideas, improving comprehension and retention of course materials, ultimately leading to higher GPAs.” (NIH.gov)

Those affected by negative experiences may become detached, hesitant to engage in group activities, or develop trust issues that hinder their ability to form positive relationships with classmates. This toxic atmosphere can create a cycle of negativity that affects the entire classroom environment, ultimately undermining the educational experience for all students involved.

The Impact of Negativity in the Classroom

Negativity refers to a general attitude characterized by pessimism, skepticism, and a tendency to focus on the unfavorable aspects of situations. It manifests as an expectation of negative outcomes and often involves seeing the worst in people or circumstances.

The forms of negativity include: 

1. Bullying is a repeated aggressive behavior that involves an imbalance of power, where one individual or group intentionally harms another through physical, verbal, or relational means. Bullying makes people feel small and insecure. It creates an uncomfortable, non-friendly, and threatening environment. 

1. Gossip refers to informal conversation or reports about the personal lives of others, often involving unkind or disapproving remarks. It can serve to reinforce social norms or create drama within a group. Gossiping can cause people to feel alienated, drama, lack of focus, insecurity, lack of self confidence

1. Cyber-bullying is a form of bullying that occurs through digital platforms, such as social media, text messages, or online forums. It involves the use of technology to harass, threaten, or humiliate individuals. Cyber-bullying is performed through targeting people and pressuring them to follow orders that will ultimately lead to humiliation. 

Negativity can harshly affect a student’s sense of safety at school and their ability to learn. A student could develop shame in their personal interests, a decline in mental health, and stressors added on to school-related stress. Additionally, someone could get hurt physically as a result of these factors.

‘Times Higher Education’ states, “Unproductive negative emotions can lead to low motivation or disengagement, which can negatively impact a student’s learning experience and present challenging environments and dynamics for educators to navigate during class.” - Emotions and learning: what role do emotions play in how and why students learn?

Students would feel uncomfortable to socialize and learn in a toxic classroom environment. Other students could potentially be pressured to engage in negative behavior if they see their peers doing so. 

Negativity of Social Media 

The speed and reach of social media amplify these negative experiences, allowing private moments to be disseminated to a wide audience almost instantaneously. This invasion of privacy not only embarrasses the targeted individual but also creates a hostile environment that extends beyond the physical classroom. The constant threat of personal information being exposed or misrepresented on social media platforms can lead to increased anxiety, self-consciousness, and a reluctance to participate fully in school activities. Consequently, social media's role in perpetuating classroom negativity can significantly impact students' sense of safety, self-esteem, and overall well-being, ultimately hindering their academic and social development.

Strategies to Combat Negativity

By implementing these strategies, educators can create an environment that not only combats negativity but also fosters engagement, reduces stress, and promotes a safe, positive learning experience for all students.

1. Facilitate open discussions with students about negativity, bullying, and online behavior which will foster a safe space.
2. Design fun, interactive activities that make these topics engaging and interesting for students. For example, using platforms like Kahoot! or Quizizz to create competitive, game-like quizzes could be an engaging interactive activity for students. Topics such as online safety, digital citizenship, or media literacy could be the focus of these activities.
3. Develop a positive classroom culture that encourages learning, support, and respect.
4. Reduce stress and drama by addressing issues proactively and teaching conflict resolution skills. For example, you could assign group work that requires students to practice their conflict resolution skills in real-life situations. A project on researching differing viewpoints then finding common ground could strengthen conflict resolution skills. Providing guidance and feedback will help them navigate challenges and learn from their experiences. 
5. Actively spread positivity through daily affirmations, recognition of achievements, and peer support. For example, holding short weekly meetings where students can share their successes, academic or personal, would celebrate individual efforts while promoting a supportive community. 

Addressing negativity in the classroom is crucial for creating a positive and safe learning environment. By tackling this issue head-on, educators can:

• Ensure student safety: A classroom free from negativity provides a secure space where students can focus on learning without fear of ridicule or harassment.
• Foster community building: When negativity is addressed, it paves the way for stronger, more supportive relationships among students.
• Cultivate trust among peers: By reducing negative interactions, students can develop trust in one another, leading to more open and collaborative learning experiences.
• Shift focus to learning: When negativity is minimized, students can concentrate on their studies rather than being distracted by negative externalities.

We strongly encourage educators, administrators, and parents to take action by implementing the strategies discussed in this article. By doing so, you can create a classroom environment that prioritizes positivity, safety, and effective learning. Digital4Good understands the importance of safety online and works to educate users on digital literacy via courses, curriculum, presentations, and more.

Keeping users informed through our blogs, like this one, also encourages users to continuously stay educated on digital topics. Together, we can create learning spaces that nurture growth, foster understanding, and prepare students for success in both their academic pursuits and life beyond the classroom. To learn more about topics like this check Digital4Good out on TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook.