Social Networks in the Mental Health of Adolescents in Urban Environments of Ecuador

Abstract

The use of social media in the school environment has raised concerns about its effects on students' emotional and academic well-being. This study analyzes teachers' perceptions regarding the influence of social media on adolescents, focusing on emotional changes, academic performance, and the educational strategies needed for healthy usage. A qualitative approach was used, with the Focus Group technique, to gather teachers' opinions on social media usage in the school context. The participants were 30 teachers from different fields, selected from secondary educational institutions in the city. The instrument used was a guide with open-ended questions designed to explore topics such as social media usage, emotional changes, academic issues, cyberbullying, and educational strategies. The responses were analyzed categorically. The results revealed a widespread concern about the negative effects of excessive social media use on students. Teachers highlighted issues such as distraction, anxiety, stress, and decreased academic performance. A lack of education on the healthy use of social media was also identified. It is concluded that educational institutions must intervene to promote responsible social media use by implementing educational programs and strategies to prevent cyberbullying. Additionally, the need for collaboration between families and schools is emphasized.