Which items are considered negative impacts of social media on high schools?

• A. Free speech issues
• B. Code of conduct policies
• C. Harassment and bullying
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Social media brings dynamics that affect school climate and policy in ways that can be harmful. Online harassment and bullying can occur quickly and scale beyond the school day, spreading rumors, targeting individuals, and creating a hostile environment that’s hard to contain. Schools then face the challenge of updating and enforcing code of conduct policies to address online behavior, cyberbullying, privacy, and the reach of off-campus posts, which can be complex and sometimes contentious as they balance discipline with rights. Free speech issues arise because administrators must navigate protecting students’ expression while maintaining a safe, respectful school setting, which can lead to debates over what can be restricted and how off-campus online statements should be treated. Seeing these factors together shows why all of these are negative impacts of social media on high schools.