ERIC Number: EJ1306902
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0266-7363
EISSN: N/A
Social Media Engagement and Fear of Missing out (FOMO) in Primary School Children
D'Lima, Peter; Higgins, Andrea
Educational Psychology in Practice, v37 n3 p320-338 2021
This study explored primary school children's personal use and views of social media and the social and psychological drivers that may underpin engagement. 100 children, aged 9-11 years old, in a Welsh, urban local authority completed an online questionnaire investigating social media engagement (SME) and perceptions of use, Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), and ways to support young social media users. Six children were interviewed to further explore ways to overcome the reported challenges with SME. 82% of children surveyed used social media and a significant positive correlation was found between levels of FOMO and SME. Thematic analysis revealed that children enjoyed using social media and managed risks with assertiveness and initiative. However, conflict between competing motivations and underlying assumptions regarding stranger interaction could place children at risk. The findings convey a strong argument for more in-depth, psychologically informed, primary e-safety curricula addressing peer pressure, self-worth, and online interactions with strangers.
Descriptors: Social Media, Fear, Elementary School Students, Foreign Countries, Use Studies, Sense of Community, Parenting Styles, Student Attitudes, Peer Influence
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United Kingdom (Wales)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A

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