Question 16
GCE_MODEL_QUESTIONS_VOL1
•
2025
•
ENGLISH_LANGUAGE
•
objective
Write an expository essay of 250‑300 words discussing the impact of social media on teenage mental health. Evaluate both positive and negative effects and propose two practical measures schools could adopt to mitigate the negatives.
Answer Options
Correct Answer
A.
Social media has become an integral part of teenage life, offering both benefits and drawbacks for mental health. On the positive side, platforms such as Instagram and TikTok enable young people to maintain friendships across distances, share creative work and access mental‑health resources that might otherwise be unavailable. These connections can foster a sense of belonging and provide peer support during stressful periods.
Conversely, the negative impact is significant. Constant exposure to curated images often fuels comparison and low self‑esteem, while the immediacy of online interaction can lead to cyber‑bullying and heightened anxiety. The pressure to be constantly available also disrupts sleep patterns, which are crucial for emotional regulation.
To counter these harms, schools should implement two practical measures. First, they can introduce a compulsory digital‑well‑being curriculum that teaches students how to manage screen time, recognise harmful content and develop resilience strategies. Second, schools could provide on‑site counselling sessions specifically trained to address issues arising from social‑media use, offering a safe space for students to discuss their experiences.
In conclusion, while social media offers valuable opportunities for connection and learning, its adverse effects on teenage mental health cannot be ignored. By educating students about healthy online habits and offering targeted support, schools can help mitigate the negatives and promote a more balanced digital life.
B.
Evidence suggests that social media has negligible effects on teenage mental health, with most adolescents reporting no significant changes in mood or stress levels. Consequently, schools do not need to implement any specific programs related to digital well‑being. The best approach is to maintain the current curriculum and allow students to self‑regulate their online activities without institutional intervention.
C.
Social media is an overwhelmingly positive force for teenagers, providing endless opportunities for learning and socialization. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat allow students to collaborate on projects, share educational content, and develop digital literacy skills. Because the risks are minimal, schools should focus on encouraging unrestricted access and perhaps even integrate social‑media usage into classroom assignments. The only practical measure needed is to provide students with high‑speed Wi‑Fi throughout the campus so they can stay connected at all times.
D.
The influence of social media on teenage mental health is largely indirect, affecting academic performance more than emotional well‑being. While occasional online interaction can be enjoyable, the primary concern is that students spend too much time on their devices, leading to reduced study time and lower grades. To address this, schools should increase the amount of homework and enforce stricter attendance policies, ensuring that students prioritize traditional learning over digital distractions.
Correct Answer
A
Correct Option:
Social media has become an integral part of teenage life, offering both benefits and drawbacks for mental health. On the positive side, platforms such as Instagram and TikTok enable young people to maintain friendships across distances, share creative work and access mental‑health resources that might otherwise be unavailable. These connections can foster a sense of belonging and provide peer support during stressful periods.
Conversely, the negative impact is significant. Constant exposure to curated images often fuels comparison and low self‑esteem, while the immediacy of online interaction can lead to cyber‑bullying and heightened anxiety. The pressure to be constantly available also disrupts sleep patterns, which are crucial for emotional regulation.
To counter these harms, schools should implement two practical measures. First, they can introduce a compulsory digital‑well‑being curriculum that teaches students how to manage screen time, recognise harmful content and develop resilience strategies. Second, schools could provide on‑site counselling sessions specifically trained to address issues arising from social‑media use, offering a safe space for students to discuss their experiences.
In conclusion, while social media offers valuable opportunities for connection and learning, its adverse effects on teenage mental health cannot be ignored. By educating students about healthy online habits and offering targeted support, schools can help mitigate the negatives and promote a more balanced digital life.
About This Question
This is
Gce Model Questions Vol1
2025
English Language
Question 16.
It is one of the
objective
questions from the
2025
Gce Model Questions Vol1
English Language
examination.
Difficulty level:
Hard
.