157: Young People’s health-related learning through social media: What do teachers need to know?

Dr Victoria Goodyear & Professor Kathleen Armour, University of Birmingham (2021)

A summary of the results of a qualitative study examining young people’s formal and informal learning, and the support required to help them to improve their health and wellbeing. The study explored health-related social media policies and practices in UK schools, and considered the perspectives of young people, teachers and key stakeholders in education and health (researchers, professionals and practitioners). There were 170 participants in total, including young people (n=135, aged 13-18), teachers (n=9), community workers (n=6), and researchers (n=20). A multi-method approach (combining focus group interviews, workshops and seminars) was used to engage with multiple and varying groups of participants at different stages of the research. Data were collected in the UK between 2016 and 2017. The data were analysed using Thematic Analysis.