Anti-Social Media? A Powerful Secondary School Assembly on Social Media, Mental Health & Online Safety

Looking for a thought-provoking, research-informed assembly that gets students genuinely reflecting on their relationship with social media?

This engaging and highly relevant assembly explores the impact of social media on young people, combining current research, discussion opportunities, video clips and practical strategies to help students take greater control of their online habits.

Perfect for KS3, KS4 and KS5 students, the assembly moves beyond simple “social media is bad” messages and instead encourages balanced, critical thinking about how technology influences attention, wellbeing, sleep, relationships and mental health.

Students will explore:

• Why social media is so difficult to put down
• How platforms are designed to capture and hold attention
• The psychology behind notifications, likes, streaks and infinite scrolling
• The impact of social comparison and FOMO
• Social media and mental health research findings
• Body image, filters and unrealistic online portrayals
• Sleep disruption and constant connectivity
• Cyberbullying and its long-term consequences
• AI, deepfakes and misinformation
• The UK’s Online Safety Act and growing age verification measures
• Practical strategies for creating healthier online habits

Includes:

✔ Full assembly PowerPoint
✔ Discussion questions throughout
✔ Student reflection opportunities
✔ Multiple video clip links included
✔ Research-informed content from organisations including Ofcom, the Royal Society for Public Health, Anti-Bullying Alliance and other reputable sources
✔ Positive and balanced approach rather than fear-based messaging
✔ Suitable for whole-school delivery

Why teachers like this assembly

Unlike many assemblies on social media, this resource avoids simply telling students to spend less time online. Instead, it helps them understand how social media platforms are designed, why they can feel so addictive, and how young people can make informed decisions about their own use.

The assembly encourages meaningful discussion around attention, wellbeing, online safety, digital literacy and personal responsibility while acknowledging the positive role social media can play when used appropriately.

Ideal for:

• Whole-school assemblies
• Tutor time programmes
• PSHE
• RSHE
• Mental Health Awareness events
• Safer Internet Day
• Digital Citizenship education
• Online Safety initiatives

Please also visit my TES Assembly Store where over 100 assemblies are available on a huge range of topics.