Lesson Plan: On ‘Being 13’

Students explore this immersive Times feature, engage in cross-generational conversations about the issues raised, and experiment with expert advice on healthy phone and social media habits. 

By Jeremy Engle and Katherine Schulten

NY Times Learning Network

Oct. 12, 2023

The New York Times lesson plan “On ‘Being 13’” by Jeremy Engle and Katherine Schulten, is designed to help students explore the effects of social media on teenagers, as highlighted in Jessica Bennett's article, “Being 13.” This interactive lesson aims to engage students in understanding the complex dynamics of adolescence in the digital age. Bennett’s article follows three teenage girls from different states—Addi, Anna, and London—and uses their diaries, texts, and voice memos to illustrate the daily impacts of social media on their lives.

In this lesson, students begin by examining notifications similar to those received by the teens in the article, identifying recurring themes and reflecting on how these notifications mirror or differ from their own experiences. The main activity encourages students to read the article while selecting impactful lines to discuss with peers. This exercise not only facilitates comprehension but also brings to light shared experiences or concerns among classmates regarding social media use.

A set of detailed discussion questions invites students to delve deeper into the article's themes. Topics range from adolescent brain development, particularly the impulsive behavior described by Mitch Prinstein of the American Psychological Association, to the unique challenges girls face with social media, such as higher rates of anxiety and depression compared to boys. Additionally, students consider the role of parents in managing their children’s digital lives and explore how the digital world might amplify the traditional struggles of adolescence, like insecurity and social hierarchy.

The lesson includes two further sections for exploration. First, students are encouraged to engage in “13 Conversation Starters Inspired by ‘Being 13,’” which are prompts meant to foster intergenerational discussions about social media and adolescence. These questions, which can be discussed in journals, classrooms, or with family members, aim to build understanding between teenagers and adults. For example, they might discuss whether being 13 is harder today than in previous generations, or which online platforms foster positive or negative experiences.

The second section, “Going Further,” prompts students to learn about the effects of social media on their well-being and to try various strategies for healthier phone and social media habits. Using advice from sources such as the American Psychological Association, the students are encouraged to select techniques that might improve their digital habits. They then test these strategies over a set period and reflect on their effectiveness, noting any changes in behavior, mood, or social interactions. This process allows students to take an active role in understanding and managing their relationship with social media.

Overall, this lesson plan encourages critical reflection and practical experimentation to help students navigate social media responsibly, providing a platform for them to learn, discuss, and build healthy habits in a digital world.

Original Article

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Prepared with the assistance of AI software

OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com