Increasing morale within schools can be easily enhanced with the correct application of the right social media tools. Traditionally to help increase morale it is ideal to take notice of what your students are doing well, take the time to listen to your students, and demonstrate your appreciation for their efforts. All of these actions can be enhanced and supported through online activities. Since students naturally use online tools, using these tools to become more involved with students’ learning and development a perfect fit.

The following are some suggestions as to how your school can utilize social media to increase the morale of your students and aid in giving back:

1. Feature your school’s sports teams and other special interest groups

Highlight achievements and promote events. Nothing feels better than having a full house at your team’s games and being cheered on by your supporters. Being active on platforms such as Twitter and Facebook can help build a community and provide a common place to demonstrate support, promote your teams/groups and add a sense of unity and encourage students to get involved.

2. Promote events and charitable/fundraiser efforts

Use social media to remind students, parents and your community of upcoming events and share your successes. These events may include everything from parent-teacher interviews, to food drives, to prom. How great would it be to be able to go on your school’s Facebook page and be able to share and look back at the difference you made within your community with your latest food drive or car wash? Social networks also provide the perfect place to share success stories and the positive outcomes of fundraisers. Furthermore these networks create an archive of fun events, such as field trips and sports days.

3. Provide support and tips to your students

Everybody can always use some words of encouragements and motivation. We all have those moments when we are supposed to be concentrating on studying for exams or writing an essay when the word “break” or writers block comes to mind, the first place a lot of us usually go is to an online social networking tool (or for some of us it may be the dreaded fridge!). As a school, being active online and providing educational tips to your students can be extremely helpful and convenient as the information and support is right where your students are, by default. This type of support can not only provide that little extra push just when one needs it but it will also show that you care and are making a conscious effort to invest in your student’s successes.

4. Create easy-to-access online databases for your students

Compiling an online archive can help make stressful milestones less daunting. Some of the simplest tasks such as finding your classrooms on your first day of high school, choosing your elective classes, or making new friends can be stressful. Providing an easy way for your students to connect online and providing simple information such as maps, links to information about choosing classes, school teams and social clubs, can help ease extra anxiety.

5. Other helpful links, inspiration and help

Use social media channels to provide general encouragement, positive influence, and support. Some students may not feel comfortable asking for help or advice from their teachers or peers. Providing links to information, such as social services or assistance within your community is a perfect way to provide help to those students who may not feel comfortable speaking up about problems they may be facing either at school or at home. This may also be the perfect opportunity to encourage students and parents to get involved and take-part in fun events and activities within your community. Your school can become the go-to source for updates and information for families, making the job of being active and involved that much easier for today’s busy parent.

An alternative to using social media networks such as Facebook and Twitter, may be to use a private social network. Using private networks can help ease concerns that some parents or schools may have about sharing information publicly. A network that would work well within schools is Speechbobble. This instance is user friendly and has added bonuses such as awarding points and badges for being active within the community by uploading information, pictures, documents, feedback, comments or by simply anonymously answering a poll.

The following infographic demonstrates some interesting insight into some of the ways students are currently using social media.