SOCIO-EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING OF YOUNG LEARNERS EXPOSED TO SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS: A CASE STUDY ANALYSIS

In recent years, the proliferation of social media platforms has significantly influenced various aspects of individuals' lives, including the socio-emotional well-being of young learners. As digital natives, young learners are increasingly exposed to social media platforms from an early age, shaping their interactions, perceptions, and behaviors both online and offline. This qualitative multiple-case study aimed to explore the socio-emotional well-being of young learners exposed to social media platforms in East-Tacurong District, Sultan Kudarat, during the school year 2024-2025. The study involved 15 teachers who met the inclusion criteria and utilized semi-structured interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) as research instruments. Data analysis employed a thematic approach to examine participants' insights. The findings revealed that social media significantly impacts young learners' socio-emotional development, offering both benefits and risks. Positive aspects include fostering social connections, self-expression, and emotional support, while negative effects involve cyberbullying, social comparison, addiction, and mental health issues. Coping strategies such as open communication, setting boundaries, and developing digital literacy emerged as key to mitigating the adverse effects. The study emphasizes the importance of digital literacy programs, parental guidance, and the promotion of healthy online habits to safeguard young learners’ emotional well-being. Recommendations include integrating digital literacy and social-emotional learning into the curriculum, providing teacher training on digital well-being, and promoting parental involvement. Additionally, future research should explore the effectiveness of digital literacy programs and investigate how parental guidance influences children’s social media usage. In conclusion, while social media presents challenges, its responsible use, supported by education and guidance, can significantly enhance young learners' socio-emotional growth and development.