Using social media in school social work

I work as a school social worker in a comprehensive school and my job is to support students wellbeing, help build a positive school environment and offer easy-to-access support for students who need someone to talk to. My work involves close cooperation with students, parents and school staff. In recent years digital tools and especially social media have become important. They make communication easier, support professional development and give young people support that’s easy to reach.

Digital tools as part of everyday work

I use different digital services in my daily work like Wilma, email and video calls such as Teams and Zoom. They make it possible to stay in touch with parents, networks and teachers and they also let me keep records of my work and follow how students are doing at school. Even though these systems are official and often administrative, social media brings a different side to the job. It adds speed, accessibility and a human touch in a way that traditional channels don’t always manage.

Digital tools are nowadays natural part of a school social worker’s everyday work. They not only make practical tasks easier but also allow for a more flexible way of working. Remote connections make it possible to arrange meetings when face-to-face contact isn’t possible for example due to illness or long distances. Communication through email and Wilma helps keep the link between home and school going beyond just in-person meetings and supports collaboration in everyday situations.

Digital tools also make it possible to share things like exercises or videos that support students’ emotional skills or stress management. They offer a chance to strengthen the student’s own initiative and independent work between meetings. On the other hand using digital tools also requires careful thinking especially when it comes to data security and privacy. It’s important to know which tool fits in which situation and how to handle information in a responsible way.

Using WhatsApp to support contact with students and parents

WhatsApp is one of the most commonly used ways to communicate among young people and families. Through it I can arrange meetings and be easily reachable for quick everyday matters. Many young people find texting easier than talking face to face and this can be especially helpful when the support they need is related to things like anxiety or nervousness. The app’s speed and simplicity make it an effective tool. Still it’s important to protect privacy and remember not to share any personal information through WhatsApp.

Facebook as a tool for support and professional discussion

I’m part of a closed Facebook group for school social workers from all over Finland. In the group people share up-to-date information, ask for advice and offer peer support for everyday work. It’s empowering to see that many other professionals are dealing with similar questions and situations. Through the group I’ve gotten new ideas for things like running student groups and improving forms. This kind of peer network is especially important when you’re working alone as the only social worker in a school.

YouTube as a way to support learning and emotional skills

YouTube has turned out to be a useful channel for working with emotional skills and well-being. I’ve used videos in mindfulness exercises and as support during conversations about stress, bullying or self-esteem. Videos offer visual and engaging ways to deal with even difficult topics and can also help start conversations. Students often respond positively to videos and using them adds variety to our meetings.

Especially with younger students, videos can help make abstract ideas like empathy easier to understand. It’s also easy to return to the same video later, which supports ongoing learning. I’ve sometimes guided students to watch short exercises at home too, which lets them practice skills at their own pace and gives families tools to support them in daily life. In some cases we’ve searched for videos together that really speak to the student and their experiences, which makes the content feel more personal and meaningful.

YouTube offers a wide range of different kinds of videos, so it’s important to check the reliability and suitability of the content beforehand. It should be educationally sound and ethically appropriate, especially when working with children and young people. When chosen carefully YouTube can be a valuable extra tool that supports student participation and the development of emotional skills in a versatile way.

ChatGPT as a tool for planning and content creation

ChatGPT is a new tool but it has already proven to be really helpful. I use it when planning group sessions or one-on-one meetings. For example, if I’m preparing a session about stress management I can ask for ideas for exercises or get simple explanations about emotions and how the body reacts. Even though I’m always responsible for the final content, ChatGPT works as a great thinking partner and helps me turn ideas into concrete plans. It saves time and lets me focus more on the actual interaction.

LinkedIn as a professional network and source of information

LinkedIn gives me a way to build a professional profile and connect with others working in social work and education. I follow different organizations and experts there. Through the platform I get up-to-date information about trainings, projects and publications. Even though LinkedIn isn’t directly connected to my work with students, it supports my professional identity and helps me stay updated on changes in the field.

Articles, discussions and experiences shared by other professionals offer perspectives that I can use to improve my own work. The platform also allows me to join conversations and share my own knowledge, which helps me feel part of a wider professional community. This kind of interaction can be inspiring and provide peer support.

LinkedIn is also a good tool for putting my skills into words and making them visible. Updating my profile makes me reflect on my expertise and where I want to grow. It supports continuous learning and makes it possible to find new contacts and collaboration opportunities that I might not come across otherwise.

Even if LinkedIn isn’t used in direct client work, it plays an important role in my professional development and in following current topics. It’s a reminder that a school social worker’s job is part of a broader social and educational context that is always evolving.

Benefits and challenges of social media

Using social media brings a lot of opportunities to my work. Through it I can reach students, parents and other professionals quickly. The work feels easier when I have familiar and useful tools. Also professional communities on social media offer support and increase the feeling of belonging.

On the other hand social media also brings challenges. Data security and privacy are major concerns especially when working with minors. It’s important to keep work and free time separate and make sure using these apps is based on knowledge and careful thought. It’s also important to remember that not all students or families have the same access to digital tools.

What makes a digital tool successful

A successful digital tool is easy to use, accessible and truly serves the purpose of the work. It doesn’t replace face-to-face contact but supports it. It’s also important to have clear rules for using it and to make sure the tool is safe. In addition it should be flexible so it can be used in different situations and meet the needs of different user groups. At its best a digital tool makes everyday work easier, increases participation and supports wellbeing.

Self-reflection

Doing this task made me think about my own digital skills and how I use different apps in my work. I noticed that I already use many social media tools naturally in my daily work but taking a closer look at how I use them was still helpful. I learned new ways to think about digital accessibility and got confirmation that technology can support my work in many ways. In the future I want to develop my skills especially in data security and digital inclusion and encourage other professionals to use digital tools in their everyday work too.

Kela and the European Health Insurance Card

As a student I used the services provided by Kela when I was studying full-time. I received student financial aid as well as a student loan. Student financial aid allows many to fully focus on their studies without constant financial stress. In addition, the government-guaranteed student loan is a good extra support especially when it is not possible to work alongside studies. It is great that in Finland there is a system like this that helps young people get an education and build their future.

Because I travel a lot I have had a European Health Insurance Card for a long time. The card brings peace of mind when traveling in Europe as it entitles you to necessary medical care in EU and EEA countries at the same cost as locals. Even though I have not yet had to use the card its existence is an important safeguard in case of unexpected situations. It is good that the card can be easily obtained through Kela’s online service and that getting it is free of charge.

OmaKanta

The next task was related to the OmaKanta service which allows access to one’s own health information. Logging in was done with bank credentials and the whole process was very clear.

In OmaKanta I could see for example vaccination records, laboratory and X-ray results, as well as summaries of doctor visits. A service I use there often is renewing prescriptions. It is reassuring to see how all the information is stored digitally. In addition, OmaKanta offers the possibility to review and manage one’s own treatment decisions and to give consents for example for sharing information between different healthcare providers. This increases transparency and gives the patient more control over matters related to their care. It is also possible to check when and where health information has been accessed which adds a greater sense of data security.

I find it important that the OmaKanta service is available regardless of time and place. For example, when traveling or moving from one locality to another it is easy to check health information without paper documents.

Reliable or not? Experiences with Amazon Online Store

Amazon is one of the world’s largest and most well-known online stores. It is a wide selection and competitive prices attract buyers to purchase a variety of products ranging from electronics to books, clothing, and household items. Based on my own experiences, Amazon is mostly a reliable service, especially when orders are placed directly from Amazon’s warehouse (“Sold by Amazon” or “Fulfilled by Amazon”). Products have generally arrived on time, and the return processes are clear and functional.

Amazon’s biggest advantage is its convenience: products can be ordered with just a couple of clicks, and the selection is often broader and cheaper than in physical stores. Product reviews also help in making purchasing decisions. For example, the same electronic device that costs 120 euros in a store may cost only 90 euros on Amazon. However, shipping fees and possible customs charges can increase the price, so the final savings depend on the situation. Especially for rarer products, Amazon may be the only reasonable option since not everything is available in Finnish online stores or physical shops.

However, there are also risks associated with the service. The biggest risk involves third-party sellers operating through Amazon’s platform. Not all sellers are reliable, and sometimes products can be counterfeit or the quality may differ from the description. For this reason, it is important to check seller feedback and assess the risk before making a purchase decision. Additionally, Amazon’s vast product offering can tempt impulse buying, so consumers should stay critical and plan their purchases carefully. Another noteworthy aspect is security and privacy. Amazon collects a large amount of data about customers’ shopping behavior and recommends products using algorithms, which can feel useful but also somewhat intrusive.

The Chillaa App from a School Social Worker’s perspective

I chose the Chillaa app as a digital service that I use in my work as a school social worker. Chillaa is a mobile app designed for young people that offers tools for managing stress anxiety and mental well-being. The app includes for example breathing exercises relaxation recordings, a mood diary and tips for calming everyday life. I chose this service because it directly meets young people’s needs and works as an easily accessible support tool in daily life exactly where young people already spend their time: on their phones.

My own experiences with the Chillaa app have been very positive. I have recommended the app to many students. Many have found it useful especially when it is difficult to put their feelings into words or handle them alone. The app does not replace talking therapy but works well as support for example in practicing emotion and stress management between lessons or social worker meetings. It is also important that the app is free easy to use and available in Finnish. This lowers the barrier to trying and using it independently. In my opinion Chillaa is a good example of how digital services can support mental health and help prevent problems from worsening at an early stage.

Digitalization and the digital divide: Who is left out?

Through the tasks my understanding has been strengthened that digitalization makes many people’s daily lives easier. However the benefits of digitalization are not distributed evenly. Especially elderly people immigrants individuals with developmental disabilities and those without digital skills may be left outside of services.

This digital divide can cause exclusion and inequality. For example, if Kela services are only available online a person without a device or the skills will not receive their benefits on time. The digitalization of healthcare can also be problematic if a patient cannot read or understand their health information through digital channels. Society should invest in digital education guidance and alternative ways to access services. Everyone should have the opportunity to participate in society equally even without digital tools.

Self-reflection

Overall the topics covered in the tasks were already quite familiar to me since I use digital services regularly both in everyday life and at work. Still completing the tasks offered a valuable opportunity to pause and reflect on these services more consciously. In particular I found myself thinking about what areas for improvement we still have in Finland on the way toward a truly accessible and equal digital society for example from the perspective of the elderly immigrants or those needing special support.

I also gained new ideas and perspectives from reading other students’ blog posts. It was interesting to notice how varied our experiences and emphases are regarding digital services and how much we can learn by comparing and sharing experiences with each other. This task helped strengthen my own critical approach to using digital services and made me consider how I can better promote digital inclusion in my own work.

Digitalization in the work of a school social worker – Now and in the future

I work as a school social worker in basic education. In recent years digitalization has significantly impacted my work. Communication between student’s home and school has become increasingly digital. More and more interactions take place via email, the Wilma or through Teams. Sometimes meetings are also held remotely.

Digital transformation brings flexibility, but it also introduces challenges. Face-to-face interaction is vital in the work of a school social worker. In remote meetings, subtle gestures, body language, and situational awareness can go unnoticed, making it harder to interpret emotions and be fully present. Additionally some students or families may lack adequate devices, internet access, or digital literacy, which can lead to inequality in access to services.

On the other hand digital tools can lower the threshold for students to seek help. For instance, anonymous surveys or contact forms may encourage students who wouldn’t otherwise feel comfortable to reach out. Sharing resources such as support materials, videos, and exercises has also become easier through digital platforms.

It’s essential to recognize when digital tools serve the work well and when more traditional, human-centered encounters are necessary. Digitalization should not replace presence, listening, and genuine interaction elements at the core of a school social worker’s role. The goal should be to strike a balance between using digital opportunities and maintaining a people-centered approach.

Future outlook of digitalization

Digitalization will undoubtedly continue to reshape life and work more profoundly in the future. In everyday life digital services make it easier to manage tasks, communicate, and find information. In other words many functions that previously required physical presence are increasingly shifting online.

In working life digitalization brings both efficiency and flexibility. Remote and hybrid work models are becoming more common, allowing for better work-life balance. Artificial intelligence and automation are handling more routine tasks, freeing up time for creative and interpersonal work. However, digitalization also requires continuous learning and adaptation. Job descriptions and professional requirements evolve rapidly, meaning workers need to keep their skills up to date. Digital fatigue, constant availability, and privacy issues can also pose challenges that must be recognized and managed.

I believe the use of digital services in the work of school social workers will continue to grow. Remote services, AI-based assessment tools, and broader data analytics could support our efforts in monitoring student well-being and planning interventions. At the same time, it’s crucial to preserve individual, human interaction. Digital tools should support not replace the human element. Currently a large amount of time is spent on documentation, which takes away from time spent with students. This is one area I especially hope to see improved.

Risks of an Open Digital Society and Data Protection

The GDPR regulation has brought a significant change to school social work. The processing of personal data is now more strictly regulated, which has increased the level of data security. We now have clear procedures for how data is stored, who can access it, and how it is shared, for example with teachers or guardians. I also complete annual data protection training as part of my role.

A positive aspect is that student privacy is better protected. However, a challenge is that information sharing between different professionals can sometimes be slow and complicated even when it is in the best interest of the child. Moreover digital platforms are not always entirely secure and constant vigilance is needed.

In an open digital society there is also a risk to young people’s privacy for instance, when sensitive content is shared via social media. As a school social worker I encounter situations where digital issues such as cyber bullying or digital addiction directly impact a student’s well-being.

In my personal life GDPR has significantly increased my awareness of my digital footprint. I’ve become more cautious about which online services I allow to access my data and how I can better protect my privacy online. Positive impacts of the regulation include stronger privacy protection, clearer responsibility for organizations and improved individual rights to control personal data.

Although GDPR gives individuals the right to review and manage their own data, navigating these settings is not always easy. It can be difficult to keep track of where personal data has ended up or how to remove it from various systems. If personal data is leaked or accessed by the wrong parties, it can lead to identity theft, phishing, or account breaches. While GDPR aims to prevent such situations, the risks still exist.

AI and ChatGPT from a School Social Work Perspective

I tested the ChatGPT service and asked the following questions:

How to support a student experiencing anxiety at school?

What early intervention methods can a school social worker use?

How can a school social worker utilize digital tools in their work?

ChatGPT provided appropriate and surprisingly accurate answers. It highlighted basic but essential points like active listening, creating a safe environment, and working as part of a multidisciplinary team. While the answers were not very deep, they served well as a checklist or idea bank. One issue was that the responses didn’t always consider the Finnish school system or legislation.

I see AI as a useful tool, as it can assist in information searching, brainstorming, or preparing presentations for parent evenings. However, AI cannot replace the professional judgement or ethical consideration that are central to school social work.

Self-Evaluation

Through this learning module, I gained new perspectives on the significance of digitalization in both my own work as a school social worker and in society more broadly. I’ve stopped to consider just how deeply digital tools have become embedded in our daily lives, communication, and service systems. The potential of artificial intelligence and issues related to data protection sparked many reflections. Professional presence and human interaction remain at the core of my job and cannot be entirely replaced by technology.

I also learned a great deal about the GDPR, especially its impact on my everyday life and professional practices. The importance of data protection is becoming increasingly prominent, and it is essential to stay up to date with laws and best practices. At the same time, I recognize that GDPR can cause uncertainty and delays in information sharing, which may sometimes conflict with the best interest of the child. This creates a need for clearer cooperation models that take both privacy and student well-being into account.

Exploring AI and ChatGPT was an eye-opening experience. It showed that AI can offer useful support and inspiration even in expert-level work but also reminded me that critical thinking and professional judgement are always required.

In the future, I would like to deepen my knowledge particularly in the following areas:

Practical use of AI and digital tools in school social work

Data protection and security in an evolving legal landscape

Identifying and preventing digital challenges, such as cyber bullying and social media behavior among youth

This learning experience has strengthened my understanding that digitalization is not just a technical shift, but also a cultural and mindset transformation. It requires new types of skills and the courage to critically evaluate one’s own work so we can use technology responsibly and in a human-centered way.

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