Laura Tierney

The Social Institute

Founder & CEO

Laura Tierney is the Founder and CEO of The Social Institute, empowering students and their role models to navigate social-emotional health, social media, and technology positively. A social media expert, educator, and technologist, she created the pioneering, best-in-class #WinAtSocial Program by combining her standout sports leadership experience with her career managing social media for world-class brands. As a digital native herself, she is bridging the gap between adults and students as the nation’s leader in positive social media education that students respect.

Articles

January 29, 2024

Large-Scale Survey Reveals How Students Are Using Social Media in 2024

For the past four years, our team at The Social Institute has polled students across the nation on how they are navigating social media and tech and how it impacts their well-being. Our 2024 Student Insights Report features insights from more students than ever before: 29,000 students participated in our Annual Student Survey and more than one million responses were collected through our K-12 learning platform, #WinAtSocial.
October 12, 2023

The Social Institute's Recommendations for Navigating Violent Content

In the age of clickbait and viral videos, it’s nearly impossible to shield our students’ eyes from the wave of distressing and violent content, especially when social media platforms become stages for harrowing global events. While online content, whether from known sources or shared by friends, influences us all, it can be especially intense for the younger generation trying to make sense of their world.
February 3, 2023

Insights from Nearly 23,000 Students Reveal How they are Using Social Media in 2023

For Generation Z, who spend nearly as much time consuming media as they do attending classes at school, social media is simply being social. Social apps, texting, and gaming are where students hang out with friends, build relationships, stay informed, find inspiration, explore interests, follow role models, make purchases, and connect across borders and cultures.
June 15, 2022

Social Media & Summer Break: How to Set Boundaries & Empower Kids to Use Tech for Good

According to a study by Pew Research Center, 70 percent of teens say anxiety and depression is a “major problem” among their peers. In my work helping students navigate social media positively, I collaborate with students nationwide and hear about their daily challenges with tech and social experiences, both online and off.
February 2, 2022

New Survey Reveals Student Social Media Use and Tech Trends for 2022

Student data provides actionable insights for families and educators to connect with students around social media.

At The Social Institute, we believe most students are ahead of the curve when it comes to social media and technology. That’s why we huddle with students across the country to empower them to navigate their social world – including social media and technology – positively. This proactive, student-led approach not only benefits the students but also empowers faculty and strengthens school communities.
February 4, 2021

Digital Divide: What Parents Have Wrong When It Comes to Students and Social Media

In my work helping students across the country navigate social media, I’ve heard from tens of thousands of tweens and teens directly about how they are using social media on a daily basis.
February 20, 2020

New Survey Exposes Social Norms Students Navigate With Social Media and Tech

When students receive social media education in schools, the entire student body is empowered

If I could convey one important concept to parents about students and social media, it would be to drop that last word -- “media” -- from your mindset. Social media is simply how students today socialize.
April 4, 2019

Is Social Media Education the New Driver’s Ed?

When it comes to social media, parents and educators need to team up -- much like driving

When it comes to social media, parents and educators need to team up -- much like driving

Events

September 7, 2022

Emotional Intelligence and EdTech: Essentials for 21st Century Classrooms

November 15, 2021

FOSI 2021 Annual Conference

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