Technology on Campus

The Impact of Social Media on Students

In the past decade, social media has become deeply woven into students’ everyday lives, both inside and outside the classroom. As we move into 2025, understanding the impact of social media on students—academically, socially and psychologically—is essential for parents, educators and school leaders. This article updates the original analysis with current data, evolving policies and expert commentary, while retaining the previous structure for clarity and continuity.

Introduction

The term “social media” now covers everything from short-form video apps like TikTok, to image-sharing networks such as Instagram, to collaborative platforms used by students and schools. The latest estimates show approximately 5.24 billion people worldwide are active on social media in 2025, up 4.1 % from the previous year.
For students, social media represents both potential advantages (such as connected learning and peer collaboration) and clear risks (including distraction, mental-health concerns and reduced focus).
The remainder of this article explores the current state of social media use among students, its academic implications, behavioural and mental-health effects, evolving school policies, strategies for positive use, and recommendations for families and educators.

Current Usage Patterns

Recent studies indicate that social media usage remains high among young people and students. Global figures show that 63.9 % of the world’s population uses social media, with an average daily time of about 2 hours 21 minutes as of February 2025. Smart Insights
For school-age students, access to digital devices is nearly universal. For example,

The Push for Career and Technical Education (CTE)

In recent years, interest in career and technical education (CTE) has surged as parents, students and educators seek more relevant pathways to careers and post-secondary success. This article updates the 2023 perspective with fresh data, 2025-era policy developments, tuition realities and real-world examples of how CTE is evolving in U.S. schools.

1. Why CTE Is Back in the Spotlight

Career and Technical Education (CTE) offers a strategic bridge between academic learning and in-demand careers. In February 2025, the U.S. Department of Education reaffirmed its commitment to CTE during the annual Career and Technical Education Month, emphasizing renewed funding and national priority. White House
Several factors are driving this renewed focus:

• Workforce demands: Employers face skilled-labor shortages and seek graduates who can enter the job market with both technical skills and academic literacy.

• Diversity of student goals: More students and families recognise that a four-year college is not the only route to stable employment; CTE offers viable alternatives.

• Policy momentum: Recent legislation and state actions are providing incentives and accountability for CTE programs.

• Equity and access concerns: CTE is increasingly framed as a tool for widening opportunity to students who may not otherwise pursue traditional college paths.

2. 2025 Data Snapshot for U.S. CTE

According to the latest data by the National Center

Broward County Bus Service Issues in 2025

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS), one of the largest districts in Florida, continues to face persistent challenges in providing reliable school-bus transportation. While the district has taken significant steps toward modernization and safety, parents, administrators, and policymakers remain concerned about delays, rider experience, equity, and sustainability. This updated 2025 review revisits longstanding issues, highlights recent developments, and provides a forward-looking perspective for families and the community.

Context: Scale, Scope, and Constraints

As of the 2023–24 school year, BCPS enrolled roughly 251,000 students across 326 schools and educational centers, making it among the largest school districts in the nation. The Student Transportation & Fleet Services division operates just over 1,000 buses on daily routes that carry more than 73,000 students, with vehicles collectively traveling over 16 million miles each year.

Despite careful organization of routes and service zones, inequities and reliability issues remain a core challenge. In 2025, BCPS must balance budget pressures, driver shortages, and new state mandates while adapting to shifting demographics and technology.

Historical Issues

Parents have long identified several recurring transportation problems:

• Chronic delays caused by traffic congestion and inconsistent scheduling.

• Uneven service coverage, leaving some families without convenient access.

• Driver shortages, leading to cancellations or last-minute changes.

• Mechanical breakdowns among older buses.

• Safety

As an IT professional in a small, rural school district, designing a robust Wi-Fi network is crucial for supporting digital learning initiatives. With the increasing reliance on devices like laptops, tablets, Chromebooks, and smartphones, ensuring seamless connectivity is more important than ever. In this article, we'll explore the key components and considerations for building a reliable Wi-Fi network that meets the needs of your school community.

Introduction

In today's educational landscape, technology plays a vital role in enhancing learning experiences. A robust Wi-Fi network is essential for supporting digital tools, online resources, and communication systems that are integral to modern education. For small, rural districts, this can be particularly challenging due to limited resources and infrastructure. However, with careful planning and the right technology, it's possible to create a network that supports the needs of students and staff effectively.

Key Components of a Robust Wi-Fi Network

When designing a Wi-Fi network for your school, several key components must be considered:

• Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN): Ensure that your WLAN provides coverage across all areas of the school, including classrooms, libraries, and common spaces. This is essential for supporting digital learning initiatives and ensuring that students can access educational resources from anywhere on campus.
• Internet Bandwidth: Determine sufficient bandwidth to support simultaneous device usage for students and staff. This involves calculating the number of devices that will be connected at any given time and ensuring that your internet service provider can meet these demands.
• Web Filters: Implement web filters to ensure

How can educators and schools keep up with technology advancing and changing faster than ever? The answer: refurbished ed tech. The use of refurbished computers in public schools can vary widely depending on the specific school district, budget constraints, and local policies.

Refurbished computers are often considered a cost-effective way for schools to provide technology to students. They can be more affordable than purchasing brand-new computers, especially for cash-strapped school districts. Many schools and educational organizations may choose to refurbish older computers to extend their lifespan and make them available to students.

The prevalence of refurbished computers in public schools may also depend on the region and the level of funding available for technology initiatives. Schools may have extensive programs to refurbish and distribute computers to students in some areas. In contrast, in others, the use of refurbished computers may be less common due to budget limitations.

To get more specific information about the use of refurbished computers in public schools in your area, I recommend contacting your local school district or educational authorities. They can provide you with up-to-date information on their technology initiatives and how refurbished computers are utilized.

The Emergence of Refurbished Ed Tech

Teachers and administrators are turning to refurbished educational technology for better learning experiences on a reduced budget. Refurbished machines save time and money and give instructors a wider range of teaching options for students. We paneled some of the top minds in education to learn about the impact refurbished tech is