The elements described below offer different ways to engage with the topic of this session. It’s up to you whether you use all of them or just one. They are tools for you; you decide how to use them. What matters:
- Be flexible and adapt the activities to the group dynamic.
- Make sure all the teenagers are included and feel comfortable.
- Be sensitive to emotional reactions, especially when it comes to personal topics.
Video
⏱ 20 minutes
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Watch the video “I took a year off social media. Here’s what happened.” together.
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Split into small groups and discuss the following questions. Everyone should get the chance to share their thoughts and experiences.
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How many hours a day do you use social media (TikTok, Instagram and the like, not counting messaging apps)? What do you use social media for?
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Which effects of social media are mentioned in the video? Have you had similar experiences yourself?
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Many people say social media makes them feel lonelier, even though they are more connected than ever. Why do you think social media can produce that feeling? How do you experience it?
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What changed for John in his year without social media? What do you think would happen to your friendships if you deleted Instagram, TikTok and the like from your phone?
Bible study
⏱ 15 minutes
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Read Philippians 4:8 and Proverbs 4:23 together and think about what these verses mean in the context of social media. Discuss the following questions in your groups:
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What thoughts come to mind when you think about social media and the content of these verses?
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How do you think the content we consume on social media influences our thoughts and feelings?
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How can we guard our thoughts and our heart and still use social media?
Activity “Time Pie”
⏱ 15 minutes
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Give every participant a sheet of paper and a pen. Lay out colored pencils and markers on a table.
Draw a circle on your sheet. This circle represents your “time pie” for one day.
Use the colored pencils to divide the circle into sections that show how you spend your time (for example sleeping, eating, school, homework).
Then use the markers to mark where and how social media flows into these activities.
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After you have finished your time pie, discuss the following questions in your groups:
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When you look at your time pie, what surprises you? Why?
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A year without social media frees up a lot of time. How would different areas of your life change if you spent less time on social media? What would you do with the time you got back?
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Would you like to try an experiment and delete social media for a while to find out whether a break is good for you? Why or why not?
Next step
⏱ 10 minutes
- Challenge the teenagers to do a social media detox challenge. For example, give up certain apps for a week or reduce their use.
- Encourage them to keep a diary or journal in which they record their experiences, feelings and observations during the challenge.
- Plan a follow-up meeting to share experiences and discuss how the challenge affected their lives and their view of social media.
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For everyone who has Netflix, encourage them to watch the documentary “The Social Dilemma.”
English version: September 2026
