Common Sense Media Review
By Polly Conway
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Language, sex, phones in measured social media docu.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Social Studies
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
SOCIAL STUDIES begins on the first day of school in 2021, as teen students in Los Angeles return from a COVID pandemic year at home. Many of them have leaned heavily on social media during this time, and coming back to school is a daunting prospect. The series focuses on a group of students who've volunteered to "screen-share" their phones with documentarian Lauren Greenfield, allowing her and her team into their inner worlds. Each student has a different relationship with social media: Sydney shares her experience of posting revealing, sexualized photos and videos while still a minor; Jack likes to make extra cash with his TikTok videos of people's outfits on Rodeo Drive; Keyshawn uses Instagram to grow as a DJ and has gone viral on TikTok making goofy videos with his girlfriend. The docuseries explores issues of class, gender, race, and more as they pertain to the now ever-present, ever-changing world of social media. Occasional roundtable discussions accompany the slice-of-life footage.
Is It Any Good?
This measured documentary series shows kids' lives as they are, for better or for worse. Social Studies presents a diverse group of teens who have different experiences with social media; some have found it a balm during a difficult pandemic, while others see it as a place to get bullied and hurt. The show explores why teens keep going back—for some, it's to make money; for others, it's to make friends; and for still others, it's their whole world. This group of kids is also notable for having social media present in some form during their entire lives. Greenfield succeeds at not harshly judging the kids' sometimes inappropriate choices; she shows them as they are and leaves viewers to decide how they feel about what they're seeing.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about social media. How has it changed people's lives? The lives of the kids featured in Social Studies? How about your own?
How does your family manage social media use? Are some types of screen time better than others? Why, or why not?
Is it possible to use social media responsibly?
Would you be willing to participate in a project like this one? Why, or why not?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 27, 2024
- Network : FX
- Genre : Reality TV
- Character Strengths : Empathy , Self-control
- TV rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : April 1, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
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