Caveat – This morning, we presented to Police School Resource Officers from across Canada about how youth are using technology both in and out of school. After the session, one officer mentioned hearing from teachers that students were using Microsoft Teams as a social media platform and wanted to understand the “why” . That question inspired this article.
As parents and schools place restrictions on cellphones and mainstream social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, youth have adapted by using encrypted messaging apps and collaborative platforms on their Chromebooks and laptops to stay connected and recreate similar social experiences.
When parents and educators think about social media, platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok often come to mind. However, today’s youth are expanding their digital presence beyond these traditional spaces, turning to encrypted messaging apps and collaborative platforms to build their own communities. Platforms like Telegram, Signal, Microsoft Teams, and even Google Docs are being repurposed in ways that often go unnoticed by adults, allowing youth to communicate in more private and creative ways. Something we spoke about, specific to Telegram and Signal in this article we posted last year. (1)
This shift is driven by a combination of the need to by-pass digital restrictions in schools and home environments, privacy concerns, and the desire for more control over online interactions. Encrypted messaging apps like Telegram and Signal have become popular alternatives to mainstream social media given they have desktop applications that can be used on a laptop or Chromebook. (2) Telegram, for example, offers large group chats and channels where students create communities around shared interests such as gaming, activism, and academic support. High school students have shared with us how they have organized study groups and even parties with peers, sharing notes and collaborating on assignments in real-time. Signal, known for its end-to-end encryption, appeals to youth who want a greater sense of security in their conversations, especially when discussing personal topics such as mental health, sexuality, identity, or even to purchase drugs. (3) The platform’s disappearing messages feature, similar to Snapchat, is particularly attractive to those looking for temporary discussions without a lasting digital dossier.
Beyond messaging apps, educational tools are also being used in ways that educators, parents, and caregivers might not anticipate. Microsoft Teams, which is widely used for school projects, doubles as a digital hangout. Students create private channels for casual conversations, sharing memes, video chat, and planning meetups after school, effectively turning an educational tool into a collaborative social network. In fact, there are free “how to guides” on how to use Microsoft Teams more as a social communication platform for friend (4)
Similarly,Google Docs, typically associated with schoolwork, has been transformed into a social space where students chat in real time. (5) Instead of using text messages or social media, teens will open a blank Google Doc and use the comment feature to communicate, leaving messages for each other throughout the school day. Some even creatively embed hidden notes, pictures, and video in assignments, using white text or obscure corners of a document to pass messages back and forth undetected.
The main reason youth turn to these platforms is restrictions, when parents, caregivers, and schools limit access to traditional social media platforms, teens find alternatives – they adapt, overcome, and improvise. Privacy is another major factor. Popular social media apps track user data and monitor interactions, prompting many young people to seek encrypted alternatives where they feel less watched. Additionally, with schools blocking or restricting platforms like Discord and Snapchat, students adapt by repurposing school-approved tools in creative ways. The absence of parental or teacher oversight on these platforms also gives them a greater sense of freedom, allowing for more open self-expression without the fear of constant monitoring.
While these platforms provide benefits such as privacy, autonomy, and meaningful community engagement, they also come with risks. The lack of moderation on encrypted platforms can expose youth to misinformation, digital peer aggression (cyberbullying) hidden online groups, inappropriate pictures, and potential exploitation. Parents, caregivers, and educators must recognize these risks while also acknowledging the positive ways youth are utilizing these digital spaces. Instead of immediately banning these tools, adults should focus on open conversations with teens about why they use them and what they gain from them. Digital literacy education is crucial in helping youth identify misinformation, scams, and unsafe interactions, even on platforms that feel more secure and private.
The way youth engage online is constantly evolving, and their ability to adapt technology for their needs highlights their digital ability to adapt, overcome, and improvise. Rather than viewing this shift as a threat, parents, caregivers, and educators should see it as an opportunity to better understand how young people build online communities. By fostering trust and promoting safe and responsible technology use, adults can support youth in navigating the digital world in a way that empowers rather than restricts them.
To further bridge the gap between generations, parents, caregivers, and educators can take proactive steps to engage with these emerging digital spaces. Encouraging open discussions about online behaviour, privacy settings, and the potential risks associated with encrypted messaging can help create a more informed and safety-conscious environment. Schools can also integrate digital literacy programs that educate students on ethical online behaviour, cybersecurity, and the long-term implications of their digital dossier.
Another approach is for parents and caregivers to familiarize themselves with the platforms their children use. By understanding how Telegram, Signal, Microsoft Teams, and Google Docs function as social hubs, adults can better guide young people in making responsible online choices. This doesn’t mean constant surveillance, but rather demonstrating an interest in their digital lives and offering support when needed. Simple actions such as asking about their favourite online communities, discussing news about digital security, or even exploring some of these platforms together can foster mutual understanding.
Educators can work alongside students to establish guidelines for the responsible use of collaborative tools. Rather than outright banning creative uses of Google Docs or Microsoft Teams, teachers can incorporate them into their lesson plans in structured ways that promote both education and safe social interaction. By channeling student’s digital resourcefulness into productive activities, educators can harness technology as a positive force in both academic and personal growth.
Ultimately, technology will continue to evolve, and so will the ways youth engage with it. By remaining open-minded and actively involved, parents, caregivers, and educators can help ensure that young people are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate their digital world safely and effectively.
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References:
3/ https://thewhitehatter.ca/blog/how-some-teens-are-using-technology-to-purchase-or-sell-drugs-online/
