The increasing ubiquity of social media use among teenagers has resulted in varied research findings and often contradictory advice from experts. While there is evidence of negative outcomes for excessive use of social networking sites (SNS) by adolescents, there is also evidence of positive benefits of SNS to young people. This study focused on the problem of practice of how schools are not drawing on the positive potential of SNS use for expanded connections, increased engagement, improved achievement, and overall student well-being. The purpose of this dissertation study was to investigate how adolescents use social media to develop positive social communities with peers. Focus groups of high school student participants were interviewed via a semi-structured protocol and thematic analysis was used to code and organize emergent themes from the data collected. After an examination of how SNS was utilized by school-based groups to create community, increase connectedness, and improve student engagement, several key themes emerged. Findings suggested that SNS use among young people can shape relational interactions, influence information exchange, and have an affective impact on students. Implications for practice are explained through actionable steps practitioners can take to improve student outcomes through SNS use in school-based groups. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]