DIGITAL WELLBEING
WHAT IS DIGITAL USAGE?
Digital usage refers to how individuals interact with technology, including time spent on devices, online activities, and consumption habits. For students, it encompasses everything from gaming and social media to schoolwork and communication. Teaching responsible digital usage helps students find a healthy balance between their online and offline lives, avoid overuse, and make technology a positive force in their daily routines.
Key Concepts
Screen Time and Balance: Understanding the impact of excessive screen time on health, sleep, and productivity, and finding ways to manage it.
Active vs. Passive Use: Differentiating between engaging activities like creating content and unproductive habits like endless scrolling.
Problematic Usage Patterns: RecogniSing signs of overuse, such as gaming addiction or social media fatigue, and their consequences.
Intentional Usage: Encouraging purposeful and mindful interactions with technology to support personal goals and well-being.
TEACHING RATIONALE
Why This Matters
With technology playing a central role in students’ lives, teaching responsible digital usage ensures they can enjoy its benefits without compromising their health, relationships, or personal growth. By fostering intentional habits, we empower students to lead balanced, fulfilling lives in a digital world.
HOW TO TEACH
Guiding Principles at a Glance
Monitor Screen Time Help students track their usage and understand its impact on their health and focus. | Encourage Active Use Promote engaging activities, like creating content or learning, over passive scrolling or binge-watching. |
Teach Digital Detox Strategies Introduce habits like tech-free zones or screen-free times to foster balance. | Address Problematic Patterns Guide students in recognising when their digital habits interfere with responsibilities or relationships. |
Use Technology Intentionally Encourage students to align their digital activities with their personal goals and interests. | Promote Self-Control Tools Teach students to use features like app timers and notification settings to manage distractions. |
CURRICULUM PLANNING
Integrating Digital Usage Into Your Classroom
Link to Health Education: Discuss the effects of screen time on physical and mental health, including sleep and posture.
Connect to SEL: Explore how digital habits impact relationships, focus, and emotional well-being.
Incorporate Journaling: Have students reflect on their daily tech habits and set goals for improvement.
Discuss Gaming and Social Media: Analyse their benefits and challenges, focusing on moderation and positive usage.
Use Real-Life Examples: Share relatable stories of digital overuse or success to illustrate key lessons.
Create Class Norms: Establish guidelines for device use during school hours to encourage responsible habits.
