Digital Wellness

In today's world, our behaviors can extend beyond the walls of our schools, and getting students ready for a balanced digital lifestyle is essential to success at work as well as in life. Students need to learn how to interact socially, personally, and educationally in both face-to-face and online environments. With all of the new opportunities that are possible through digital learning spaces, students should master these skills through the lens of health and digital wellness.

Wellness

Balance is best.

I will maintain a balance between digital and face-to-face interactions in life.

Try this at home:

  • Consider using a screen time app yourself.
  • Suggest integrating technology into physical activity like taking photos while hiking or use it to track exercise.
  • Create a family media plan. (healthychildren.org)
  • Avoid using a device in idle moments like waiting in a line or sitting in a car (especially while driving).
  • Ask: How do you handle when someone is ignoring you while using their device?
  • Videos: Device Free Dinner

Safety

Be Aware.


I will be safe online and protect private information

Try this at home:

  • Help children develop good password habits. Never share a password with someone and make passwords unique, easy to remember, and not easily identifiable.
  • Explore your phone's Privacy Settings. Make sure that everyone is aware of which apps have assess to your location data.
  • Educate yourself on human trafficking/predator tactics. This impaces every community. (startnow.org)
  • Video: Generation Like

Etiquette

It’s Cool to be Kind.


I will choose to be positive with others online.

Try this at home:

  • Google yourself with your child and then do the same with their name.
  • Remind your child that others are struggling and can be hurt by social media too.
  • Pay attention to the words your child uses when playing online video games. "Trash talk" should not involve derogatory language.
  • Videos: 5 Internet Safety Tips for Kids

Perspectives on Media Use

Citizenship

Be Elite.


I will be responsible and honest in today’s digital world.

Try this at home:

  • Discuss journalism with your child: why it exists, how it can help, and how it can manipulate or inform consumers.
  • For high schoolers: Help your child create a professional profile in social media like LinkedIn.
  • Be honest, let your child know this is hard for everyone.
  • Direct your children away from trying to become "viral" for something unintelligent or negative.
  • Video: screenagersmovie.com