Elements of Digital Wellness

Digital wellness means more than limiting screen time.

Digital Wellness in Central Okanagan Public Schools

There is no denying that we live in an increasingly digital world. Mobile technologies including smartphones are now common across all generations within our families. Along with that comes access to social media platforms and a world of opportunity as well as new questions about the impacts of technology on our overall health and well-being. The idea of digital wellness is something that has been swirling for us as a school district from some time now.

Technology will continue to evolve and it will undoubtedly play a more significant role in our future, so questions like these have guided a team within Central Okanagan Public Schools to dive deep into an inquiry about what it truly means to live well in a digital world.

We wanted to know how a learning community of schools, students and families might best support each learner to develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions required to lead healthy, happy and productive lives in an increasingly digital world. Our learning together has resulted in the creation of Central Okanagan Public Schools Guide to Digital Wellness for Students, Staff and Families.

Our definition of Digital Wellness includes five interrelated elements and guiding questions. Click each title below for elaborations.

Practice Mindfulness

How do we balance our digital habits and self-regulate our own behaviours?

Balance time online with time to connect in other ways
Think about what you’re actually doing online as much as you think about how long you’re doing it - quality of content matters as much as quantity of time
Be sure to make time for physical activity
Safeguard your sleep - turn off notifications, charge devices in other rooms and avoid screen-time before going to bed
Be present with others - make eye contact, listen actively, avoid digital distractions and engage in conversations
Adjust notification settings on your devices and practice self-control
Be aware of the physical needs of your body - adjust your posture, turn on lights or be outside, turn down headphones, take activity breaks, rest your eyes and make healthy food choices
Mind your manners and be respectful with others online

Explore Learning

How do we use technologies to explore our learning and pursue our passions?

Inquire about things that interest you - read more, watch videos, listen to podcasts, collaborate with others
Join communities to extend your learning - follow hashtags, join groups, and sign up for online learning opportunities
Showcase your learning and creativity - share your learning with a wide audience and seek feedback about your next steps
Develop digital literacy skills that include effective internet searching strategies and smart uses for digital tools
Find websites, programs and apps that help you practice skills that you are working on
Be curious about our global community and explore the world around us

Think Critically

How do we think critically about what we see, hear and contribute to online?

Spot the fake-news! Fact-check information to determine its credibility
THINK before you post - Is it ...True? Helpful? Inspiring? Necessary? Kind?
Create a positive digital presence - think about what your posts say to the world about who you are
Consider the perspectives of others and be open to different viewpoints
Consume, create and share content that is appropriate for you and others
Reflect on how your interactions online may contribute positively or negatively to a given situation
Consider how your communication might be perceived by others - tone and sarcasm is sometimes difficult to express digitally
Be aware of a cry for help - sometimes people say or do things that reflect their own need for support
Know that help is available if you come across something that is worrisome and you’re not sure how to deal with it

Spread Positivity

How can digital tools help us to spread positivity, promote kindness and demonstrate care for others?

Be a positive leader - set an example for others that reflects optimism, positivity and caring
Think beyond the “like” button - express gratitude and celebrate the good around us by sharing examples of accomplishments of self and others
Show compassion for others, especially those people who might be marginalized or victimized
Steer clear of the drama - foster healthy relationships with peers and manage conflict peacefully and with maturity
Celebrate diversity in our local and global communities
Leave a positive mark on the world - create a digital footprint that represents your best foot forward

Be Safe

What can we do to keep ourselves and others safe and secure in digital environments?

Protect your personal information - think carefully about what you might be posting, sharing or agreeing to online
Use secure passwords that have a mix of characters and symbols - be sure to keep this private
Store information and physical devices in secure locations - be sure to backup important information
Regularly review and adjust privacy settings on social media platforms
Use antivirus software on all laptops and desktop computers
Respect the privacy of others and only post images or videos of others with their permission
Recognize dangerous or inappropriate situations and be supportive of those in need
Report abuse, harassment and other worrisome behaviour
Stop > Block > Talk - block any users that cause you to feel uncomfortable or make threats to your well-being and report to someone who can help
Make use of digital reporting tools and support structures - online help services and anonymous reporting tools
Report and flag offensive content and materials to online providers
Don’t get hooked by phishing scams - think critically about suspicious emails or requests that are seeking your personal information, or trying to get you to do something in exchange for goods or money

Much like the Canada Food Guide helps us make healthy decisions about our food choices, we hope this Digital Wellness Guide might offer some suggestions and help us to consider our shared responsibilities to learn, and lead learning about, what it means to be digitally well.

As a school district, we aspire to support all members of our learning community to develop the KNOWLEDGE (ex. practical and technical understandings), the SKILLS (ex. practical application skills, cognitive and metacognitive skills, social emotional skills) and the DISPOSITIONS (ex. attitudes and values) to thrive in a digitally connected global community.

We know that digital wellness means much more than just limiting screen time.
How are you learning to live well in a digital world?

Download a copy of Central Okanagan Public School's Guide to Digital Wellness for Students, Staff and Families.

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