How much is too much? It is important to reflect upon the amount of time you are spending in a digital environment. Find ways to balance the time you spend on devices to the time you spend in the real world developing relationships and pursuing academic and personal goals.
What is a healthy amount of time to spend online?
The answer to this question depends on a lot of things, including what you are doing online.
Passive activities like scrolling your social media feed or watching television should be more limited.
Creative and engaging activities like content creation, puzzles, coding, reading, and healthy/respectful socializing are ok to spend a little more time on.
No matter what you do online, you should still spend time engaging with others in person, outside in nature, and exercising. Don’t forget to get enough sleep too (8-10 hours is a solid goal).
How can I determine what is a healthy balance for me?
Start by prioritizing your activities.
Do you have work/homework to do online?
How much time have you spent with your family and friends this week?
Use this media choices inventory to take stock of how you are feeling while online. Use this information to make future decisions about your media use going forward.
Are you bored? Happy? Lonely? Stressed?
Decide if you need a break based on your emotions.
Create some guidelines for media use for yourself based on your priorities and emotions.
Are there any tools to help me?
Do Not Disturb settings on your phone/tablet block notifications during times you want to stay off technology (ex. while you’re sleeping or at school).
iPhone screen time features allow you to set time limits on certain apps, helping you to balance your own screen time (ex. limiting time on social media to an hour per weekday).
Pomodoro timers can help you set aside time to take breaks along with time to focus on tasks that you choose.
📺Watch Video
💭Think About It
How much time is too much time spent on devices?
It is important to set limits on the time that you spend on devices, so that you have time to balance other activities and relationships in your life.
📺Watch Video
K1_Pause_For_People.mp4💭Think About It
What are some easy ways to disconnect?
Pause. Breathe. Finish up.
Try to let your emotions not get the best of you when it is time to put the devices away and disconnect from technology.
📺Watch Video
1-1_How_Technology_Makes_You_Feel.mp4💭Think About It
What should I listen to my feelings?
When you have a feeling, stop and take a moment to notice it. Think about what you should do next. If you're feeling unsafe, unhappy, or unsure, get help from a grown-up.
📺Your Rings of Responsibility
📺My Media Choices
📺Finding Balance in a Digital World
📺We are Digital Citizens
FV_WeAreTheDigCitizens_FINAL.mp4📺Pause and Think Online
FV_PauseAndThinkOnline_FINAL.mp4📺Device Free Dinner
📺 How Much is Too Much?
📺 The Pressure to Stay Connected
Common Sense Media - Digital Passport
Twalkers
---------------------------------------------------
Common Sense Media - Social Media Test Drive
Healthy Social Media Habits
Explore how social media platforms are designed to keep your attention and practice healthy media habits to achieve media balance.
---------------------------------------------------
Google for Education - Applied Digital Skills
Build Healthy Digital Habits
---------------------------------------------------
