My Digital Energy Blueprint Activity

Objective: To collaborate with peers to refine personal digital boundary strategies and begin constructing a personalized 'Digital Energy Blueprint'.

Time: 10-15 minutes

Instructions:

1. Group Up! Form small groups of 3-4 students.

2. Share Your Insights (5 minutes):

   • Each person in the group will take turns sharing one key takeaway or one initial boundary idea they wrote down on their Digital Boundary Setting Worksheet.
   • Focus on why this boundary is important to them and how they envision implementing it.

3. Collaborative Brainstorm (5-7 minutes):

   • As a group, discuss the ideas shared. Offer constructive feedback, alternative strategies, or potential challenges and solutions.
   • For example:
     • "That's a great idea to turn off notifications after 9 PM. Have you thought about what you'll do if a friend texts you late?"
     • "I like the idea of a tech-free dinner. Maybe you could put all phones in a basket by the door?"
   • Encourage everyone to contribute and help each other strengthen their boundary plans.

4. Refine Your Blueprint (Take Home/Individual Work):

   • After the group discussion, take a few minutes individually to add new ideas or refine existing ones on your Digital Boundary Setting Worksheet based on the feedback and brainstorming from your group.
   • This refined plan will be your personal 'Digital Energy Blueprint' to protect your well-being.

Group Discussion Prompts:

• What are some common challenges you foresee in implementing these digital boundaries?
• How can we support each other in sticking to our blueprints?
• Are there any strategies that seem difficult to implement? Why, and how could we make them easier?
• What immediate benefits do you think you'll experience by setting these boundaries?

Digital Boundary Setting Worksheet: My Energy Blueprint

Name: ________________________

Date: ________________________

Part 1: Reflecting on Your Digital Habits

1. On average, how many hours do you spend on screens each day (excluding schoolwork)?
   
   
   
   

2. What digital activities consume most of your time? (e.g., social media, gaming, streaming, texting)
   
   
   
   

3. How does constant connectivity make you feel? (Circle all that apply and add your own thoughts)

   • Energized
   • Tired/Drained
   • Productive
   • Distracted
   • Connected
   • Anxious
   • Happy
   • Stressed
   • Inspired
   • Overwhelmed
   • Other feelings:
     
     
     

4. Describe a time when your digital habits positively impacted your well-being. (e.g., connected with a friend, learned something new)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. Describe a time when your digital habits negatively impacted your well-being. (e.g., lost sleep, missed out on something, felt overwhelmed)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 2: Identifying Your Boundary Needs

Think about the areas where you feel most impacted by digital overuse or lack of boundaries.

1. Notifications: Which apps or platforms send you the most distracting notifications? Which ones are truly essential?
   
   
   
   

2. Time of Day: Are there specific times when you want to be tech-free or limit your screen use? (e.g., before bed, during meals, while studying)
   
   
   
   

3. Physical Spaces: Are there certain places where you want to avoid screens? (e.g., bedroom, dining table, bathroom)
   
   
   
   

4. Social Expectations: Do you feel pressure to respond immediately to messages or check social media constantly? Who puts this pressure on you (yourself, friends, family)?
   
   
   
   

Part 3: Building Your Digital Energy Blueprint

Now, let's create your personalized plan. Choose at least three strategies from the list below (or create your own) and explain how you will implement them.

Strategy Options:

• Turn off non-essential notifications.
• Designate specific tech-free hours (e.g., 8 PM onwards).
• Create physical tech-free zones (e.g., no phones in the bedroom).
• Communicate your boundaries to friends and family.
• Take regular digital detox moments (short breaks throughout the day).
• Practice mindful consumption (be intentional about what you view).
• Set screen time limits on your devices.
• Charge your phone outside your bedroom.

My Blueprint Commitments:

1. Strategy: ____________________________________________________________________
   How I will implement it:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Strategy: ____________________________________________________________________
   How I will implement it:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Strategy: ____________________________________________________________________
   How I will implement it:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Optional Strategy: ____________________________________________________________________
   How I will implement it:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 4: My Action Plan & Support

1. What is the first digital boundary you will try to implement this week?
   
   
   
   

2. What challenges do you anticipate? How will you overcome them?
   
   
   
   

3. Who can support you in maintaining your digital boundaries? (e.g., a friend, family member, teacher)
   
   
   
   

Remember: Setting digital boundaries is a process. Be patient with yourself and adjust your blueprint as needed! Your well-being is worth it.