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Digital Detox

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Lesson Plan

Digital Wellbeing Challenge Plan

Students will understand the impact of digital habits on mental health and develop strategies for creating a healthier online-offline balance.

In our increasingly connected world, understanding how technology affects our mental well-being is crucial. This lesson empowers students to take control of their digital lives and foster healthier habits, leading to improved focus, reduced stress, and stronger real-world connections.

Audience

9th Grade Group

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, self-reflection, and practical strategy building.

Materials

Digital Detox Slide Deck, My Digital Habits Audit Worksheet, and Reflecting on Connection Journal

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction: Hook and Objectives

5 minutes

  • Begin with a provocative question: "How many of you feel truly 'present' when you're online?" Discuss briefly.
  • Introduce the concept of a 'digital detox' and its relevance to overall well-being. (Screen Time & Your Brain Slide Deck - Slide 1-2)
  • State the lesson objective: To understand digital impact and learn strategies for balance.

Step 2

Understanding Digital Habits

10 minutes

  • Present information on the effects of excessive screen time and digital overload on mental health using the Screen Time & Your Brain Slide Deck (Slides 3-6).
  • Facilitate a brief discussion using prompts like: "What are some positive and negative aspects of your digital use?"

Step 3

Individual Digital Habits Audit

15 minutes

  • Distribute the My Digital Habits Audit Worksheet.
  • Instruct students to complete the worksheet individually, reflecting on their own digital usage patterns and feelings.
  • Circulate to provide support and answer questions.

Step 4

Strategies for Digital Balance

10 minutes

  • Lead a discussion on practical strategies for creating healthier online-offline balance, drawing from student ideas and suggestions from the Screen Time & Your Brain Slide Deck (Slides 7-9).
  • Encourage students to share one strategy they plan to try.

Step 5

Reflection and Wrap-up

5 minutes

  • Distribute the Reflecting on Connection Journal.
  • Ask students to write down one key takeaway from the lesson and one actionable step they will commit to.
  • Conclude by emphasizing the importance of mindful technology use for overall well-being.
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Slide Deck

Digital Detox: Reclaim Your Focus

What does 'digital detox' mean to you?
Why is it important?

Welcome students and introduce the concept of digital detox. Ask an engaging question to spark their interest and connect to their experiences.

Today's Mission: Mindful Tech Use

Understand the impact of digital habits on mental health.
Discover strategies for a healthier online-offline balance.

Introduce the objective of the lesson, setting expectations for what students will learn.

Technology: Our Double-Edged Sword

What do you love about being online?
Connecting with friends, learning new things, entertainment...

Discuss the positive aspects of technology before delving into the challenges.

Too Much of a Good Thing?

When does screen time start to feel…not so good?
Think about your energy, mood, and focus.

Transition to the potential negative impacts of excessive screen time. Prompt students to think about their own experiences.

Your Brain on Screens

Constant notifications = constant distractions.
Social media comparisons = increased anxiety.
Blue light at night = disrupted sleep.

Explain how constant digital engagement affects our brains and mental health. Use simple, relatable terms.

The Mental Health Link

Excessive screen time can lead to:
- Increased stress and anxiety
- Feelings of loneliness and inadequacy
- Difficulty concentrating

Further elaborate on the mental health connections, specifically mentioning mood and stress.

Finding Your Digital Balance

How can we enjoy technology without letting it take over our lives?
What are some small changes you could make?

Begin brainstorming solutions. Ask students for their initial ideas before presenting structured strategies.

Strategies for a Healthier You

  • Set 'no-phone zones' (e.g., dinner table, bedroom).
    - Schedule 'digital-free' blocks of time.
    - Turn off unnecessary notifications.
    - Replace screen time with offline activities.

Present concrete strategies for a digital detox.

Your Digital Detox Challenge!

Choose ONE strategy to try this week.
Let's reclaim our focus and connect with the world around us!

Encourage students to commit to one strategy. Emphasize that it's a journey, not a one-time fix.

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Worksheet

My Digital Habits Audit

Name: _________________________

Date: __________________________

Part 1: My Daily Digital Snapshot

  1. List the top 3 digital devices you use most frequently:

    1. _________________________


    2. _________________________


    3. _________________________


  2. List the top 3 apps/websites you spend the most time on:

    1. _________________________


    2. _________________________


    3. _________________________


  3. Estimate how many hours a day you spend on screens (not including schoolwork):

    • Less than 1 hour
    • 1-3 hours
    • 3-5 hours
    • More than 5 hours



Part 2: Reflecting on My Digital Use

  1. Describe how you typically feel after a long session online (e.g., energized, tired, happy, anxious, productive, distracted).






  2. In what situations do you find yourself reaching for your device out of habit, rather than necessity or genuine interest?






  3. How does your screen time affect your sleep, mood, or relationships with friends and family?











Part 3: Towards a Healthier Balance

  1. What is one positive aspect of technology you appreciate (e.g., staying connected, learning, entertainment)?






  2. Name one specific area where you would like to reduce or change your digital use (e.g., less social media, no phone before bed, more offline hobbies).






  3. What is one small, actionable step you can take this week to create a healthier online-offline balance?






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Journal

Reflecting on Connection: Journal Entry

Name: _________________________

Date: __________________________

Prompt 1: My Key Takeaway

What was the most important idea or insight you gained from today's lesson on digital detox and well-being? Why did it resonate with you?











Prompt 2: My Actionable Step

Based on what we discussed and your personal reflection, what is ONE specific, realistic step you will take in the next week to create a healthier online-offline balance in your life? Describe how you plan to implement it and what you hope to achieve.












Prompt 3: The "Unplugged" Experience

Imagine you have an hour completely free of digital devices. What would you do with that time? How do you think you would feel? Be specific and creative.












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