Lesson Plan
Screen Time Strategy
Students will analyze their daily screen habits, set personalized SMART goals, and develop an individualized digital engagement strategy to promote healthier tech use.
This lesson empowers 11th graders to recognize excessive screen time, understand its impact on their well-being, and take proactive steps toward balanced digital habits to support their mental and physical health.
Audience
11th Grade
Time
20 minutes
Approach
Guided self-reflection and goal-setting activities
Materials
Prep
Review and Prepare Materials
5 minutes
- Review the Digital Footprint Facts to understand common patterns in student screen use
- Familiarize yourself with the prompts and structure of the Tech Reflection Log
- Inspect the criteria in the Digital Balance Rubric to guide student goal setting
- Ensure each student has access to devices or printed copies of the reflection log and rubric
Step 1
Reflect on Current Screen Habits
5 minutes
- Project the Digital Footprint Facts slide deck and discuss 1–2 surprising statistics
- Distribute the Tech Reflection Log and have students record their average daily screen time and emotional response to device use
- Encourage honest self-assessment without judgment
Step 2
Set SMART Goals and Strategies
10 minutes
- Introduce the Digital Balance Rubric and explain how criteria map to balanced tech habits
- Ask students to identify 2–3 areas for improvement (e.g., social media, gaming, study breaks)
- In their reflection log, students draft SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) tied to the rubric levels
- Prompt students to brainstorm at least two concrete strategies (e.g., app timers, screen-free activities) to reach each goal
Step 3
Document Personalized Action Plan
5 minutes
- Have students summarize their goals and chosen strategies in the final section of the Tech Reflection Log
- Instruct them to note when and how they will review progress (daily check-ins, weekly reflections)
- Encourage pairing up with a peer for accountability and sharing one strategy idea
- Conclude by reminding students to use their action plans as living documents for ongoing digital wellness monitoring
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Slide Deck
Digital Footprint Facts
• Average daily screen time for U.S. teens: 9+ hours outside of schoolwork
• 67% of teens check devices within 15 minutes of waking
• 50% increase in reported sleep issues linked to nighttime device use
Let’s see which facts stand out to you.
Welcome students! Today we’ll explore eye-opening stats about how much time teens spend on screens and why it matters. Project this slide and invite quick reactions.
Average Teen Screen Time
On average, U.S. teens spend over 9 hours daily on screens outside of schoolwork.
• Social media, streaming, gaming, texting all contribute.
• Many sessions last 30+ minutes without break.
Emphasize “outside of schoolwork” to distinguish leisure use. Ask: Who feels like this matches your day?
Impact on Sleep
• 75% of teens report difficulty falling or staying asleep
• Blue-light exposure delays melatonin production
• Each extra hour of evening screen time can reduce sleep by 15 minutes
Explain blue light’s effect on melatonin. Ask students if they use devices right before bed.
Mental Health Effects
• Higher leisure screen time correlates with increased anxiety and depression
• 40% of teens feel overwhelmed by constant notifications
• Social comparison on apps can lower self-esteem
Highlight the link between constant connectivity and stress. Invite a brief share: Has tech ever made you feel anxious?
Academic & Physical Well-Being
• Excessive screen use linked to a 20% drop in grades for some students
• Prolonged sitting increases risk of obesity and fatigue
• Breaks every hour improve focus and posture
Point out how sedentary habits affect health and school. Ask: How many hours of homework vs. gaming do you track?
Reflection Prompt
Which of these facts surprised you most?
How does this data compare to your daily habits?
Name one change you could try this week to improve balance.
Allow 1–2 minutes for students to jot responses in their reflection logs. Then segue into self-assessment.
Journal
Tech Reflection Log
1. Current Screen Habits
Record your average daily screen time for each category. Be as accurate as possible.
Social Media (hours):
Streaming & Video (hours):
Gaming (hours):
Homework/Schoolwork (hours):
Other (hours):
2. Emotional Reflection
How does your daily screen use make you feel? Consider any patterns of stress, boredom, or satisfaction.
3. Connecting Data to Habits
Review the Digital Footprint Facts slide deck. Which statistic surprised you most, and why? How does this compare to your own habits?
4. Setting SMART Goals
Using the Digital Balance Rubric as a guide, draft 2–3 SMART goals to improve your digital well-being. For each, ensure it's Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
- Goal 1:
- Goal 2:
- Goal 3 (optional):
5. Brainstorming Strategies
For each goal above, list at least two concrete strategies or tools you will use to achieve it.
- Strategies for Goal 1:
- Strategies for Goal 2:
- Strategies for Goal 3 (if applicable):
6. Action Plan & Accountability
Detail how and when you will review your progress. Who will you partner with for accountability, and what checkpoints will you set?
Notes:
This journal is a living document—review and adjust your goals and strategies weekly to maintain your digital balance and wellness.
Rubric
Digital Balance Rubric
Use this rubric to guide your SMART goal creation and measure progress toward balanced digital habits. Each criterion is scored from 1 (Beginning) to 4 (Exceeds Expectations).
| Criterion | 4 – Exceeds Expectations | 3 – Meets Expectations | 2 – Approaching Expectations | 1 – Beginning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Self-Reflection & Awareness | • Records complete, accurate screen-time data across all categories • Provides deep emotional insights, noting patterns and triggers | • Records data for most categories with accuracy • Offers clear emotional responses | • Records incomplete or uneven data • Reflection is general or superficial | • Data is missing or inaccurate • Minimal or no emotional reflection |
| SMART Goal Quality | • Goals are highly specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound • Directly linked to reflection data and rubric levels | • Goals fulfill all SMART components with clear relevance | • Goals cover some SMART elements but lack specificity, measurability, or timeline | • Goals are vague, missing SMART elements, or unrelated to identified needs |
| Strategy Development | • Proposes at least two varied, realistic, evidence-based strategies per goal • Includes rationale for how each will address habits | • Lists two practical strategies per goal | • Suggests one strategy per goal or offers generic ideas | • Strategies are unrealistic, insufficient, or not tied to goals |
| Accountability & Monitoring Plan | • Defines specific checkpoints (daily/weekly), reflection methods, and roles for accountability partners • Includes contingency plans for setbacks | • Establishes checkpoints and identifies an accountability partner | • Sets basic review times or a partner but without clear structure | • No concrete plan for monitoring progress or leveraging support |
Score Range: 16–20 = Exceeds, 12–15 = Meets, 8–11 = Approaching, 4–7 = Beginning
Use your scores to refine goals and strategies, aiming to move each criterion toward a 4 for balanced digital wellness.