Digital Detox: Unplug and Recharge

Christine Weeden

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Digital Detox: Unplug and Recharge

Reduce screen time stress

This lesson helps students understand the impact of excessive screen time and social media on their mental health. Through interactive activities and discussions, students will explore strategies to unplug and balance their digital lives. This lesson is important as it empowers students to manage their digital consumption, promoting healthier habits and reducing stress.

Audience

8th to 10th Grade Students

Time

1 hour

Approach

Reduce screen time stress

Materials

Discussion Questions, Worksheet: Screen Time Reflection, Quiz: Digital Balance Strategies, and Answer Key: Digital Balance Strategies

Step 1

Introduction

10 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on the role of digital devices in daily life.
Ask students how they feel about their screen time and its impact on their stress levels.
Introduce the concept of a 'digital detox' and its benefits.

Step 2

Group Discussion

15 mins

Divide students into small groups.
Provide each group with discussion questions to explore the effects of screen time on mental health.
Encourage students to share personal experiences and strategies they use to manage screen time.

Step 3

Worksheet Activity

15 mins

Distribute the 'Screen Time Reflection' worksheet.
Have students individually reflect on their screen time habits and write down their thoughts.
Encourage them to think about changes they could make to reduce stress.

Step 4

Quiz: Digital Balance Strategies

10 mins

Conduct a short quiz to assess students' understanding of digital balance strategies.
Use the quiz to reinforce key concepts discussed in the lesson.

Step 5

Closure

10 mins

Recap the main points of the lesson.
Ask students to share one strategy they plan to implement to reduce screen time stress.
Encourage students to set a personal goal for their digital detox journey.

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Discussion

Discussion Questions

Facilitate a group discussion on the impact of screen time on mental health and strategies to manage it.

How does excessive screen time affect your stress levels?

Encourage students to think about physical, emotional, and social impacts.

What are some signs that you might need a digital detox?

Guide students to consider symptoms like anxiety, sleep issues, and lack of focus.

What strategies can you use to balance your digital life?

Discuss practical tips like setting screen time limits, taking breaks, and engaging in offline activities.

Worksheet

Screen Time Reflection

This worksheet helps students reflect on their current screen time habits and consider changes to reduce stress.

List the apps or activities you spend the most time on each day.

Think about social media, games, and other digital activities.

How do you feel after spending a lot of time on screens?

Consider both positive and negative feelings.

What is one change you can make to reduce your screen time?

Think about setting limits or finding alternative activities.

Quiz

Digital Balance Strategies

Answer Key

Answer Key: Digital Balance Strategies

This answer key provides the correct answers and explanations for the quiz on digital balance strategies.

Which of the following is a good strategy to reduce screen time stress?

Set screen time limits
Setting screen time limits helps manage usage and reduce stress.

What is a benefit of taking regular breaks from screens?

Better focus
Taking breaks can improve focus and reduce eye strain.