Lesson Plan
Unplug and Recharge
Students will be able to identify the effects of excessive screen time on their well-being and develop personal strategies for healthy digital habits.
In today's digital age, understanding how technology impacts our mental and physical health is crucial for developing balanced habits that support overall well-being.
Audience
8th Grade Students
Time
60 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, self-reflection, and goal-setting activities.
Materials
Whiteboard or Projector, Markers or Pens, Navigating the Digital World Mindfully (Slide Deck), Screen Time Survey & Goal Setting (Activity), and The Art of Digital Balance (Reading)
Prep
Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the Unplug and Recharge Lesson Plan and all supplementary materials, including the Navigating the Digital World Mindfully (Slide Deck), Screen Time Survey & Goal Setting (Activity), and The Art of Digital Balance (Reading).
- Ensure projector/whiteboard is set up for the slide deck.
- Print copies of the Screen Time Survey & Goal Setting (Activity) and The Art of Digital Balance (Reading) for each student.
Step 1
Introduction: Hook & Share
10 minutes
- Begin by asking students: "How much time do you spend on screens each day?" (Allow for quick, informal responses).
- Introduce the concept of a 'Digital Detox' and its importance for well-being using the Navigating the Digital World Mindfully (Slide Deck).
- Facilitate a brief discussion: "What are some positive and negative effects of screen time you've noticed in your own lives or with friends/family?"
Step 2
Exploring Digital Wellbeing
15 minutes
- Present key information on the impact of screen time on sleep, focus, and social connections using the Navigating the Digital World Mindfully (Slide Deck).
- Distribute and have students complete the first part of the Screen Time Survey & Goal Setting (Activity) to reflect on their current habits.
- Lead a short discussion on common challenges and benefits related to screen use.
Step 3
Strategies for Balance
15 minutes
- Introduce practical strategies for healthy digital habits, such as setting screen time limits, creating 'tech-free zones,' and engaging in offline activities, using the Navigating the Digital World Mindfully (Slide Deck).
- Students will use the second part of the Screen Time Survey & Goal Setting (Activity) to set personal goals for reducing screen time or improving their digital habits.
- Encourage students to share one goal they are excited to try with a partner or small group.
Step 4
Deep Dive: The Art of Digital Balance
10 minutes
- Distribute The Art of Digital Balance (Reading) to students.
- Have students read the article individually or in small groups.
- After reading, facilitate a brief class discussion on insights gained from the article and how they connect to the personal goals set by students.
Step 5
Wrap-Up & Reflection
10 minutes
- Review the main takeaways from the lesson on digital well-being.
- Ask students to share one new insight or strategy they plan to implement.
- Assign students to reflect on their progress with their digital balance goals over the next week as homework.
use Lenny to create lessons.
No credit card needed
Slide Deck
Digital Detox: Unplug & Recharge
Understanding Our Digital Habits
- How much time do you spend on screens each day?
- What comes to mind when you hear "Digital Detox"?
Welcome students and introduce the topic of digital detox. Ask an engaging question to activate prior knowledge.
The Good Side of Screens
Connecting, Learning, Creating!
- Connection: Staying in touch with friends and family.
- Learning: Access to information and educational tools.
- Creativity: Expressing yourself through digital art, music, or writing.
- Entertainment: Movies, games, and social media for fun.
Discuss the positive aspects of technology before diving into the potential downsides to provide a balanced perspective.
Screen Time: The Downsides?
When Too Much Becomes... Too Much
- Sleep Problems: Blue light can mess with your sleep.
- Reduced Focus: Constant notifications interrupt concentration.
- Physical Health: Eye strain, neck pain, less outdoor time.
- Mental Well-being: Comparing yourself to others online, anxiety.
- Social Impact: Less face-to-face interaction.
Transition to the potential negative effects. Encourage students to think about their own experiences.
What is a Digital Detox?
It's About Balance, Not Boycott!
- Consciously reducing screen time.
- Taking a break from digital devices.
- Focusing on offline activities.
- Reconnecting with yourself and your surroundings.
- The Goal: More intentional and healthier tech habits.
Introduce the concept of a digital detox and its benefits. Highlight the idea of conscious use.
Strategies for a Healthier Digital Life
Take Control of Your Tech!
- Set Screen Time Limits: Use phone settings or apps.
- Create Tech-Free Zones: No phones at dinner, in bed.
- Schedule Offline Activities: Hobbies, sports, reading, family time.
- Turn Off Notifications: Reduce distractions.
- Mindful Use: Ask yourself, "Why am I picking up my phone right now?"
Present actionable strategies students can implement. Relate these to their personal goal setting.
Your Digital Balance Journey
Small Changes, Big Impact
- Awareness: Knowing your habits.
- Intention: Choosing how you use tech.
- Balance: Mixing online and offline worlds.
What's one small change you can make this week?
Review the main points and encourage students to reflect on one key takeaway. This leads into the activity.
Activity
Screen Time Survey & Goal Setting
Part 1: My Screen Time Habits Reflection
Take a moment to honestly reflect on your current screen time habits. Answer the following questions.
-
On an average weekday, how many hours do you spend on screens (phone, computer, TV, gaming console, etc.)?
-
On an average weekend day, how many hours do you spend on screens?
-
What are your top 3 favorite screen-based activities? (e.g., social media, gaming, streaming videos, school work)
-
Do you typically use screens right before bed? If so, for how long?
-
How do you feel physically (eyes, neck, energy level) after extended screen use?
-
How do you feel emotionally (mood, anxiety, connection to others) after extended screen use?
-
What are some activities you enjoy doing that don't involve screens?
Part 2: Setting My Digital Balance Goals
Based on your reflections and our discussion, set one or two realistic goals to improve your digital well-being.
My Goal 1:
-
What specific screen time habit do I want to change or improve? (e.g., reduce social media scrolling, no phone in bed, take a 30-minute tech break after school)
-
How will I achieve this goal? (What steps will I take? What tools might I use?)
-
When will I check in on my progress? (e.g., daily, end of the week)
My Goal 2 (Optional):
-
What specific screen time habit do I want to change or improve?
-
How will I achieve this goal?
-
When will I check in on my progress?
Why is achieving these goals important to me?
Reading
The Art of Digital Balance: Finding Your Sweet Spot with Technology
In our modern world, technology is everywhere. From smartphones in our pockets to computers in our classrooms, digital devices have become an essential part of our daily lives. They connect us, entertain us, and help us learn. But like anything powerful, too much of a good thing can sometimes lead to challenges. This is where the "art of digital balance" comes in.
What is Digital Balance?
Digital balance isn't about completely ditching your devices or living without technology. Instead, it's about using technology in a way that supports your overall well-being – your physical health, mental health, and social connections. It's about being in control of your tech, rather than letting your tech control you.
The Impact of Unchecked Screen Time
While screens offer many benefits, excessive or unmindful screen time can have several negative impacts:
- Sleep Disturbances: The blue light emitted from screens can interfere with your body's production of melatonin, a hormone that helps you sleep. Using devices late at night can make it harder to fall asleep and reduce the quality of your sleep.
- Reduced Focus and Attention: Constant notifications, endless feeds, and the urge to multitask can make it difficult to concentrate on one task for an extended period. This can affect your performance in school and other activities.
- Physical Strain: Hours spent looking at screens can lead to eye strain, headaches, and neck or back pain. A sedentary lifestyle associated with high screen time can also contribute to other health issues.
- Mental and Emotional Well-being: Spending too much time online, especially on social media, can sometimes lead to feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and comparison. Seeing curated highlight reels of others' lives can make you feel inadequate.
- Impact on Relationships: When you're constantly distracted by your phone, it can take away from quality time with friends and family in person. Real-life conversations and interactions are vital for building strong relationships.
Cultivating Your Digital Balance
Developing healthy digital habits is a journey, not a destination. Here are some strategies to help you find your personal digital sweet spot:
- Be Mindful of Your Use: Before picking up your device, ask yourself: "Why am I doing this? What is my purpose?" Is it for a specific task, or are you just automatically reaching for it out of habit?
- Set Clear Boundaries: Establish "tech-free" times and zones. For example, no phones at the dinner table, no screens an hour before bedtime, or designate certain hours for homework without digital distractions.
- Schedule Offline Activities: Make time for hobbies, sports, reading physical books, spending time in nature, or connecting with friends face-to-face. Prioritize these activities as much as you would online ones.
- Manage Notifications: Turn off unnecessary notifications on your apps. This reduces interruptions and helps you stay focused on what you're doing in the real world.
- Curate Your Digital Environment: Unfollow accounts that make you feel bad about yourself, and engage with content that is positive, inspiring, or genuinely useful.
- Take Regular Breaks: If you have to use screens for school or work, take short breaks every 20-30 minutes to look away from the screen, stretch, and move your body.
- Practice Digital "Fasting": Consider taking short "digital detoxes" – a few hours or a whole day without non-essential screen use – to truly disconnect and recharge.
Finding your digital balance is a personal process. It requires self-awareness, intention, and a willingness to experiment with new habits. By taking control of your technology, you can create a life that is richer, more focused, and more connected to what truly matters.
Reading
The Art of Digital Balance: Finding Your Sweet Spot with Technology
In our modern world, technology is everywhere. From smartphones in our pockets to computers in our classrooms, digital devices have become an essential part of our daily lives. They connect us, entertain us, and help us learn. But like anything powerful, too much of a good thing can sometimes lead to challenges. This is where the "art of digital balance" comes in.
What is Digital Balance?
Digital balance isn't about completely ditching your devices or living without technology. Instead, it's about using technology in a way that supports your overall well-being – your physical health, mental health, and social connections. It's about being in control of your tech, rather than letting your tech control you.
The Impact of Unchecked Screen Time
While screens offer many benefits, excessive or unmindful screen time can have several negative impacts:
- Sleep Disturbances: The blue light emitted from screens can interfere with your body's production of melatonin, a hormone that helps you sleep. Using devices late at night can make it harder to fall asleep and reduce the quality of your sleep.
- Reduced Focus and Attention: Constant notifications, endless feeds, and the urge to multitask can make it difficult to concentrate on one task for an extended period. This can affect your performance in school and other activities.
- Physical Strain: Hours spent looking at screens can lead to eye strain, headaches, and neck or back pain. A sedentary lifestyle associated with high screen time can also contribute to other health issues.
- Mental and Emotional Well-being: Spending too much time online, especially on social media, can sometimes lead to feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and comparison. Seeing curated highlight reels of others' lives can make you feel inadequate.
- Impact on Relationships: When you're constantly distracted by your phone, it can take away from quality time with friends and family in person. Real-life conversations and interactions are vital for building strong relationships.
Cultivating Your Digital Balance
Developing healthy digital habits is a journey, not a destination. Here are some strategies to help you find your personal digital sweet spot:
- Be Mindful of Your Use: Before picking up your device, ask yourself: "Why am I doing this? What is my purpose?" Is it for a specific task, or are you just automatically reaching for it out of habit?
- Set Clear Boundaries: Establish "tech-free" times and zones. For example, no phones at the dinner table, no screens an hour before bedtime, or designate certain hours for homework without digital distractions.
- Schedule Offline Activities: Make time for hobbies, sports, reading physical books, spending time in nature, or connecting with friends face-to-face. Prioritize these activities as much as you would online ones.
- Manage Notifications: Turn off unnecessary notifications on your apps. This reduces interruptions and helps you stay focused on what you're doing in the real world.
- Curate Your Digital Environment: Unfollow accounts that make you feel bad about yourself, and engage with content that is positive, inspiring, or genuinely useful.
- Take Regular Breaks: If you have to use screens for school or work, take short breaks every 20-30 minutes to look away from the screen, stretch, and move your body.
- Practice Digital "Fasting": Consider taking short "digital detoxes" – a few hours or a whole day without non-essential screen use – to truly disconnect and recharge.
Finding your digital balance is a personal process. It requires self-awareness, intention, and a willingness to experiment with new habits. By taking control of your technology, you can create a life that is richer, more focused, and more connected to what truly matters.
Reading
The Art of Digital Balance: Finding Your Sweet Spot with Technology
In our modern world, technology is everywhere. From smartphones in our pockets to computers in our classrooms, digital devices have become an essential part of our daily lives. They connect us, entertain us, and help us learn. But like anything powerful, too much of a good thing can sometimes lead to challenges. This is where the "art of digital balance" comes in.
What is Digital Balance?
Digital balance isn't about completely ditching your devices or living without technology. Instead, it's about using technology in a way that supports your overall well-being – your physical health, mental health, and social connections. It's about being in control of your tech, rather than letting your tech control you.
The Impact of Unchecked Screen Time
While screens offer many benefits, excessive or unmindful screen time can have several negative impacts:
- Sleep Disturbances: The blue light emitted from screens can interfere with your body's production of melatonin, a hormone that helps you sleep. Using devices late at night can make it harder to fall asleep and reduce the quality of your sleep.
- Reduced Focus and Attention: Constant notifications, endless feeds, and the urge to multitask can make it difficult to concentrate on one task for an extended period. This can affect your performance in school and other activities.
- Physical Strain: Hours spent looking at screens can lead to eye strain, headaches, and neck or back pain. A sedentary lifestyle associated with high screen time can also contribute to other health issues.
- Mental and Emotional Well-being: Spending too much time online, especially on social media, can sometimes lead to feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and comparison. Seeing curated highlight reels of others' lives can make you feel inadequate.
- Impact on Relationships: When you're constantly distracted by your phone, it can take away from quality time with friends and family in person. Real-life conversations and interactions are vital for building strong relationships.
Cultivating Your Digital Balance
Developing healthy digital habits is a journey, not a destination. Here are some strategies to help you find your personal digital sweet spot:
- Be Mindful of Your Use: Before picking up your device, ask yourself: "Why am I doing this? What is my purpose?" Is it for a specific task, or are you just automatically reaching for it out of habit?
- Set Clear Boundaries: Establish "tech-free" times and zones. For example, no phones at the dinner table, no screens an hour before bedtime, or designate certain hours for homework without digital distractions.
- Schedule Offline Activities: Make time for hobbies, sports, reading physical books, spending time in nature, or connecting with friends face-to-face. Prioritize these activities as much as you would online ones.
- Manage Notifications: Turn off unnecessary notifications on your apps. This reduces interruptions and helps you stay focused on what you're doing in the real world.
- Curate Your Digital Environment: Unfollow accounts that make you feel bad about yourself, and engage with content that is positive, inspiring, or genuinely useful.
- Take Regular Breaks: If you have to use screens for school or work, take short breaks every 20-30 minutes to look away from the screen, stretch, and move your body.
- Practice Digital "Fasting": Consider taking short
Reading
The Art of Digital Balance: Finding Your Sweet Spot with Technology
In our modern world, technology is everywhere. From smartphones in our pockets to computers in our classrooms, digital devices have become an essential part of our daily lives. They connect us, entertain us, and help us learn. But like anything powerful, too much of a good thing can sometimes lead to challenges. This is where the "art of digital balance" comes in.
What is Digital Balance?
Digital balance isn't about completely ditching your devices or living without technology. Instead, it's about using technology in a way that supports your overall well-being – your physical health, mental health, and social connections. It's about being in control of your tech, rather than letting your tech control you.
The Impact of Unchecked Screen Time
While screens offer many benefits, excessive or unmindful screen time can have several negative impacts:
- Sleep Disturbances: The blue light emitted from screens can interfere with your body's production of melatonin, a hormone that helps you sleep. Using devices late at night can make it harder to fall asleep and reduce the quality of your sleep.
- Reduced Focus and Attention: Constant notifications, endless feeds, and the urge to multitask can make it difficult to concentrate on one task for an extended period. This can affect your performance in school and other activities.
- Physical Strain: Hours spent looking at screens can lead to eye strain, headaches, and neck or back pain. A sedentary lifestyle associated with high screen time can also contribute to other health issues.
- Mental and Emotional Well-being: Spending too much time online, especially on social media, can sometimes lead to feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and comparison. Seeing curated highlight reels of others' lives can make you feel inadequate.
- Impact on Relationships: When you're constantly distracted by your phone, it can take away from quality time with friends and family in person. Real-life conversations and interactions are vital for building strong relationships.
Cultivating Your Digital Balance
Developing healthy digital habits is a journey, not a destination. Here are some strategies to help you find your personal digital sweet spot:
- Be Mindful of Your Use: Before picking up your device, ask yourself: "Why am I doing this? What is my purpose?" Is it for a specific task, or are you just automatically reaching for it out of habit?
- Set Clear Boundaries: Establish "tech-free" times and zones. For example, no phones at the dinner table, no screens an hour before bedtime, or designate certain hours for homework without digital distractions.
- Schedule Offline Activities: Make time for hobbies, sports, reading physical books, spending time in nature, or connecting with friends face-to-face. Prioritize these activities as much as you would online ones.
- Manage Notifications: Turn off unnecessary notifications on your apps. This reduces interruptions and helps you stay focused on what you're doing in the real world.
- Curate Your Digital Environment: Unfollow accounts that make you feel bad about yourself, and engage with content that is positive, inspiring, or genuinely useful.
- Take Regular Breaks: If you have to use screens for school or work, take short breaks every 20-30 minutes to look away from the screen, stretch, and move your body.
- Practice Digital "Fasting": Consider taking short
Reading
The Art of Digital Balance: Finding Your Sweet Spot with Technology
In our modern world, technology is everywhere. From smartphones in our pockets to computers in our classrooms, digital devices have become an essential part of our daily lives. They connect us, entertain us, and help us learn. But like anything powerful, too much of a good thing can sometimes lead to challenges. This is where the "art of digital balance" comes in.
What is Digital Balance?
Digital balance isn't about completely ditching your devices or living without technology. Instead, it's about using technology in a way that supports your overall well-being – your physical health, mental health, and social connections. It's about being in control of your tech, rather than letting your tech control you.
The Impact of Unchecked Screen Time
While screens offer many benefits, excessive or unmindful screen time can have several negative impacts:
- Sleep Disturbances: The blue light emitted from screens can interfere with your body's production of melatonin, a hormone that helps you sleep. Using devices late at night can make it harder to fall asleep and reduce the quality of your sleep.
- Reduced Focus and Attention: Constant notifications, endless feeds, and the urge to multitask can make it difficult to concentrate on one task for an extended period. This can affect your performance in school and other activities.
- Physical Strain: Hours spent looking at screens can lead to eye strain, headaches, and neck or back pain. A sedentary lifestyle associated with high screen time can also contribute to other health issues.
- Mental and Emotional Well-being: Spending too much time online, especially on social media, can sometimes lead to feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and comparison. Seeing curated highlight reels of others' lives can make you feel inadequate.
- Impact on Relationships: When you're constantly distracted by your phone, it can take away from quality time with friends and family in person. Real-life conversations and interactions are vital for building strong relationships.
Cultivating Your Digital Balance
Developing healthy digital habits is a journey, not a destination. Here are some strategies to help you find your personal digital sweet spot:
- Be Mindful of Your Use: Before picking up your device, ask yourself: "Why am I doing this? What is my purpose?" Is it for a specific task, or are you just automatically reaching for it out of habit?
- Set Clear Boundaries: Establish "tech-free" times and zones. For example, no phones at the dinner table, no screens an hour before bedtime, or designate certain hours for homework without digital distractions.
- Schedule Offline Activities: Make time for hobbies, sports, reading physical books, spending time in nature, or connecting with friends face-to-face. Prioritize these activities as much as you would online ones.
- Manage Notifications: Turn off unnecessary notifications on your apps. This reduces interruptions and helps you stay focused on what you're doing in the real world.
- Curate Your Digital Environment: Unfollow accounts that make you feel bad about yourself, and engage with content that is positive, inspiring, or genuinely useful.
- Take Regular Breaks: If you have to use screens for school or work, take short breaks every 20-30 minutes to look away from the screen, stretch, and move your body.
- Practice Digital "Fasting": Consider taking short
Reading
The Art of Digital Balance: Finding Your Sweet Spot with Technology
In our modern world, technology is everywhere. From smartphones in our pockets to computers in our classrooms, digital devices have become an essential part of our daily lives. They connect us, entertain us, and help us learn. But like anything powerful, too much of a good thing can sometimes lead to challenges. This is where the "art of digital balance" comes in.
What is Digital Balance?
Digital balance isn't about completely ditching your devices or living without technology. Instead, it's about using technology in a way that supports your overall well-being – your physical health, mental health, and social connections. It's about being in control of your tech, rather than letting your tech control you.
The Impact of Unchecked Screen Time
While screens offer many benefits, excessive or unmindful screen time can have several negative impacts:
- Sleep Disturbances: The blue light emitted from screens can interfere with your body's production of melatonin, a hormone that helps you sleep. Using devices late at night can make it harder to fall asleep and reduce the quality of your sleep.
- Reduced Focus and Attention: Constant notifications, endless feeds, and the urge to multitask can make it difficult to concentrate on one task for an extended period. This can affect your performance in school and other activities.
- Physical Strain: Hours spent looking at screens can lead to eye strain, headaches, and neck or back pain. A sedentary lifestyle associated with high screen time can also contribute to other health issues.
- Mental and Emotional Well-being: Spending too much time online, especially on social media, can sometimes lead to feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and comparison. Seeing curated highlight reels of others' lives can make you feel inadequate.
- Impact on Relationships: When you're constantly distracted by your phone, it can take away from quality time with friends and family in person. Real-life conversations and interactions are vital for building strong relationships.
Cultivating Your Digital Balance
Developing healthy digital habits is a journey, not a destination. Here are some strategies to help you find your personal digital sweet spot:
- Be Mindful of Your Use: Before picking up your device, ask yourself: "Why am I doing this? What is my purpose?" Is it for a specific task, or are you just automatically reaching for it out of habit?
- Set Clear Boundaries: Establish "tech-free" times and zones. For example, no phones at the dinner table, no screens an hour before bedtime, or designate certain hours for homework without digital distractions.
- Schedule Offline Activities: Make time for hobbies, sports, reading physical books, spending time in nature, or connecting with friends face-to-face. Prioritize these activities as much as you would online ones.
- Manage Notifications: Turn off unnecessary notifications on your apps. This reduces interruptions and helps you stay focused on what you're doing in the real world.
- Curate Your Digital Environment: Unfollow accounts that make you feel bad about yourself, and engage with content that is positive, inspiring, or genuinely useful.
- Take Regular Breaks: If you have to use screens for school or work, take short breaks every 20-30 minutes to look away from the screen, stretch, and move your body.
- Practice Digital "Fasting": Consider taking short
Reading
The Art of Digital Balance: Finding Your Sweet Spot with Technology
In our modern world, technology is everywhere. From smartphones in our pockets to computers in our classrooms, digital devices have become an essential part of our daily lives. They connect us, entertain us, and help us learn. But like anything powerful, too much of a good thing can sometimes lead to challenges. This is where the "art of digital balance" comes in.
What is Digital Balance?
Digital balance isn't about completely ditching your devices or living without technology. Instead, it's about using technology in a way that supports your overall well-being – your physical health, mental health, and social connections. It's about being in control of your tech, rather than letting your tech control you.
The Impact of Unchecked Screen Time
While screens offer many benefits, excessive or unmindful screen time can have several negative impacts:
- Sleep Disturbances: The blue light emitted from screens can interfere with your body's production of melatonin, a hormone that helps you sleep. Using devices late at night can make it harder to fall asleep and reduce the quality of your sleep.
- Reduced Focus and Attention: Constant notifications, endless feeds, and the urge to multitask can make it difficult to concentrate on one task for an extended period. This can affect your performance in school and other activities.
- Physical Strain: Hours spent looking at screens can lead to eye strain, headaches, and neck or back pain. A sedentary lifestyle associated with high screen time can also contribute to other health issues.
- Mental and Emotional Well-being: Spending too much time online, especially on social media, can sometimes lead to feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and comparison. Seeing curated highlight reels of others' lives can make you feel inadequate.
- Impact on Relationships: When you're constantly distracted by your phone, it can take away from quality time with friends and family in person. Real-life conversations and interactions are vital for building strong relationships.
Cultivating Your Digital Balance
Developing healthy digital habits is a journey, not a destination. Here are some strategies to help you find your personal digital sweet spot:
- Be Mindful of Your Use: Before picking up your device, ask yourself: "Why am I doing this? What is my purpose?" Is it for a specific task, or are you just automatically reaching for it out of habit?
- Set Clear Boundaries: Establish