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Mindful Technology Use: Balancing Screen Time and Wellbeing

Lesson Plan

Mindful Technology Use: Balancing Screen Time and Wellbeing

Understand the impact of screen time on wellbeing and develop balanced tech use strategies.

This lesson empowers students to manage screen time, enhancing mental and physical health.

Audience

Middle School Students

Time

60 minutes

Approach

Interactive activities and discussions.

Materials

Activity Worksheet, Slide Deck, and Whiteboard and Markers

Prep

Prepare Materials

30 minutes

  • Review the Activity Worksheet to understand the activities planned.
  • Familiarize yourself with the Slide Deck to guide the lesson.
  • Ensure all technology needed for the presentation is working.
  • Prepare the classroom with necessary materials such as whiteboard and markers.

Step 1

Introduction

10 minutes

  • Begin with a brief discussion on students' current screen time habits.
  • Use the Slide Deck to present key statistics on screen time and its effects.

Step 2

Main Activity

30 minutes

  • Distribute the Activity Worksheet to students.
  • Guide students through activities that help them reflect on their screen time usage.
  • Facilitate small group discussions on strategies for balanced technology use.

Step 3

Discussion

15 minutes

  • Lead a class discussion on the benefits of reducing screen time.
  • Encourage students to share their personal strategies for balanced technology use.

Step 4

Conclusion

5 minutes

  • Summarize key points from the lesson.
  • Encourage students to create a personal plan for mindful technology use.
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Activity

Screen Time Reflection and Strategy Development

Objective

To help students reflect on their current screen time habits and develop personalized strategies for balanced technology use.

Part 1: Screen Time Reflection

Instructions:

  1. Take a moment to think about your daily screen time. Consider all the devices you use, including phones, tablets, computers, and TVs.
  2. Answer the following questions:
    • How many hours do you spend on screens each day?
    • Which activities take up most of your screen time (e.g., social media, gaming, studying)?
    • How does your screen time make you feel physically and mentally?

Reflection Space:

  • Total daily screen time:
    ...

  • Main screen activities:
    ...

  • Physical and mental effects:
    ...

Part 2: Strategy Development

Instructions:

  1. Based on your reflection, think about how you can balance your screen time better.
  2. Develop a strategy by answering these prompts:
    • What are some non-screen activities you enjoy or would like to try?
    • How can you incorporate more of these activities into your daily routine?
    • What specific steps will you take to reduce unnecessary screen time?

Strategy Planning Space:

  • Non-screen activities:
    ...

  • Incorporating activities into routine:
    ...

  • Steps to reduce screen time:
    ...

Part 3: Group Discussion

Instructions:

  1. Join your group and share your reflections and strategies.
  2. Discuss the following questions:
    • What challenges might you face in reducing screen time?
    • How can you support each other in achieving your screen time goals?

Discussion Points:

  • Potential challenges:
    ...

  • Support strategies:
    ...

Conclusion

Reflect on the discussion and finalize your personal plan for mindful technology use. Consider setting a goal for the next week and track your progress.

Personal Plan:

  • Weekly screen time goal:
    ...

  • Progress tracking method:
    ...

This activity encourages self-awareness and proactive planning, empowering students to take control of their technology use for improved wellbeing.

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Slide Deck

Welcome to Mindful Technology Use

Exploring the impact of screen time on our wellbeing and learning how to balance it effectively.

Welcome students and introduce the topic of mindful technology use. Explain the importance of balancing screen time with other activities for overall wellbeing.

Screen Time Statistics

  • Average screen time for teenagers: 7-9 hours/day
  • Potential effects: sleep disruption, eye strain, reduced physical activity

Present statistics on average screen time among teenagers and its potential effects on mental and physical health. Use this slide to initiate a discussion on students' own screen time habits.

What is Mindful Technology Use?

Mindful technology use involves being aware of how and why we use technology, making conscious choices to enhance our wellbeing.

Introduce the concept of mindful technology use and its benefits. Encourage students to think about how they can apply this concept in their daily lives.

Activity: Screen Time Reflection

Reflect on your daily screen time:

  • How many hours do you spend on screens?
  • What activities take up most of your screen time?
  • How does it make you feel?

Guide students through the reflection activity. Encourage them to be honest about their screen time habits and how it affects them.

Strategies for Balanced Technology Use

  • Identify non-screen activities you enjoy
  • Set specific goals to reduce screen time
  • Create a balanced daily routine

Facilitate a discussion on strategies for reducing screen time. Highlight the importance of balancing screen activities with other interests.

Group Discussion

  • What challenges might you face?
  • How can you support each other?
  • Share your strategies for balanced use.

Encourage students to share their strategies and discuss potential challenges. Emphasize the importance of supporting each other in achieving their goals.

Conclusion and Personal Plan

  • Summarize key points
  • Create a personal plan for mindful technology use
  • Set a weekly screen time goal and track your progress

Conclude the lesson by summarizing key points and encouraging students to create a personal plan for mindful technology use. Highlight the benefits of reduced screen time on wellbeing.

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