Screen Savvy: Digital Habits
Empower students to create intentional digital boundaries, enhance offline engagement, and promote overall digital wellness.
In an increasingly digital world, developing healthy relationships with technology is crucial for student well-being, academic success, and social connections. This lesson provides practical strategies for mindful digital use.
Through self-assessment, discussion, and practical exercises.
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
Step 1
Introduction: The Digital Dilemma
10 minutes
- Begin with the Screen Savvy Slide Deck (Slides 1-3).
- Introduce the concept of digital wellness and its importance.
- Facilitate a brief discussion using the questions on Slide 3: 'How much time do you spend on screens daily?', 'What are some positive aspects of digital technology?', 'What are some challenges you face with digital technology?'. The Screen Savvy Script can guide this discussion.
Step 2
Self-Assessment: My Digital Footprint
15 minutes
- Distribute the Digital Habits Self-Assessment.
- Instruct students to complete the assessment individually, reflecting on their current digital habits.
- Emphasize honest self-reflection rather than judgment. The Screen Savvy Script provides guidance for introducing this activity.
Step 3
Group Discussion: Reflect and Share
15 minutes
- Divide students into small groups (3-4 students).
- Ask students to discuss their findings from the self-assessment (without sharing personal scores, but rather general observations and challenges).
- Use Slide 4 of the Screen Savvy Slide Deck to prompt discussion: 'What patterns did you notice?', 'What aspects of your digital habits do you want to improve?', 'How does screen time impact your well-being (sleep, focus, mood)?'. The Screen Savvy Script includes prompts for this discussion.
Step 4
Action Planning: My Digital Wellness Plan
15 minutes
- Introduce the concept of intentional digital boundaries and strategies for digital wellness (Slides 5-7 of the Screen Savvy Slide Deck).
- Distribute the My Digital Wellness Plan Worksheet.
- Guide students through the worksheet, helping them set realistic goals and identify actionable steps to cultivate healthier digital habits. The Screen Savvy Script offers detailed instructions for this section.
Step 5
Wrap-Up: Commit to Wellness
5 minutes
- Conclude with a brief sharing session where students can share one goal from their Digital Wellness Plan if they feel comfortable. (Slide 8 of the Screen Savvy Slide Deck).
- Reiterate the importance of ongoing digital wellness. The Screen Savvy Script provides a concluding statement.
