This year we are mainstreaming digital citizenship into each classroom, in the library, and during advisory time on a more regular basis, especially at the lower and middle school. With the rise in devices and screen time, we feel it is more important than ever to make sure our students are learning the best ways to stay safe, maintain balance, and leave a responsible digital footprint.
We started this school year talking with students about media balance and digital well-being. In this digital age, students are often overwhelmed with media. This can come in many forms including social media, educational use, and streaming media. We talked about how important it is to balance time between the screen and communication in real life. This has been taught using both Google’s Be Internet Awesome digital citizenship curriculum and Common Sense Media’s Digitial Citizenship Curriculum. The song, Media Balance is Important (lyrics listed in the picture) has been a favorite among the kids!
As a culture, I think we all need a lesson in this! How easy is it to get wrapped up in media? Just check out the graphics below:
Each year the amount of time spent online is rising. Especially in the growing field of streaming media. The auto-continue feature on platforms such as Netflix makes it way too easy to binge-watch entire seasons of different shows in just one sitting. Research has shown that companies do this on purpose to manipulate students into watching more of their network/service.
One of the more alarming statistics to me is the lack of face-to-face communication with tweens and teens. They are turning more and more to social media and texting to communicate.
One way we can help with balance is using the screen time feature if you have an Apple device. You can set time limits for yourself, monitor how much you are using different apps and features, and even see how many times you pick up your phone throughout the day. Another useful tool is the Moment app. According to the app description, it will help you “break your screen and social media addiction through small habit tweaks. Learn to put your phone down and focus on the moments that matter the most, like friends and family.” For the Google App store, they have an app called Digital Wellbeing, where you can see a complete picture of your digital habits and disconnect when you want to. These are just a few of the many resources out there to help in maintaining a digital balance.
I encourage you to talk with your family today about media balance and digital well-being. It is common for both adults and students to be overwhelmed with the pressure to stay connected and keep up appearances. Opening up a dialogue about these struggles with each other can help create a healthier media balance and well-being.
