Simply put, digital wellness is having an intentional and healthy relationship with technology. A digitally well person considers the impact of virtual presence and the use of technology, and takes steps to create sustainable habits that support their values, goals, community, and safety.
For more information to share with students, feel free to use this slide set: Digital Wellness PowerPoint
Strategies for Educators:
- Improve your own digital wellness, which is key for role modeling healthy digital boundaries.
- Be intentional about the use of technology within your course. Have a mix of technology-enhanced learning and non-tech learning resources. Use technology mindfully to encourage participation. Incorporate creative technology into assignments and interactive lessons to engage students.
- Discuss digital literacy as it applies to your course material. Consider teaching students how to access credible resources that connect to your course content.
- Take breaks every 50 minutes and encourage everyone (including you) to put away their electronic devices during breaks!
Encourage Students to Adopt Healthy Personal Strategies:
- Setting boundaries and limits to screen time. People who spend more than 2 hours on social media per day have significantly lower self esteem. Before you post anything online, be sure you know what your intentions are. Could you fulfill that need with something more constructive or healthy?
- Protect yourself while online. Use separate usernames for games social media and billing; use different passwords for all accounts. Never post personal information-–phone number, address, or social security numbers.
- Increase your privacy settings on social media; know your “friends.”
- Know your digital footprint—look yourself up from time to time. Recognize that 94% of employers use social media when recruiting and hiring new employees.
- Spend time outside, without your technology, every day. Turn off notifications, for a set period, every day.
- Invest in a standing desk and do neck/back stretches regularly. Invest in blue light blocking glasses.
- Put away all electronic devices at least 1 hour before bedtime.