What is digital wellbeing?
Digital wellbeing refers to the state of an individual’s mental and physical health in relation to their use of digital technology and the internet. It involves maintaining a healthy and balanced relationship with technology, while being mindful of its potential negative impacts such as addiction, cyberbullying, and excessive screen time. Digital wellbeing encompasses a range of practices and strategies that promote healthy technology use, including setting boundaries and limits, practicing mindfulness, and prioritizing offline activities and social connections.
How can parents improve digital wellbeing of children?
In today’s digital age, children are exposed to technology from a very young age. While technology can be a great tool for learning and entertainment, it can also have negative effects on children’s wellbeing if not used appropriately. As a parent, it’s important to take steps to improve the digital wellbeing of your children. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Establish boundaries: Set clear rules about screen time and what activities are allowed online. Consider setting limits on the amount of time your child can spend on devices each day and encourage them to take breaks and engage in other activities.
- Monitor your child’s online activity: Keep an eye on what your child is doing online and who they are interacting with. Consider using parental controls or monitoring software to help you keep track of their online activity.
- Encourage open communication: Talk to your child about their online experiences and encourage them to come to you if they encounter anything that makes them uncomfortable or upset. Create a safe space for them to discuss any concerns they may have.
- Model healthy digital habits: Be mindful of your own technology use and model healthy habits for your children. Avoid using devices excessively in front of your children and make an effort to engage in other activities together as a family.
- Teach online safety: Educate your child about online safety and the potential risks associated with using the internet. Teach them about online privacy, how to recognize and avoid online scams, and what to do if they encounter cyberbullying or harassment.
By taking these steps, you can help to improve the digital wellbeing of your children and promote a healthy relationship with technology.
Activities to promote digital wellbeing?
Here’s an activity that parents can do to improve digital wellbeing of children:
“Tech-Free Family Day” – One day a week, set aside time for a “tech-free” family day where everyone in the family unplugs from all devices and screens. This can be a great opportunity for families to connect with each other and engage in activities that promote physical activity, creativity, and social interactions.
Digital Detox Day: Encourage your family to take a break from screens for a day and do something fun together. Plan an outdoor activity like a hike, picnic, or visit to the park. If the weather isn’t suitable for outdoor activities, try playing board games, cooking a meal together, or doing a craft project. Set clear rules and guidelines for the day, such as no phones or tablets allowed, and explain to your children why it’s important to take a break from technology every once in a while. This activity will not only improve your family’s digital wellbeing but also help strengthen your relationships with each other.
Create a “tech-free” day: Create a “tech-free” day or time period for the family. Choose a day or time period where no one is allowed to use any digital devices, such as smartphones, tablets, computers, or TVs. Use this time to engage in family activities, such as board games, outdoor sports, or arts and crafts. This can help children understand that there are other ways to have fun and bond with family members without relying on digital devices.
During this tech-free time, parents can also have conversations with their children about the importance of having a healthy balance between technology use and other activities. Ask children how they feel during the tech-free time, and encourage them to share their thoughts on what they enjoy about non-digital activities. This can help children develop a sense of mindfulness and awareness of their own technology use, and encourage them to make more intentional choices about their digital habits in the future.
Here are some ideas for tech-free activities:
Go for a hike or bike ride
Play board games or card games
Have a family picnic or BBQ
Do arts and crafts projects
Read books together or individually
Cook a meal or bake something together
Take a day trip to a nearby attraction or park
Volunteer at a local charity or organization
By unplugging from technology, families can improve their communication and strengthen their relationships with each other, as well as give their brains and eyes a break from the constant stimulation of screens.