Digital Wellbeing
Most of us now spend a significant amount of time online, and digital technology plays an important role in learning, communication and everyday life. When used positively, the online world can help us to feel more connected, support learning, provide entertainment and encourage creativity and engagement.
However, how we use technology is key to our wellbeing. Spending too much time online, or using it without balance, can sometimes leave us feeling tired, distracted or overwhelmed. It can also reduce time spent on important offline activities such as sleep, exercise, time outdoors and face-to-face interaction.
At our school, Digital Wellbeing is about helping children to understand both the benefits and risks of being online, and to develop the skills needed to use technology in a safe, responsible and balanced way. We support learners to make positive choices online, manage their screen use, understand the impact of their digital behaviour on themselves and others, and know what to do if something worries or upsets them.
Some ways to support Digital Wellbeing at home:
- Take regular breaks from screens and make time for offline activities such as reading, exercise or being outdoors
- Support healthy routines, including good sleep and screen-free time before bed
- Reduce distractions by turning off notifications and logging out of apps when focusing on other tasks
- Be mindful of screen use and encourage children to notice how much time they spend online and what they are doing (you can manage screen time on most devices)
Some useful information guides on what parent/carers should know about to keep their children safe online.
LINK TO PARENT GUIDES
You can find information on how to start a conversation with your child about online safety here: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/talking-child-online-safety/
