VIDEO: What would Kiwi Say?
See how Alongside's clinician-designed chatbot, Kiwi the llama, helps students develop healthy screen time habits using the EMPOWER framework:
- Engage: Provide empathy and validation
- Motivate: Help the user understand how a skill helps them
- Practical Examples: Learn through practical examples
- Operationalize: Apply the skill to their own life
- Work on it: Put the skill into action in real life
- Evaluate: Follow-up on how it goes
- Reinforce: Celebrate progress and effort not just the outcome!
WANT TO TRY IT YOURSELF? Educators can create a free demo account (work email required) to test out Alongside. Chat with Kiwi about screen time or anything else that's on your mind!
The Role of Schools in Cultivating Healthy Tech Habits
In today’s digital age, technology is an integral part of education. Devices and apps have transformed learning, making it more interactive and accessible. However, school district leaders face the challenge of balancing the benefits of technology with the need to promote healthy screen time habits among students, educators, and families.
This guide offers some advice and new ideas for school leaders. To dive in even deeper, here are two opportunities to learn about teens and screens from mental health experts who specialize in this topic:
- Coming up: Children & Screens Webinar - Alongside's Dr. Elsa Friis joins Children and Screens’ flagship Webby-nominated #AskTheExperts webinar series.
- From the archive: Dr. Jacqueline Nesi Webinar - Brown University Professor and author of the popular "Techno Sapiens" blog shares insights from her research on the relationship between technology and mental health. (spolier alert: it's complicated!)
Here’s our guide to help educators cultivate healthy screen time habits throughout your district.
1. Lead with Data and Research
When discussing healthy screen time, start with evidence-based insights. Share data on the benefits and risks of screen use:
- Benefits: Technology fosters personalized learning, provides access to diverse resources, and prepares students for a digital world.
- Risks: Overuse can lead to issues like decreased attention spans, sleep disruptions, and physical health concerns like eye strain and sedentary behavior.
Presenting a balanced perspective establishes trust and underscores the need for thoughtful screen use.
2. Emphasize a Balanced Approach
Healthy screen time isn’t about elimination; it’s about balance. Reinforce that screens are tools that should enhance, not dominate, the learning experience. Promote the concept of "intentional tech use":
- During school hours: Encourage the use of screens for educational purposes, such as interactive lessons, research, and collaboration.
- After school: Advocate for screen-free zones or times to ensure students engage in physical activity, face-to-face interactions, and adequate rest.
3. Provide Clear Guidelines
Develop and share screen time guidelines that align with developmental stages and educational goals. For instance:
- Elementary students: Focus on short, interactive sessions with frequent breaks.
- Middle school students: Encourage independent research and creative tech use but monitor duration.
- High school students: Emphasize responsible digital citizenship and self-regulation.
Make these guidelines easily accessible for educators, parents, and students.
4. Collaborate with Stakeholders
Healthy screen habits require a collective effort. Engage educators, parents, and students in the conversation:
- Educators: Train teachers to model healthy screen behaviors, integrate screen breaks, and use tech purposefully in the classroom.
- Parents: Host workshops or provide resources on setting boundaries at home, such as family screen time agreements.
- Students: Involve them in creating solutions, like peer-led campaigns promoting mindful screen use.
5. Incorporate Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
Technology isn’t just about academics; it impacts mental and emotional well-being. Tie screen time policies to SEL initiatives:
- Discuss how excessive screen use can affect relationships, stress levels, and focus.
- Teach students self-regulation skills to manage their tech habits.
- Use tech to enhance SEL, such as apps for mindfulness or collaboration platforms that build social skills.
6. Foster Digital Citizenship
Healthy screen time also means responsible use. Equip students to navigate the digital world safely and ethically by:
- Teaching them to critically evaluate online content.
- Encouraging respectful online communication.
- Raising awareness about the importance of privacy and security.
When students understand the “why” behind healthy screen habits, they’re more likely to adopt them.
Conclusion
Healthy screen time isn’t just about limiting devices, it’s about maximizing their potential while minimizing their drawbacks. By leading with research, fostering collaboration, and focusing on balance and intentionality, school district leaders can create a culture where technology enhances learning and well-being. It’s not about saying “no” to screens but about saying “yes” to smarter, healthier use.
