Digital Balance and Wellness

Technology is a powerful tool, but it's important to find a balance. Digital Balance and Wellness is maintaining a healthy relationship with digital technologies in the classroom and personal life. It is about using technology in a healthy way that doesn't interfere with other important aspects of life.

Family Activity #1: Tech-Free Day Challenge

• Challenge: Choose a day of the week to be a "Tech-Free Day" for the entire family.
• Alternatives: In some cases a “Tech-Free Day” may not be possible.  Instead, plan activities like board games, playing outside, reading together, or volunteering in your community. The day, time and frequency can be determined by your family.  The important part of this challenge is to spend time together without the disruption of technology.  
• Discussion: After your Tech-Free Day or activity, talk about how it felt. Did you discover new ways to have fun together? Was it difficult to be disconnected?

Family Activity #2: Digital Habit Checklist

• Schedule a time to meet as a family.  On a sheet of paper, brainstorm a list of all of your technology habits, both positive and negative.  After completing your list, draw a thumbs up or down or an emoji next to each item to identify it as a positive or negative habit.
• Choose one habit that you think should be changed. Discuss why you think this habit should be changed. 
• Make a plan for how you would like to change your habits.  Consider how you can make a change and what you can do instead of the habit.
• Be sure to revisit your change with your family.  Each family member should ask themselves if they were successful in their change and how they can either continue to be successful or what changes they need to make to be successful.
• If you made a Technology Family Plan, edit your plan to include your change.

Discussion Questions:

• How much screen time does your child typically have each day?
• What are some signs that technology use might be becoming unhealthy?
• How can we create a schedule that allows for both technology use and other important activities?