DIGITAL WELLBEING
WHAT IS MENTAL & EMOTIONAL HEALTH?
Mental and emotional health refers to the ability to manage feelings, cope with challenges, and maintain a sense of well-being. In the digital world, this involves understanding how online interactions, social media, and screen time affect emotions, self-esteem, and mental resilience. Teaching students about mental and emotional health empowers them to navigate digital spaces with awareness and build positive habits for their overall well-being.
Key Concepts
Emotional Regulation: Learning to manage feelings triggered by online experiences, such as stress, anxiety, or frustration.
Self-Esteem: Understanding how social media and online interactions can positively or negatively impact self-worth.
Dopamine and Validation: Recognising the effects of likes, follows, and notifications on mood and behavior.
Resilience and Coping Strategies: Building the skills to recover from negative online experiences and maintain mental health.
TEACHING RATIONALE
Why This Matters
With students spending significant time online, their mental and emotional health is directly impacted by digital interactions. Teaching them to manage their feelings, cope with challenges, and build resilience equips them to thrive in both the digital and real world.
HOW TO TEACH
Guiding Principles at a Glance
Encourage Self-Awareness Help students recognise how their online habits impact their emotions and mental health. | Promote Emotional Regulation Teach strategies like mindfulness, journaling, or deep breathing to manage challenging feelings. |
Discuss the Impact of Social Media Explore how curated feeds, validation metrics, and comparison affect self-esteem. | Build Resilience Equip students with tools to bounce back from online negativity, like supportive peer networks or seeking help. |
Address Screen Time and Sleep Highlight the link between excessive screen time, poor sleep, and emotional well-being. | Normalise Help-Seeking Create a safe space for students to talk about mental health and seek support from trusted adults or resources. |
CURRICULUM PLANNING
Integrating Digital Usage Into Your Classroom
Connect to SEL Lessons:Â Use activities and discussions to explore empathy, resilience, and stress management.
Incorporate Journaling:Â Have students reflect on their online experiences and how they make them feel.
Link to Health Education:Â Teach the effects of digital habits on mental health, including sleep and self-esteem.
Discuss Social Media:Â Analyse the pros and cons of social platforms and their influence on emotions.
Practice Coping Strategies:Â Include exercises like guided breathing, gratitude lists, or relaxation techniques in class.
Use Real-Life Scenarios:Â Share examples of both positive and negative digital experiences to guide meaningful discussions.
