Digital wellbeing refers to how the internet and technology impact our physical and mental health. Technology continues to play a significant role in young people lives, influencing the information they consume, the way they represent themselves, and the interactions they have with others. This can affect their feelings, thoughts, behaviours, and physical and mental well-being.
There are lots of positives to being online for children for example, staying in touch with friends and learning about the world. However, the online world can be difficult to navigate. Some of the difficulties children and young people might face include:
- Managing screen time
- Access to inappropriate content
- Talking to people they don’t know
- Oversharing personal information
- Online Bullying
Too much or inappropriate online behaviour can have a negative impact on day to day life. Here are some examples:
- Difficulty maintaining a healthy sleep routine
- Difficulty completing school work
- Less time for face-to- face social interactions
- Comparing themselves to peers and influencers
- Obsessive focus on likes and comments
Helpful Tips to Reduce Screen Time include:
- Tracking screen time
- Setting time limits on apps you use the most
- Schedule screen free breaks
- Silencing non-emergence notifications
If you’re struggling to stay off your phone when completing school work app’s like flora can help. You can set a timer and see your cartoon tree grow if you leave the app to use your phone your tree will die. If you complete your work without using your phone your tree will be added to your virtual garden.
What to Remember When Online:
- Never share personal information e.g. bank details, school, address.
- Not everything you see on social media is real or what it seems
- Block or Report accounts that make you feel uncomfortable
- Websites and games are age restricted to keep you safe
Everyone makes mistakes. It’s important to remember that if you feel unsafe online there are people that can help you.
Who to contact
Childline
- Telephone: 0800 1111
Emergency services
- Telephone: 999
Shout Crisis text line
- Text the word ‘SHOUT’ or YM to 85258 (under 19s)
YoungMinds parents helpline
- Telephone: 0808 802 5544
This helpline is available Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm.
NHS
- Telephone: 111, or contact your GP.
Useful resources
Websites
Childnet – Digital wellbeing
SWGFL – Topic: Digital Wellbeing
Childline – Feeling good on social media