Digital Detox - Balancing Screen Time

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• Health & Social Care
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• Upper Secondary (Key Stage 4)
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)
• GCSE

Introduction

This lesson introduces the concept of digital detoxing to your students. It explains the benefits and concepts of detoxing. We would definitely recommend adding a video that will work with your students or explaining your own school or colleges phone policy!

Instructions

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How often do you turn your phone off, or have no screen time?

1

A lot

2

Sometimes

3

Occasionally

4

Never

INTRODUCTION

A digital detox is a temporary break from electronic devices like phones, tablets, and TVs - to reduce screen dependency and reconnect with the real world.

LO:To explore what a digital detox is, and examine what the benefits of having a digital detox could be for you.

INTRODUCTION

A digital detox is a temporary break from electronic devices like phones, tablets, and TVs - to reduce screen dependency and reconnect with the real world.

LO:To explore what a digital detox is, and examine what the benefits of having a digital detox could be for you.

IMPACT OF DIGITAL OVERLOAD

• The average person checks their phone 96 times a day (once every 10–12 minutes).

• Excess screen time is linked to reduced productivity, poor sleep, and burnout.

• Constant digital stimulation can lead to attention fatigue, increased stress, and even depression.

SIGNS YOU NEED A DIGITAL DETOX

• You feel anxious when your phone isn’t near.

• You check notifications even when there are none.

• You feel burned out but don’t know why.

• Screen time is cutting into sleep or social time.

If you're honest with yourself;

how often do you do any of the things from this list?

What ways do you 'digital detox' in a week?

PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS

OF CONSTANT CONNECTIVITY

• Apps are designed to trigger dopamine releases, making them addictive.

• FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) drives us to stay online constantly.

• Being always "on" lowers our ability to be present and fully engaged in real life.

What is the longest you've ever been without having a notification pop up on your phone?

POPULAR DIGITAL DETOX

METHODS

• Screen-free hours or weekends

• App blockers like Freedom or Forest

• Deleting social media apps for a set time

• Creating no-phone zones, like during meals or in your bedroom

Is there a method you use to ensure you get some screen free time in a day? Tell us about it!

BENEFITS OF A DIGITAL DETOX

• Improved focus and longer attention span

• Deeper sleep and better mental health

• More meaningful conversations and real-life engagement

• A sense of calm and clarity from reduced screen clutter

There are also studies that suggest that less screen time improved academic achievement...

REAL LIFE EXAMPLES & STUDIES

In 2023, a study by the University of Bath found that participants who took a one-week social media break reported :

• A 33% increase in well-being

• Reduced anxiety and loneliness

• One participant said, “I finally had time to just be, without the pressure to post about it.”

The results were all positive...

....So what is stopping you?

HOW TO START

YOUR OWN DIGITAL
DETOX

• Begin with 30–60 minutes a day tech-free

• Set specific goals : “No phone after 9PM”

• Replace screen time with offline activities : reading, journaling, nature walks, sports

• Track how you feel mentally and physically

How else could you try a digital detox?