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The Health Effects of Screen Time (UK)

Can screen time be bad for us?
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The research is still out when it comes to exactly how screen time affects our health. But one area where we know it does is our sleep. Just having a device near us seems to change the way our brains work. Help learners understand that being responsible with digital media means adjusting how we use it, so it isn't unhealthy for our bodies or our brains.

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Learning Objectives:

  • Identify research trends related to the health impact of screen time.

  • Reflect on the nature of their own screen time and how it compares to that of parents and teens generally.

  • Use the "Digital Habits Checkup" routine to create a personal challenge to change a media habit.

Key Vocabulary: media balance   ·   active use   ·   passive use  
media balance:
using media in a way that feels healthy and in balance with other life activities (family, friends, school, hobbies, etc.)
active use:
contributing online via posts, comments or other forms of communication and expression
passive use:
scrolling through online content without reacting to the it

Lesson Plan

35 mins.

What You'll Need

Classroom resources

Take-home resources

  • Family Activity
  • Family Tips
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Lesson last updated: August 2022