Responsible Online Behavior
and
Media Balance
Module 3B
Module Goals
At the end of this part of today’s module, you will be able to...
Engage: “Too Much Screen Time”
You will watch another video about DJ and her friends and family. As you watch the video, you will need to answer some questions about what our characters should or should not do. You may watch the video more than once to help you answer the questions.
Explore: Balanced Diet
From www.myplate.gov
What does it mean to “eat a balanced diet”?
What do you notice about the recommended diet shown in the figure?
Just like a balanced diet, some screen time should be limited, some should be used in moderation, and some can be enjoyed freely.
Explore: Screen Time Card Sort
Review the different screen time habits on each card. Sort the cards into 3 groups:
You will get a chance to rearrange your groups after we learn more about media balance and a healthy digital diet.
Explore: Screen Time Card Sort Debrief
Just like junk food in our diet, there are some screen time activities that we should limit. What is one activity from the card sort that you think we should limit? Explain your reasoning.
There are some foods that are healthy for us, as long as we don’t eat too much. What is one activity from the card sort that you think we should use in moderation? What do you think is good about these activities? Why do we not want to do them too much?
Some screen time activities can actually be good for us. What is one activity in the card sort that you think is OK for us to enjoy frequently? Explain your reasoning.
Explain: Balancing Online Habits
This video will share a definition of media balance.
Before watching this video, what do you think media balance is?
Explain: How Much Is Too Much?
What happens when you eat too much junk food?
What do you think can happen if you spend too much time on your digital devices?
How much time do you think kids your age should spend on their digital devices for things other than school?
Explain: How Much Is Too Much?
This video will share some of the scientific studies that have been done to look at the effects of screen time on tweens and teens.
What do you think the research will say?
Explain: How Much Is Too Much? Video Debrief
As we discussed before, not all screen time is unhealthy. Just like the video says, screen time can mean a lot of different things.
What are some examples of passive screen time?
-Passive screen time includes time spent absent-mindedly scrolling through the internet, like checking social media and watching TV or videos.
What is active screen time?
-Active screen time are activities that engage our bodies or minds, like when we learn or create something new.
Explain: How Much Is Too Much? Video Debrief
According to the video, what are some of the negative effects of too much passive screen time?
According to the video, what are some of the positive effects of using our digital devices?
Explain: How Much Is Too Much? Video Debrief
The video talks about the possibility of screen time addiction. An addiction is when you keep doing something even when you know it may not be good for you. The brain gets so used to the feeling that it can be hard to quit.
How can using your digital device be like an addiction?
Certain activities online signal the brain to release a chemical called dopamine that makes us feel good. That feeling doesn’t last long though, so we go online again and again to get that feeling.
Explain: Screen Time Card Sort Revisited
Let’s look back at the screen time activities from our card sort.
Find one example of passive screen time. Do you think that activity should be limited, used in moderation, or enjoyed freely?
Find one example of active screen time. Do you think that activity should be limited, used in moderation, or enjoyed freely?
After learning more about screen time and media balance what is one activity that you think you should work to limit?
Elaborate: My Digital Diet
THINK ABOUT IT:
Now that we’ve spent some time talking about screen time and media balance, let’s be honest...do you think you have a healthy digital diet?
There are 24 hours in a day, and 7 days in a week. How many of those hours a week do you think you spend on your devices?
Do you spend most of your screen time on activities that should be limited?
Elaborate: DJ’s Digital Diet
Look at page 10 in your workbook. This table shows DJ’s screen time habits in an average week. What do you notice?
Elaborate: My Digital Diet
Now, it’s your turn! Turn to page 11 in your workbook to record your own screen time habits. It’s OK to estimate, but be honest.
By tracking your screen time, you can start to see where there are some habits you can improve.
There is no right or wrong way to record your screen time habits. When thinking about which category to list an activity, think about it like the food you eat. Is it more like a junk food, a vegetable, or something in between?
Evaluate: Why We Go Online
Think about your own online activities. Why do you go online?
How do these reasons compare to your reasons for going online?
Here’s a list of common reasons kids and teens go online.
Evaluate: Alternatives to Screen Time
Turn to page 12 in your workbook. Let’s brainstorm some alternatives to screen time that can help us achieve the same goals as our screen time habits.
Reasons for Screen Time | Screen-Free Alternative |
Learn something new | |
Show off creativity | |
Entertainment | |
Connect with family and friends | |
Connect with people with similar interests | |
Evaluate: Setting Limits
Remember, not all screen time is BAD for your digital diet, but sometimes, we need to set limits to balance unhealthy habits with healthy alternatives.
Turn to pages 13-14 in your workbook. Page 13 shows an example of how DJ could set limits for two of her screen time habits.
On page 14, choose two of your own screen time habits to change and balance with screen-free alternatives.