Digital Wellness - Factors that Impact Digital Wellness

Introduction

• Presented by Jal Tandon on NCERT’s YouTube Channel and EV Viya Channel 621.
• The session was a part of the online training program “Digital Wellness”.
• Topic: Factors that Impact Digital Wellness
• Interaction with Dr. Shrea, the guest expert.

Key Topics Covered

Psychological Arousals from Excessive Internet Usage

• Excessive internet use leads to increased psychological arousals.
• Risks include less sleep, unhealthy food habits.
• The dependency on mobile phones creates stress when phones are not available.
• Social media comparison rises stress among children and adolescents.

Concept of Well-Being

• Well-being: positive state affecting individuals and society.
• Elements: social, economic, environmental, and quality of life.
• Dimensions: social, emotional, physical, nutritional, environmental, mental, and technological well-being.

Basic Dimensions of Well-Being

• Social Well-being: Importance of social relationships for health.
• Emotional Well-being: Recognizing and regulating emotions.
• Physical Well-being: Importance of physical activity and exercise.
• Nutritional Well-being: Importance of a balanced diet.
• Environmental Well-being: Effects of environmental factors like sunlight and fresh air.
• Technological Well-being: Managing time and content in digital spaces.
• Mental Well-being: Addressing mental health issues and awareness.
• Psychological Well-being: Relationship with self, exercise, and personal growth.

Digital Well-being

• Definition: Impact of technology on mental, physical, social, and emotional health.
• Post-COVID Impact: Increased digital content consumption and remote learning.
• Active Online Lives: Potential for both positive and negative impacts on students due to digital exposure.

Concerns of Digital Wellness

• Usage Growth: Increased screen time among children and adolescents.
• Adolescence Risks: Period marked by self-esteem issues, development, and risk-taking behaviors.
• Screen Time Effects: Internet addiction, excessive gaming, problematic social media use.

Risks and Protective Factors

• *Categories of Risks:

  • Content Risks: Exposure to harmful material (violence, pornography, etc).
  • Contact Risks: Potential for harassment, unwanted surveillance, etc.
  • Conduct Risks: Bullying, harassment, violent events, etc.
  • Contract Risks: Identity theft, online scams, fraud.

• Impact on Emotional Health:

  • Negative emotions from social comparisons.
  • Seek help through digital platforms positively.

• Psychological Well-being:

  • Anxiety from not locating phones.
  • Overstimulation and addiction issues.
  • Insufficient sleep and psychological stress.

• Physical Health:

  • Sedentary lifestyle resulting from excessive screen time.
  • Eye strain, neck pain, sleep disruption.

Digital Resilience and Parental Involvement

• Digital Resilience: Learning to cope with and recover from inappropriate online content.
• Parental Involvement: Monitoring children’s digital usage, setting examples, and implementing limits.

Practical Tips for Digital Wellness

• Limit Screen Time: Set specific times for digital usage.
• Monitor Content: Ensure uplifting and relevant content is consumed.
• Encourage Offline Activities: Engaging in physical and creative activities away from screens.
• Parental Controls and Guidance: Use of parental controls on digital devices.
• Seek Professional Help: If behaviors become too problematic, contact mental health professionals.

Role of Schools and Teachers

• Teacher Awareness: Recognizing signs of digital addiction and addressing cyberbullying.
• Creating Safe Spaces: Providing students with counselors and support.
• Parental Engagement: Promote the use of parental controls.
• Extracurricular Activities: Encourage offline activities to reduce screen time.

Summary

• Emphasized the importance of understanding impacts of digital media on well-being.
• Discussed strategies to mitigate negative effects and foster a healthy relationship with technology.
• Highlighted the role of teachers, parents, and professionals in managing digital wellness.

Next Steps

• Upcoming topics in the ongoing digital wellness program are listed.
• Instructions on registration and participation.

Conclusion

• Seek a balanced approach to digital media usage.
• Encourage a healthy blend of online and offline activities for overall well-being.

Note: Viewers were encouraged to stay tuned for further sessions and provided with steps to participate in the online training.