Digital Citizenship Week: Device-Free Moments

Hello Franconia Families,

Today marks the end of Digital Citizenship Week.  We hope that you found the daily tips and resources about Media Balance and Well-Being useful to developing healthy habits around technology use with your families! 

Our focus today had us discussing about how devices can be distracting, and how to make device-free moments.  Technology use isn't always a distraction, but there are definitely times when it's best to keep devices away! 

Friday’s Focus: Device-Free Moments

Here are a few key points to consider so that we can have more device-free moments in our lives:

• Safety: There are times when your or someone else's safety could be at risk.  An example is when somebody is crossing the street. If they're on their phone when they're crossing the street, they might not be able to see a car coming. 
• Respect for people: There are times when it hurts other people's feelings if you are distracted and not paying attention to them.  An example of this is when someone is talking to you directly.  If your friend is trying to tell you an important story, put down your game and listen.  It's important to pause for people! 
• Concentration: There are times when you should give your full attention to a specific activity.  An example is when you are reading a book, doing homework, or even doing a craft.  These activities require you to give a task your full attention, and sometimes having devices out makes it harder to concentrate on what you're doing. 
• Sleep: There are quiet times, like when we are going to sleep, when devices should be put away.  Doctors recommend that people stop using devices at least an hour before bedtime because the blue light in the screen can affect how well we sleep.  A good idea is to charge devices away from where you sleep so that you're not tempted to use it right before bed.  It's important to get your rest so you can have a great next day.

Resources and Suggested Activities for Device-Free Moments

Students and families are encouraged to practice media balance by taking a break from screens to engage in real-world experiences and quality time with their friends and family.  Try some of these ideas-

• Have a device-free dinner and focus on connecting as a family.
• Take on a Phone-Free Day challenge as a family and commit to leaving the phone at home when family members go to school or work.  Notice how your day changes and discuss the benefits and challenges together.
• Have a family board game night instead of playing video games or watching TV.
• Make a phone call or write a letter to a family member or friend instead of sending a text or email.
• Spend time outside as a family and leave the phone behind.  Thank you for participating in Digital Citizenship Week!  Take good care of your body, mind and your relationships, and enjoy the benefits of using technology in a healthy and balanced way.