Life Beyond Screens- Embracing Digital Wellness

This week at WIS, we launched Digital Wellness Week to promote healthy technology habits throughout the school community. Students and parents engaged in meaningful discussions about various issues related to technology use, creation, and beyond. We were fortunate to have a guest speaker, Nrupesh Soni, a WIS parent, who led discussions with grades 6-9 during an assembly on Tuesday. Additionally, a grade 5 student participating in the PYP exhibition shared insights on the pros and cons of screen time and the impact of social media on mental health. To culminate the week, we promoted a tech-free day on Thursday, kicking off with a school-wide dance initiated by Jade McNamara as part of her PYP action project.

Fostering good habits and a well-balanced life is not easy these days. Technology has progressed tremendously, and when we reflect on how we used to engage with it, the difference is striking. Almost every teenager aged 13 now has a smartphone, and younger children often have their own devices, spending significant time playing games or watching YouTube videos. Consider this: how often do you find yourself reading a magazine while waiting at the doctor’s office or in the car while your child practices soccer or ballet? From my own experience, I know we often scroll through social media during these moments of waiting or free time. This highlights the importance of being mindful about our technology use and the need for initiatives like Digital Wellness Week, which encourage us to reflect on our habits and make positive changes.

Technology is the key to the future, and as parents and educators, we must set an example and foster healthy habits. It's essential to raise awareness about social media, be present for our children, answer their questions, and engage in their social lives to avoid being caught off guard when challenges arise. I am a strong supporter of integrating technology into my classroom and do so every day. I teach my students about maintaining their digital footprint, closing tabs after researching, and logging out of Apps they’ve used. If we all contribute to these habits, our students will learn to use technology responsibly and effectively.

Both of my children are very skilled with technology and often teach me new skills. While I find the future exciting for the new generation, it can be a bit challenging for us as trends evolve. In the upcoming academic year, we plan to organise sessions for students and parents across each grade to emphasise the importance of using technology wisely. If you, as a parent, need guidance or support in staying engaged with technology, please let us know—we are here to help.

I am attaching the presentation from the Parents’ Digital Wellness discussion as well as Nrupesh’s presentation from the assembly for grades 6-9, along with Jade’s slides on mental health. 

As we approach the long weekend, let’s take some time to reflect on how balanced our lives are, how much our work depends on technology, and how we can improve our own mental wellness.

Beata Stephanus