Digital Literacy - Session 2 - Introduction to Online Health

• Computing
• Upper Secondary (Key Stage 4)
• BTEC

Digital Literacy

Introduction to Online Health

Aims for this Session

• A.C 1.3- Illustrate how to behave responsibly online to minimise physical and mental health risks to maintain own digital wellbeing.
• - Learn best practices for responsible online behaviour to support personal wellbeing

What are some physical or mental health effects you’ve noticed from using digital devices?

Identify common concerns, such as eye strain, back pain, digital fatigue, and stress from excessive screen time.

Understanding Health Risks of Digital Use

Physical Health

Mental Health

Physical Health Issues

Eye Strain

Symptoms: Tired or dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches, and sensitivity to light.

Causes: Staring at screens for long periods without breaks, screen glare, poor lighting, and using screens too close to the eyes.

Prevention Tips: Follow the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds), adjust screen brightness, and use anti-glare screens or glasses.

Eye Strain

Symptoms: Tired or dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches, and sensitivity to light.

Causes: Staring at screens for long periods without breaks, screen glare, poor lighting, and using screens too close to the eyes.

Prevention Tips: Follow the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds), adjust screen brightness, and use anti-glare screens or glasses.

Poor Posture

Symptoms: Neck pain, shoulder tension, backaches, and muscle strain.

Causes: Slouching, hunching over screens, and prolonged periods of sitting with minimal movement.

Prevention Tips: Practice good ergonomics by setting screens at eye level, use a supportive chair, take regular breaks to stand or stretch, and keep feet flat on the floor.

Physical Health Issues

Eye Strain

Symptoms: Tired or dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches, and sensitivity to light.

Causes: Staring at screens for long periods without breaks, screen glare, poor lighting, and using screens too close to the eyes.

Prevention Tips: Follow the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds), adjust screen brightness, and use anti-glare screens or glasses.

Poor Posture

Symptoms: Neck pain, shoulder tension, backaches, and muscle strain.

Causes: Slouching, hunching over screens, and prolonged periods of sitting with minimal movement.

Prevention Tips: Practice good ergonomics by setting screens at eye level, use a supportive chair, take regular breaks to stand or stretch, and keep feet flat on the floor.

Sleep Disruption

Symptoms: Difficulty falling asleep, poor sleep quality, fatigue, and mood changes.

Causes: Blue light from screens suppresses melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep, which can lead to insomnia and disrupted sleep patterns.

Prevention Tips: Limit screen time, especially before bed, use “night mode” on devices to reduce blue light, and establish a screen-free bedtime routine.

Physical Health Issues

Increased Anxiety and Stress

Cause: Constant connectivity, pressure to respond to messages or social media, and exposure to negative content.

Effect: Being "always on" can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, and overstimulation, making it difficult to unwind.

Mental Health Issues

Increased Anxiety and Stress

Cause: Constant connectivity, pressure to respond to messages or social media, and exposure to negative content.

Effect: Being "always on" can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, and overstimulation, making it difficult to unwind.

Depression and Loneliness

Cause: Social media can sometimes lead to comparisons with others or feelings of inadequacy due to idealised portrayals of life.

Effect: Seeing curated content can lead to low self-esteem, feelings of isolation, and in some cases, depression.

Mental Health Issues

Increased Anxiety and Stress

Cause: Constant connectivity, pressure to respond to messages or social media, and exposure to negative content.

Effect: Being "always on" can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, and overstimulation, making it difficult to unwind.

Depression and Loneliness

Cause: Social media can sometimes lead to comparisons with others or feelings of inadequacy due to idealised portrayals of life.

Effect: Seeing curated content can lead to low self-esteem, feelings of isolation, and in some cases, depression.

Decreased Attention Span and Focus

Cause: Multitasking on devices and consuming fast-paced media content may make it difficult to concentrate.

Effect: Regular screen use, especially on social media, can make it harder to focus and lead to habits of distraction.

Mental Health Issues

Increased Anxiety and Stress

Cause: Constant connectivity, pressure to respond to messages or social media, and exposure to negative content.

Effect: Being "always on" can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, and overstimulation, making it difficult to unwind.

Depression and Loneliness

Cause: Social media can sometimes lead to comparisons with others or feelings of inadequacy due to idealised portrayals of life.

Effect: Seeing curated content can lead to low self-esteem, feelings of isolation, and in some cases, depression.

Decreased Attention Span and Focus

Cause: Multitasking on devices and consuming fast-paced media content may make it difficult to concentrate.

Effect: Regular screen use, especially on social media, can make it harder to focus and lead to habits of distraction.

Mental Health Issues

Reduced Social Skills and Connection

Cause: Over-reliance on digital interactions can replace face-to-face communication.

Effect: People may feel disconnected, as real-life interactions provide emotional depth and connection that digital interactions may lack.

Online Behaviour

How you behave online and interact with others can also cause have negative effects on you and others.

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What kind of an impact can negative behaviour have on others on online platforms from WhatsApp Groups or Social Media?

Tools and Techniques for Digital Wellbeing

We can use things like mindfulness as a tool tool for managing stress, improving focus, and encouraging intentional screen use.

Mindfulness is the practice of bringing full awareness to the present moment in a calm and non-judgmental way. It involves paying attention to one’s thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and environment without trying to change them. This awareness encourages acceptance and allows people to experience the moment fully, whether it’s pleasant or challenging.

Be Professional and Respectful

Use polite language and maintain a respectful tone.

Avoid using excessive emojis, slang, or informal language, especially when addressing staff.

Communicating Online with Peers and Others in MS Teams

Be Professional and Respectful

Use polite language and maintain a respectful tone.

Avoid using excessive emojis, slang, or informal language, especially when addressing staff.

Communicating Online with Peers and Others in MS Teams

Use Clear, Concise Language

Communicate clearly and to the point. Use complete sentences and correct grammar to avoid misunderstandings.

When explaining complex issues, consider using bullet points or numbering to keep messages organised.

Be Professional and Respectful

Use polite language and maintain a respectful tone.

Avoid using excessive emojis, slang, or informal language, especially when addressing staff.

Communicating Online with Peers and Others in MS Teams

Use Clear, Concise Language

Communicate clearly and to the point. Use complete sentences and correct grammar to avoid misunderstandings.

When explaining complex issues, consider using bullet points or numbering to keep messages organised.

Appropriate Timing and Tone

Be mindful of the timing of your messages; avoid sending non-urgent messages late at night or outside work hours unless it’s acceptable in your group.

For sensitive topics, consider whether it’s better to discuss them in person or via video rather than through text messages.

Be Professional and Respectful

Use polite language and maintain a respectful tone.

Avoid using excessive emojis, slang, or informal language, especially when addressing staff.

Communicating Online with Peers and Others in MS Teams

Use Clear, Concise Language

Communicate clearly and to the point. Use complete sentences and correct grammar to avoid misunderstandings.

When explaining complex issues, consider using bullet points or numbering to keep messages organised.

Appropriate Timing and Tone

Be mindful of the timing of your messages; avoid sending non-urgent messages late at night or outside work hours unless it’s acceptable in your group.

For sensitive topics, consider whether it’s better to discuss them in person or via video rather than through text messages.

Manage Notifications Responsibly

Use @mentions thoughtfully—mention individuals or use @everyone only if necessary. This helps keep notifications manageable for everyone involved.

Be Professional and Respectful

Use polite language and maintain a respectful tone.

Avoid using excessive emojis, slang, or informal language, especially when addressing staff.

Communicating Online with Peers and Others in MS Teams

Use Clear, Concise Language

Communicate clearly and to the point. Use complete sentences and correct grammar to avoid misunderstandings.

When explaining complex issues, consider using bullet points or numbering to keep messages organised.

Appropriate Timing and Tone

Be mindful of the timing of your messages; avoid sending non-urgent messages late at night or outside work hours unless it’s acceptable in your group.

For sensitive topics, consider whether it’s better to discuss them in person or via video rather than through text messages.

Manage Notifications Responsibly

Use @mentions thoughtfully—mention individuals or use @everyone only if necessary. This helps keep notifications manageable for everyone involved.

File Sharing and Document Management

Share files or documents that are relevant to the discussion and label them clearly for easy identification.

Use the collaborative features, such as commenting or suggesting changes within documents, rather than creating multiple copies.

Be Professional and Respectful

Use polite language and maintain a respectful tone.

Avoid using excessive emojis, slang, or informal language, especially when addressing staff.

Communicating Online with Peers and Others in MS Teams

Use Clear, Concise Language

Communicate clearly and to the point. Use complete sentences and correct grammar to avoid misunderstandings.

When explaining complex issues, consider using bullet points or numbering to keep messages organised.

Appropriate Timing and Tone

Be mindful of the timing of your messages; avoid sending non-urgent messages late at night or outside work hours unless it’s acceptable in your group.

For sensitive topics, consider whether it’s better to discuss them in person or via video rather than through text messages.

Manage Notifications Responsibly

Use @mentions thoughtfully—mention individuals or use @everyone only if necessary. This helps keep notifications manageable for everyone involved.

File Sharing and Document Management

Share files or documents that are relevant to the discussion and label them clearly for easy identification.

Use the collaborative features, such as commenting or suggesting changes within documents, rather than creating multiple copies.

Practice Digital Etiquette

Avoid spamming or sending unnecessary messages that could clutter the chat.

Acknowledge messages from others with a reaction (e.g., thumbs-up).

Workbook Activity

Q3. Illustrate how to behave responsibly to minimise physical and mental risks to maintain own well-being.

Describe how you would act responsibly online.

Describe what steps you could take, when online, to minimse physical and mental health risks.

In this Session

• A.C 1.3- Illustrate how to behave responsibly online to minimise physical and mental health risks to maintain own digital wellbeing.
• - Learn best practices for responsible online behaviour to support personal wellbeing