R E S E A R C H T E L L S U S that social media
can cause anxiety, distraction, loneliness
and FOMO (fear of missing out), yet tech-
nology is woven so intricately into our
everyday lives — personally and profes-
sionally — that many educators question
if it's even possible to take a break.
But educators are not only making
choices about their own digital partic-
ipation, they're also teaching students
about creating a healthy relationship with
technology. Making space in the classroom to have
conversations about social media use and self-care is
a great place to start. Sharing that a #DigitalDetox
isn't just for young people, but for adults as well, can be
empowering for students to hear.
Benefits of taking a digital detox:
1. Increases productivity
2. Allows you to be more present in
your everyday life
3. Allows more time for self-reflection
without distraction
4. Provides clarity
5. Decreases anxiety
6. Increases awareness of self and
surroundings
7. Allows you to stop comparing
yourself to others
While it may be difficult to stop using
your phone, computer, tablet and smart
watch entirely, here are some ways, big
and small, to perform a #DigitalDetox.
1. Delete apps you don't use
2. Unfollow social media accounts that
don't add value or joy to your life
3. Turn off all push notifications for
a day (both phone and watch)
4. Don't do social media in the morning (before
10 a.m.)
5. Don't do social media 90 minutes before bedtime
6. On weekends, spend no more than an hour
a day online
7. Check in on a friend who appears to be living
their best life on social media (it isn't always
as it seems!)
Did you try any of these tips? How did it turn out?
Let us know (after your detox!): @WeAreCTA on
Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Do a
Digital
Detox
You and your
students will benefit
from taking a social
media break
By @samdemuro
"Making
space in the
classroom to have
conversations
about social
media use and
self-care is a great
place to start."
@bykellymalka
13 D E C E M B E R 2 019 / J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 0
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