3 Steps to Help Middle Schoolers Manage Their Use of Technology

Technology is an integral part of our everyday life —we use it for work, entertainment, communication, information, and so much more. The use of technology has only increased with the pandemic, and this trend will not likely reverse. Hence it is essential that students begin practicing healthy technology usage starting at a young age.

Here is a framework for how you can help your child navigate technology usage at any age by separating out three distinct categories of technology use: time online for entertainment and personal use, time online for academic purposes, and time away from the screen, and being intentional about the times spent in those categories. It is essential to understand that the use of technology should be intentional and not a default. One way to make this happen is by ensuring that all three of these categories function separately.

 

1. How to have control over time online for entertainment

These days, many of us turn to our devices for entertainment and communication with friends and family. Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube are familiar tools for most schoolchildren. So, what are some ways to allow children to use technology for entertainment but not go overboard?

i. Schedule time for when children can use technology for entertainment. For example, on weekdays, allow children to play games or watch Netflix for one hour per day, and perhaps a little longer on weekends. Or only allow screen time during the weekend during certain hours.

ii. Similarly, schedule time for social media communication. Perhaps, you can allow children to talk to friends at a specific time every day. Rather than have social media become a ubiquitous presence, have it become a limited social time that children can look forward to.

iii. Put time limits on social media apps. You can do this by going to device settings and enabling limits for select apps. This way, students can use their social media apps when they want, but once they hit the limit, they will no longer be able to use them for the rest of the day. This strategy will also help them prioritize when and when not to be on social media and figure out a schedule to manage their technology use for entertainment.

iv. Try to introduce more academically oriented forms of entertainment and pastimes for your child. For example, get them subscriptions for newspapers and magazines.

 

2. How to effectively use technology for studying and learning

Students use technology for classes, taking notes, studying, and more. Unfortunately, it is easy to get distracted or experience exhaustion from sitting in front of the screen all day. What are some practices to help students avoid distractions and use technology productively for learning?

i. Students should put away all other unnecessary devices and put social media on do not disturb. For example, if they use their laptops to study, all other phones and tablets should be put away. Even on the laptop, they should shut down all unnecessary apps and programs and switch off notifications. To give their full attention to academics, use the settings and controls on their devices to turn off all other apps and programs.

ii. Take breaks while studying. Sitting in front of the screen all day long can be taxing on the eyes and brain. Taking scheduled breaks away from the computer should be encouraged. Make sure that the breaks taken are not to browse through social media or switch from one device to another. The purpose of taking these breaks is to rest the eyes and come back to studying in front of the screen with renewed energy.

iii. Be purposeful while studying with friends. Studying with friends can be helpful but distracting at the same time. Students should not have friends on a video call in the background while studying. If they are virtually studying with friends, allot a set time per week to call/video conference to study and engage in discussions. And, if possible, try to meet in person instead! 

 

3. How to balance time online with time offline

It is vital for children to balance time on devices with time away from the screen. This is crucial to their mental and physical well-being. So, what are some ways that children can incorporate time online with time offline?

i. When possible, try to do as much homework and studying offscreen as possible. For example, try taking handwritten notes over typed ones.

ii. Try to meet friends in person and do things together that do not involve devices. Go outside for walks. Meet in a café. Work on group projects.

iii. Spend time with family. It is easy to spend free time scrolling through different apps and websites. Instead, students should consciously try to spend quality time with family. For example, try supplementing family movie nights with board game nights. Volunteer together as a family. Be active and play sports and go for walks.

iv. Pick up the phone and call someone. We live in an age of texting and social media and often forget that we can communicate with each other via a regular phone call! Doing this will allow one to connect with others while simultaneously providing a break from the screen.

 

Be sure to download The Versed Middle School Guide below for insights into how to help your child get the most out of middle school years.

 

Here are some additional insights on the middle school years:

12 Things Middle Schoolers Can Do This Summer

Guide to Gifted and Talented Programs and Are They Worth It?

7 Things Every Middle School Parents Should Know 

Parenting Advice: How to Help Guide Your Child to Find an Interest

2019 Splash Is Back and Filling Up Quickly - Classes at MIT, Yale, Northwestern, Stanford and Other Top Schools for Middle and High Schools Students

 

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