Navigating Technology Safely & Mindfully
Understanding the balance, risks, and healthy habits surrounding our daily screen time and digital environments.
The Role of Technology in Our Lives
Technology has many important uses in our world, and we interact with it several times daily. To say that technology is all bad and only causes harm would be untruthful. Technology serves a purpose, even among young people, i.e. education, connecting with family and friends, and of course, entertainment.
Important Note:
However, as we know there are risks to technology use.
So, what are some important things to remember when engaging with our screens?
HIGHLY ENGAGING
Technology is designed to be engaging, making it hard to put it down.
OFFLINE BALANCE
Technology use should be balanced with offline activities. This is important for our socialization, daily movement, sleep hygiene, eating habits and our overall health and wellbeing.
AGE-APPROPRIATE CONTENT
Only access age-appropriate content. This can be determined by family rules, or through reliable media rating systems.
HEALTH RISKS
Technology use has been linked to certain diagnoses including anxiety, depression as well as dependency/addiction issues.
ONLINE PRIVACY
Do not share any personal details or pictures on-line, or with individuals you do not actually know.
MINDFUL ENGAGEMENT
Keep in mind WHAT you are engaging with ... and HOW you are engaging with it ... when accessing on-line spaces.
For these reasons, it is encouraged that families maintain an open dialogue about technology use and goals to ensure that everyone uses technology in the safest and healthiest way possible.
Try to fill your loved ones in on what apps you are accessing, what games you are playing and what content you are seeing on your on-line spaces.
Need Help or Have Questions?
Reach out to the PEI Gambling Support Line anytime for free, confidential assistance and support across PEI.