ARWe have just released our latest podcast episode for Interface which discusses the online wellbeing of young people and how they can develop healthier relationships with technology. This episode is joined by guest speaker Catherine Knibbs, UKCP accredited psychotherapist and cyber trauma expert, who speaks with Jess McBeath and our young podcast presenter Ailish Hunter around the subject.
Our presenters talk in depth about the impact that technology can have on our lives with discussion around how we all manage our screentime and the ways technology can distract us when we are carrying out our everyday tasks. Catherine touches on how we can become drawn into ‘attachments’ through wanting to keep up-to-date and maintaining communication with others via our devices.
She then goes onto speak about how the speed of information we receive becomes an important factor. As an example, secondary school students become accustomed to information being received quickly as a result of using devices and therefore information they receive from school is presented ‘rather slow’ in comparison. The presenters go on to discuss the issues surrounding engagement in classrooms and give examples of why students can struggle with keeping attention as a result of their own technology use.
Communication is Key
The episode highlights the role that schools can play and that education and awareness around digital wellbeing should begin when students are young, with strong encouragement around having conversations and discussion about online spaces. Communication throughout the whole school community is noted as an important factor within this.
The conversation is rounded off with guidance for schools around the topic and a summary of what support is available to professionals who work with children and young people. This includes ProjectEVOLVE and the Digital Wellbeing hub that contains a wealth of information for schools.
The new episode is an important listen, as it helps us all to gain a better understanding of how we can use our devices, and importantly it highlights the impact technology has on the younger generation. You can listen to this informative episode of Interface right now across your favourite platform including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, or click the link below!
