We’re all familiar with the term wellbeing. It can often relate to various aspects of our health, which can all contribute towards how we are feeling from a mental, emotional or physical perspective. It can go with us through all walks of life, from when we wake up in  the morning to when we go to bed. It can determine how we deal with things emotionally or how we interact with others.

It can make us feel happy or sad and can often be a key factor in how we respond towards situations. Unlike many other things in life, wellbeing affects all of us, from very young children to older generations. It is often a key aspect of life that needs to be nurtured and looked after.

Someone’s wellbeing is often determined by an individual’s own experience. As we’re all different, it can be tough to know what can have a positive or negative impact on someone. Wellbeing can be affected by a lot of different areas including someone’s home life, school, friendships, relationships, environments; they all play an important role.

Digital Wellbeing and School

Schools have encountered difficult and challenging times over the past few years in light of remote learning and the COVID-19 pandemic. Students have seen changes in the way  they use technology to interact at school. This can include classroom participation, socialising with friends and communication with members of staff.

As well as students, staff have also had to navigate a difficult climate where technology  has played a more active role in education. There were times where students were being seen through a screen which added more considerations around safeguarding and appropriate practice. Digital wellbeing for both student and teacher was something schools were needing to address more clearly as the divide between home and work was becoming blurred.

Now, schools have returned to regular practice, but technology continues to be used more than ever. Students in particular can have a very active online life from a young age which can shape and impact their digital wellbeing. They can use social media, online game when at home, use technology to complete school work and socialise with friends online when not together. Teachers as well can partake in similar online activity that can contribute towards their overall wellbeing.