Is the branch of digital citizenship that focuses on using technology safely and appropriately. In the technological world we live in today our society is becoming dependent on the use of internet. It is becoming increasingly necessary to inform our students and children about the dangers involved with frequent internet use.
Internet addiction:
Recent scientific studies are now showing that: " it may be possible to experience habit-forming chemical reactions to behavior as well as substances"(Young, 2012). Internet addiction has become an international problem that is now being recognized as a serious problem. Internet addiction can cause excessive fatigue or loss of sleep, academic problems, withdrawal from friends and family, and behavioral problems in those who suffer from it. Different types of internet addiction can include cyber-sexual addiction, cyber-relationship addiction, net compulsions, information overload, and computer addiction.
Ergonomics:
This may include:
- Picking the right mouse and keyboard. Arthritis can develop from constant typing and clicking.
- Sitting up straight: Make sure you are straight up in your chair with your back flat against the back and your feet on the ground.
- Maintain a safe distance from the screen. Do not sit too close, do not stare at the screen for long periods of time.
- Do not sit for long periods at a time. Frequently get up and do other activities.
- Simple exercises to warm up the body.
- For children: Watch modifications provided in video.
Online safety:
Digital health and wellness includes teaching students internet safety as well. Today, scams are master-minded everyday through the use of the internet. Children must be well aware of what they should and shouldn't do while on the internet. Some rules to consider are:
- Do not give out any personal information while online.
- Do not give out your name or picture while online.
- Meet with parents or teacher to go over rules for being online.
- Report to your parent or teacher any information/picture online that makes you feel uncomfortable.
- Do not agree to meet anyone online without your parents or teacher's permission.
- Do not respond to any inappropriate comments and do not use inapproriate comments yourself.
GUIDELINES
Internet Addiction:
- Turn the computer off and take a break.
- Get involved with community or family activities.
- Join a group.
- Set guidelines as to when you can use the computer
Health Practices:
- Consider portability needs (lightweight models, padded shoulder bag for transportation)
- Position the laptop to maintain proper posture
- Consider visual needs (large screen, as far away as possible, 2-3" below seated eye level, avoid glare)
- Proper work habits (Massage fingers, wrists and forearms, yoga exercises)
- Follow the 20/20/20 rule (20 sec break every 20 min and look 20 feet away to rest hands and eyes)
Examples of inappropriate gital health and well-being:
- Ignoring the possible harmful physical effects of technology
- Not modeling proper ergonomics when using technology
- Promoting health and wellness with technology
- Modeling digital safety in personal and professional contexts
- Bickley, D. and Trawick, L. (2013) Digital Health and Wellness. Retrieved fromhttp://www.nisd.net/digitalcitizen/sec_digcit/life_outside_health_6_12.htm (accessed 20 June 2015)
- Digiteen (2013) Digital Health and Wellness. Retrieved from http://digiteen09-1.flatclassroomproject.org/Digital+Health+and+Wellness (accesed 20 June 2015)
- Leeds Student Medical Practice (September 2012). Computer ergonomics. Retrieved fromhttp://www.leeds.ac.uk/lsmp/healthadvice/computerergonomics/computergonomics.htm ( accessed 20 June 2015)
- Safekids.com (2013). Kids rules for online safety (for pre-teens). Retrieved fromhttp://www.safekids.com/kids-rules-for-online-safety/ ( accessed 20 June 2015)
- Tanigent LLC. (2013) Digital Health and Wellness. Retrieved fromhttp://lhscommtech.wikispaces.com/Digital+Health+and+Wellness ( accessed 20 June 2015)
- Young, K. Dr. (12 January 2012) What is internet addiction? Retrieved fromhttp://www.healthyplace.com/addictions/center-for-internet-addiction-recovery/what-is-internet-addiction/ ( accessed 20 June 2015)
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