Digital Health and Wellness

 

Digital Health and Wellness 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 neccessary to inform our students and children about the dangers involved with frequent internet use.

 

Digital Health and Wellness ProblemsInternet 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 cybersexual addiction, cyber-relationship addiction, net compulsions, information overload, and computer addiction. Ergonomics-Ergonomics is the safe physical use of the computer. 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 gound.

• 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 innappropriate comments and do not use innapproriate comments yourself.