Defining the principle of digital well-being

Digital well-being is the mindfulness of intentionally developing a healthy relationship between self and technology. This healthy relationship should apply both professionally and personally.

Digital well-being promotes balance and healthy digital habits. The goal is for the user to maintain a balanced and healthy life.

Digital well-being may also be referred to as digital well-being or digital health.

Fundamental knowledge of digital well-being

• Understand how to manage digital technology effects through an Indigenous lens.
• Appreciate the effects of screen time.
• Know how to have a healthy relationship with digital technology through healthy boundaries and balance.
• Practice, role model, and teach these fundamentals to your students.

An Indigenous perspective

Let’s look at digital well-being through an Indigenous lens.

“The diversity of Indigenous ways of knowing that span across Turtle Island is reflected within each community. These ways of knowing embody Indigenous communities: cultural and traditional practices that may be integrated to support the best practices of digital wellness. Indigenous concepts for the spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical components of digital wellness are based on shared intergenerational knowledge and values within families and communities. This information is typically passed down by Elders or Knowledge Keepers to community and family members.”

We can support our digital well-being based on Indigenous ways of knowing and being.

Attributions

• “Medicine Wheel” by the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians is used under fair dealing.