Choose exam board for KS4 Computer Science (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 English
Choose exam board for KS4 French
Choose exam board for KS4 Geography
Choose exam board for KS4 German
Choose exam board for KS4 History
Choose tier for KS4 Maths
Choose exam board for KS4 Music
Choose exam board for KS4 Physical education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Religious education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Spanish

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can explain how digital devices can be used in healthy, balanced ways that support wellbeing.

Key learning points

  1. Long periods on devices can lead to tiredness, stress or difficulty concentrating.
  2. Balancing screen time with other activities is important.
  3. Time should also be spent on exercise, hobbies, socialising and rest.
  4. Screen time and app limits can be used to help manage and monitor time spent on devices.

Keywords

  • Wellbeing - the state of being comfortable, healthy or happy

  • Screen time - the amount of time we spend using digital devices

Common misconception

Using devices is always bad for your wellbeing.

Devices can be helpful when used properly. They can help you learn, relax and stay connected with friends and family. The problem is not the devices themselves, but using them too much or in the wrong way.

Teacher tip

It is important to recognise that pupils will have different access to devices and screen time so conversations around this topic should be dealt with sensitively.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
(Collection 2).

Lesson video

Loading...

Prior knowledge starter quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
Which of these is a digital device?

a book
Correct answer: a tablet
a pen
a washing machine

Q2.
What do people often use digital devices for?

go for a walk
plant seeds and do some gardening
Correct answer: learning
Correct answer: playing games

Q3.
Not everyone has a or goes online.

Correct Answer: device, digital device

Q4.
A software update is a set of changes or for software.

Correct Answer: fixes, patches

Q5.
Why might someone turn off location sharing in an app?

Correct answer: to stop the app tracking where they are
to reduce their screentime
to improve their battery performance

Q6.
Entering a code sent to your phone after typing your password is an example of ...

Correct answer: multi-factor authentication.
a strong password.
location sharing.

6 Questions

Q1.
What does the word wellbeing mean?

how often you use a device
having a device
Correct answer: the state of being comfortable, healthy or happy

Q2.
Which of these is a positive way devices can support wellbeing?

making it harder to fall asleep
stopping you seeing friends
Correct answer: helping you learn new things
Correct answer: staying connected with friends and family

Q3.
What is screen time?

time spent watching TV only
time spent outdoors
Correct answer: time spent using digital devices

Q4.
Match each tool to the correct purpose

Correct Answer:screen time settings,show how long you use devices and apps

show how long you use devices and apps

Correct Answer:night mode,reduces blue light and helps with sleep

reduces blue light and helps with sleep

Correct Answer:break reminder apps,remind you to do something other than use your device

remind you to do something other than use your device

Q5.
Why is it helpful to check your weekly screen time report?

Correct answer: to see if your screen time has increased so you can manage it
to increase screen brightness
to pause notifications

Q6.
Why is it recommended not to use a device before bedtime?

you may forget to brush your teeth
Correct answer: blue light and alerts can disrupt sleep
it makes your screen brighter

To help you plan your 6 digital literacy lesson on: Using devices in a healthy way, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...