Online addiction
I can describe the signs of online addiction and explain how to manage screen time.
Online addiction
I can describe the signs of online addiction and explain how to manage screen time.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Many online activities involve short bursts of pleasure, which leave us wanting more of this 'reward' feeling.
- Being online can make us feel good in the short-term, but it can be hard to stop due to dopamine rushes.
- People can become addicted to the short-term rewards of online activity.
- Addictive online activity includes: scrolling on social media and news sites, playing games and watching pornography.
- Screen time can be reduced in various ways, like setting time limits and spending time doing activities offline.
Keywords
Short-term - in this context, something that doesn’t last long
Scrolling - a way of moving through online content quickly
Dopamine - a chemical in the body that gives us a short-term feeling of reward
Pleasure - a feeling of joy or happiness
Addiction - a loss of control over doing, taking or using something, even when it is harmful
Common misconception
Dopamine caused by online activity is always beneficial as it creates feelings of pleasure.
Dopamine rushes caused by online activity are only short-term feelings and are not always beneficial as they can become addictive.
To help you plan your year 9 rshe (pshe) lesson on: Online addiction, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 rshe (pshe) lesson on: Online addiction, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Explore more key stage 3 rshe (pshe) lessons from the Media influence: how can I look after myself? unit, dive into the full secondary rshe (pshe) curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of sexual content
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
pass on, forward, share or publish
hurt or harm someone in return for an insult or offence
having no protection from something harmful