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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain how my time online can impact my learning.

      Key learning points

      1. Watching lots of short form videos can affect our attention span.
      2. It can take up to 20 minutes to refocus on learning after engaging in an online activity, like browsing social media.
      3. Some sites can benefit learning, but regular screen breaks should be taken if using digital devices.

      Keywords

      • Screen time - any time spent on a digital device with a screen, for example, a smartphone or laptop

      • Attention span - the length of time a person is able to concentrate

      • Dopamine - a chemical in the body that gives us a short-term feeling of reward

      Common misconception

      If you are using a screen for learning, there are no negative impacts.

      Even if you are using a screen for learning, it is important to take regular breaks. Every hour, take a 5-10 minute break and walk around.

      Teacher tip

      Ask pupils to think of the apps and sites they use the most, do they think they have a positive or negative impact on learning? If they say negative, ask them to consider what they could do to benefit their learning, for example, follow educational content.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      An is a person who uses social media to influence their followers.

      Correct Answer: influencer

      Q2.
      Which of the following are not reasons for someone to have an online persona?

      to hide areas of their true personality
      to promote a product or service
      Correct answer: to show who they really are

      Q3.
      Which factors might increase the likelihood of social media having a negative impact on self-esteem?

      Correct answer: age
      following positive accounts
      Correct answer: time spent online
      taking screen breaks

      Q4.
      Having lots of followers does not mean a person is in real life.

      Correct Answer: popular

      Q5.
      Which of the following statements are true?

      Correct answer: A person's online persona is not always representative of who they are.
      Correct answer: People may act differently online than they do in person.
      Correct answer: Our self-confidence can be affected by comparing ourselves to others online.
      Everyone always acts the same online as they do in person.
      Teenagers' self-esteem isn't as affected by social media compared to adults'.

      Q6.
      To help us feel more secure online, we should focus on ...

      Correct answer: personal growth
      material posessions
      other people

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the words to their correct definitions.

      Correct Answer:screen time,any time spent on a digital device with a screen

      any time spent on a digital device with a screen

      Correct Answer:attention span,the length of time a person is able to concentrate

      the length of time a person is able to concentrate

      Correct Answer:dopamine,a chemical in the body that gives us a short-term feeling of reward

      a chemical in the body that gives us a short-term feeling of reward

      Q2.
      Screen time can suppress the release of ...

      Correct Answer: melatonin

      Q3.
      Which of the following can negatively impact our attention span?

      Correct answer: lots of short videos
      long documentaries
      lots of quizzes

      Q4.
      How long can it take to regain concentration after engaging in online activities, like browsing the internet?

      up to 5 minutes
      up to 15 minutes
      Correct answer: up to 20 minutes
      up to 25 minutes

      Q5.
      Even if you are using screen time for learning, it is important to take regular ...

      Correct Answer: screen breaks, breaks, time offline, offline time

      Q6.
      Which of the following are not ways to use online spaces for learning?

      Correct answer: scrolling on social media
      using language learning apps
      watching documentaries on video sites
      Correct answer: watching lots of funny videos
      using online revision tools

      To help you plan your 8 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Time online and learning, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...