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DIGITAL DETOX: PROTECTING YOUR MENTAL HEALTH ONLINE

On 8th April 2025, Laxman Public School organized a counselling session for Class IX students on the topic “Digital Detox: Protecting Your Mental Health Online.” With the growing influence of social media and online platforms, the session aimed to raise awareness about the importance of managing screen time and maintaining a healthy balance between online and offline life. The session focused on how excessive use of digital devices can impact mental health, leading to stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges, and provided students with strategies for protecting their well-being in the digital age.

Objectives of the Session:

  1. To educate students about the potential impact of excessive screen time on mental health.
  2. To raise awareness about the negative effects of social media, such as comparison, cyberbullying, and unrealistic expectations.
  3. To provide practical tips for managing screen time and incorporating digital detox into daily life.
  4. To encourage students to cultivate mindful technology usage that promotes mental and emotional well-being.
  5. To foster a supportive environment for open discussions about the challenges of managing online presence.

The session began with a discussion on the growing dependency on digital devices and social media among teenagers, including its positive and negative aspects. Students were encouraged to reflect on their own online habits and share any experiences where excessive screen time may have negatively affected their mood or mental health. The counsellor introduced the concept of “digital detox” and shared practical strategies such as setting screen time limits, taking regular breaks from screens, and practicing mindfulness. Group discussions were held to brainstorm ways to balance online and offline activities, and students shared ideas on how they could support each other in managing their digital usage.

Takeaways from the Session:

  • Students gained a better understanding of how overuse of digital platforms can contribute to mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and stress.
  • They learned practical strategies for managing screen time, such as setting boundaries for social media use, taking regular breaks, and engaging in offline activities that promote relaxation and well-being.
  • The session highlighted the importance of creating a healthy relationship with technology, using it for positive purposes while minimizing its negative impact.
  • Students were encouraged to support one another in practicing digital detox and making mindful choices about their online presence.

The session was well-received, with students leaving equipped with valuable tools to protect their mental health in the digital world. They were more aware of the importance of taking regular breaks from screens and maintaining a balanced lifestyle, ensuring their overall well-being in an increasingly connected world.