Digital Wellness in the Classroom: Supporting Students in a Tech-Driven World
Written by: Kristin Pierce
Technology is everywhere—students use it to learn, connect, and create. But constant access brings new challenges: screen fatigue, online safety, and balancing digital life with real-world interactions. As Indiana educators, you have a unique opportunity to guide students toward healthy digital habits while meeting academic and social-emotional learning (SEL) goals. The best part? You can do this with high-quality, no-cost resources from Everfi—and earn PGP points along the way!
Digital Wellness Hacks
After an extended break, re-establishing classroom routines is key. This is the perfect time to introduce conversations about digital wellness. Students may have spent hours gaming, scrolling, or streaming—help them reset with intentional strategies.
Here are a few practical tips:
- Start with a class discussion: Ask students what healthy tech habits look like. Encourage them to share ideas like setting screen time limits or taking breaks.
- Use engaging tools to spark interest: Everfi’s courses have built-in access to pre-made resources like Pear Decks or Kahoots. Kick off with a fun quiz to gauge what students know about digital safety.
- Blend whole-class and independent learning: Introduce the topic together, then let students explore Everfi’s lessons at their own pace. · Add extension activities: For early finishers, try creative projects like designing a “Digital Wellness Tips” poster in Canva or completing a “Digital Pledge.” Perfect for hallway displays or digital portfolios!
These strategies make digital wellness more than a lesson—it becomes part of your classroom culture.
Connecting Everfi’s Resources to Standards That Matter
Everfi’s courses aren’t just engaging—they’re standards-aligned and designed to build SEL competencies and digital citizenship skills. Here’s how they fit across grade levels:
- Elementary School o Healthier Me: Intro to Wellness—Teach students the basics of physical and emotional well-being, including how technology impacts their health.
- Middle School o Ignition: Digital Wellness & Safety—Help students navigate online spaces responsibly, understand privacy, and build healthy tech habits.
- High School o Understanding Mental Wellness—Encourage teens to reflect on stress, social media use, and strategies for maintaining balance in a connected world.
These courses empower students to make informed choices—skills that last far beyond the classroom.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Indiana educators are already making an impact with Everfi. For example:
At Franklin Central Junior High, more than 50 advisory teachers used Everfi resources with 1,000+ 7th and 8th graders, including a focus on digital wellness and safety. Administrators reported increased student engagement and meaningful conversations about online behavior.
Free & Fabulous: High-Quality Resources at No Cost
Everfi offers free, ready-to-use digital resources that save time and enrich your curriculum. Developed by experts, these courses are easy to implement—no extra planning or budget required.
Getting started is simple:
- Create your account at everfi.com
- Explore courses and add one or two to your class
- Make a plan—maybe “Wellness Wednesdays” until Spring Break or a short advisory series—you know your students best!
Need support?
Reach out to Jesus Grisanti, Indiana Implementation Specialist: jgrisanti@everfi.com
Book a 1:1 training – Jesus is ready to help you and your students succeed!
Resources
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