Screen time How much is too much and

Screen time – How much is too much and why does it matter? STARTER: Ben has been playing his new game, ‘Crash and Burn Racer’ for six hours. He usually plays online with his friends when his family have gone to bed. This means he is sometimes up until 3 am in front of a screen, in the dark. Ben has just turned 16. Challenge: Identify three reasons why this might not be a good idea. More challenging: Describe what the possible consequences of Ben’s regular late night gaming sessions could be. Mega challenge: Define the term ‘screen time’ + explain why you think it is important for us to learn about the consequences of having too much.

Key terms: Screen time – The amount of time spent in front of an electronic screen, this could be a phone, a laptop or a TV for example. Electronic Screen Syndrome (ESS) – a term used to describe health issues related to excessive screen time. Melatonin – a chemical released by the brain to help us sleep. Learning Outcomes: Correctly identify the consequences of too much screen time and the ways this can impact upon our mental and physical health. Describe in detail the consequences of having too much screen time, how this affects the brain and positive alternatives for recreation. Explain, using today’s key terminology in the correct context, why too much screen time can damage our brains and whether screen time can have positive affects if enjoyed in moderation.

Task One: We will now find out more about why people having too much screen time is becoming a concern and the possible consequences for our physical and mental health. POPCORN READING! We will take it in turns to read. When you have finished reading a paragraph, say the name of the next person in the class you would like to read. Be ready, it could be you next! You will then complete the next task at yourchallenge level.

Task Two: – Watch and complete your choice of challenges on your worksheet. https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=WCT 5 Jc. CXMPw Challenging 1. What percentage of young people feel that they are addicted to their phones? 2. Why were the mother and her teenage daughter arguing? Who do you agree with the most and why? 3. What are the skills that Delaney says are important for young people to learn offline? More Challenging 1. In what ways is the relationship between young people and their phones complex? Explain your answer fully. 2. What was the surprising finding from the study and in what ways do you think it affected Delaney’s parenting? 3. What is the issue with younger and younger children having access to phones? Mega Challenging 1. What is ‘seeking behaviour’ and how do electronic devices both reward and frustrate the brain with regards to seeking behaviour? 2. The reporter questions whether the research using mice would be analogous to humans. Do you think it would? Explain why or why not 3. ‘Kids and teenagers actually want to talk about these issues’, says Delaney. What are the most important points, in your opinion, that kids and teenagers would raise?

Main task: Literacy or Computing Skills Focus Task Three – option one - help Ben! Ben spends six hours a day on his computer, gaming, as we have seen. Using your info sheets, your clip answers and key terms from today, create a detailed message to Ben explaining why it would be a good idea for him to begin to cut down on his screen time. Task Three – option two – web design! Create a webpage for young teens giving reasons why they should think about cutting down on screen time. You must give positive recreational alternatives and explain the long term health implications of too much screen time (you can use the computers if available, or design on paper and create as homework). Challenge: Clearly describe the impacts of too much screen time on your health. More challenging: Describe the consequences in detail and suggest healthy alternatives for recreational activities for Ben by describing what he could be missing out on in life. Mega challenge: As above, using today’s key terminology in the correct context and also explaining to Ben the direct impact excessive screen time has on the brain.

Literacy Focus Plenary: “Students who regularly exceed 6 hours of screen time per day are harming their brain and social development. ” To what extent do you agree with this statement? Complete your literacy focus sheet at your challenge level and be prepared to feedback your ideas in ten minutes.