Introduction
The digital revolution is evolving at an overwhelming pace and
there is explosion of digital technology facilities in this
modern world. The recent advances in technology in the fields
of communication, education and health are indeed amazing.
Digital wellness incorporates all aspects of a person's well
being with regard to information technology. This includes
propensity to search for information online, intensity of use
of devices, response to device notifications, patterns of
multitasking, posture, screen time and the behaviour during
use of devices.
A person's digital wellness signifies how safely and
healthily, that individual relate to digital technology.
Digital wellness involves the measures aimed at regulating the
scientific use of technology, in order to maintain good
physical and emotional health in the digital world. It also
involves working responsibly in digital environments, as well
as maintaining a balance between offline and online life of
the individual. Cyber-psychological approach is needed to the
use of technology in healthcare [1]. Use of wellness
technologies positively influence wellness motivation and help
people to learn more about their own digital-wellness related
behaviour [2].
Effects of Excessive and Improper Digital Technology Use on
Children and Adolescents
High levels of screen time is associated with several adverse
health outcomes [3]. Majority of preschool children exceed
screen-time recommendations and only a few preschool children
meet the daily physical activity recommendations [4].
Inadequate physical activity along with increased amounts of
sedentary screen time can lead to excess weight gain in young
children [5]. Excess sedentary screen time is also associated
with obesity in school-age children and adolescents [6].
Increased screen time can also lead to cardio-metabolic
abnormalities in children [7].
Increased use of electronic media is also a risk factor for
emotional problems in school-aged children [8]. In the current
digital world, with increased reliance on digital devices,
smartphone addiction of children and adolescents has become a
pressing concern [9,10]. Children and adolescents also
experience cyberbullying and cyber-aggression [11].
Cyberbullying is a serious public health problem which affects
20% to 40% of children and adolescents [12].
Extended usage of electronic devices can contribute to
physical problems such as headache, neck, shoulder and back
pain, as well as eye strain in children [13]. Studies have
shown that higher smartphone and technology use also leads to
sleeping difficulties [14,15,16]. Television viewing and video
game playing are associated with deterioration in academic
performance of children and adolescents [17].
Elements of Digital Wellness
There are physiological, behavioural and emotional elements of
digital wellness. These include proper management of screen
time and technostress. Preventing problematic use of internet,
promoting healthy lifestyle behaviours, teaching
cyber-security, giving scientific guidance related to media
multi-tasking, maintaining online privacy as well as
preventing online disinhibition and addictions are very
important elements of digital wellness.
Digital Citizenship
Digital citizenship refers to the effective use of technology
by any person who uses computers, internet and the digital
devices. It includes appropriate online etiquette, good
literacy in how digital technologies work and understanding of
ethics and laws related to the use of digital devices. Good
digital citizens are the individuals using information
technology and the internet regularly and not misusing them to
disadvantage others. They have the knowledge and skills to
effectively use digital technologies and they know how to stay
safe online.
Digital citizenship is essential for schools, where technology
integration is an important learning strategy for equipping
students to live in 21st century. Applying digital citizenship
will lead to the development of well- behaved,
technology-savvy students [18]. While incorporating technology
integration into educational settings, cyber-safety and
cyber-wellness practices must be addressed properly [19].
Students should be empowered to become good digital citizens.
Parents, teachers and experts in child guidance, have
important role in this aspect. We can improve the digital
wellness of children through scientific guidance. Children
should be given the knowledge regarding the consequences of
increased screen time and they should be encouraged to build
healthy habits for physical and emotional well-being.
It is necessary that children should be provided with the
knowledge and skills to be ethical and critical during online
activities [20]. Digital wellness includes making correct
decisions in many areas of digital life and not just an effort
to reduce screen time. Hence guidance should be provided to
students regarding online safety and security as well as how
to manage information and communication overload. We can hope
that in future, all technologies will be better designed to
improve the emotional well-being of individuals [21].
Conclusion
In the current digital age, digitalization is everywhere and
it is affecting the everyday life of children enormously. The
technologies that have transformed the daily lives of children
of the current era, also present some serious risk factors in
the life of kids. The digital lifestyle of a child will affect
the physical health, academic performance and emotional
well-being. Hence digital wellness is essential for children.
Students should be taught how to use digital technologies
efficiently, both in class and at home. By acquiring digital
wellness, children can develop healthy relationship with
technology that will serve them in positive way for a
lifetime.
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