Overview

The digital world is designed to capture attention—and keep it. In this course, we’ll explore how social media platforms, games, and streaming services are engineered to be engaging, and how this can lead to compulsive or unhealthy use among children and young people. You’ll gain insight into the impact of excessive screen time on wellbeing, behaviour, and development, and learn how to support young people in setting healthy boundaries in an always-connected world.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

• Understand how online platforms are designed to encourage repeated use.
• Explore the psychological effects of screen time, gaming, and social media on young people.
• Recognise signs of unhealthy digital behaviours or dependency.
• Learn strategies to support children and young people in creating healthy online boundaries.
• Reflect on how to model balanced digital behaviours.