Questions to prompt discussion with students:

Parents and Teachers: View the full VIP Facilitation Guide Here

Elementary School Students (dialogue starters):

Setting Positive Goals

• What are some positive and fun activities you can do online that can also help you learn new things?

Role Models and Inspiration

• How did Michael and Emma use screen time in a positive way? 

Balancing Screen Time

• Why is it important to balance screen time with other activities? 

Reflecting on Screen Time

• How do you feel after spending time on your favorite apps?

Middle School Students (dialogue starters):

Screen Time Balance

• What challenges do you face in achieving balance between screen time and other activities in your life?

Learning from Others

• How did the stories of Michael, who learned to code and became the youngest engineer ever hired at Facebook,  and Emma, who started a Log Off movement to help kids avoid overdoing it with screen time, inspire you? 

Skill Development

• What skills or interests could you explore online that might benefit you in the future?

Responsible Online Behavior

• What steps can you take if you encounter something uncomfortable or unsafe online?

High School Students (dialogue starters):

Setting Goals for the Future

• How can productive screen time activities contribute to your long-term goals, such as college or career aspirations? 

Self-Reflection and Balance

• How can you maintain a healthy balance between your online and offline life?

Advocacy and Social Impact

• Reflect on the idea of activism mentioned in the video. How can you use your online presence to advocate for causes you care about?

Self-Care and Well-Being

• What strategies can help you maintain a healthy relationship with technology?

More resources for parents, students, & educators

• ‍Balancing Video Game Screen time for Teens‍
• 50+ Tips to Limit Screen Time Without Conflict‍
• Using YouTube to Explore Colleges and Careers‍
• Positive Ways to Use ChatGPT for Students

Conclusion

Navigating screen time issues today is a huge challenge but finding balance is possible. There are definitely many negative consequences for excessive screen time, but in moderation, screen time offers many opportunities for teens to learn and develop their talents. By starting early, teens can set themselves up for a lifetime of balanced screen time use and reduce the potential negative impact.