At this time of year, many of us reflect on our habits and may be setting resolutions for 2026. With children and young people spending a substantial amount of time online, it’s a good time to talk about their digital habits and if there’s anything they could be doing to have a more positive experience online in the year ahead.

This blog explores child and youth digital wellbeing, offering insights and practical tools to support positive online experiences.

What is Digital Wellbeing?

Digital wellbeing is the impact that digital technology can have on a child or young person’s (CYP) mental and physical health. It’s about using technology in ways that support their wellbeing, rather than harm it.

Signs of healthy digital wellbeing in CYP could include:

• Positive online interactions
• Thinking critically about online content
• A good online/offline balance
• Feeling in a positive mood after being online.

Signs of poor digital wellbeing in CYP could include:

• Negative or harmful interactions or content
• Being too reliant on technology
• Increased anxiety or low self-esteem after being online
• Disrupted sleep

To explore the different elements of digital wellbeing in children and young people, take a look at the Digital Wellbeing Wheel. This toolkit has been created to support staff to have conversations with young people about their online lives. It includes a wheel outlining eight key building blocks of digital wellbeing which have been mapped against the SHANARRI wellbeing indicators.

[Digital Wellbeing Wheel]

Healthy Digital Habits

Some healthy digital habits for CYP include:

• Setting boundaries, especially before bed.
• Practicing mindful scrolling, asking “How does this make me feel?”.
• Balancing online and offline activity, making time for hobbies and face-to face interactions.
• Using built in tools e.g. screen time trackers, blocking features.
• Reviewing accounts you follow & unfollow any that don’t make you feel good.
• Being aware of supports for when things go wrong.

Wellbeing Features of Popular Social Media Platforms

Social media platforms popular with children and young people include a range of features that can support them to have positive online experiences too:

Resources

Listed below are a range of resources and supports that can be used to engage with children and young people around their digital wellbeing and online habits:

• Mind Yer Time – A resource to support children and young people use their screen time positively.

• Digital Wellbeing – Information from Childnet on digital wellbeing and top tips on managing it.

• Internet Matters – Guide for parents/carers on balancing screen time, including outlining what a ‘healthy digital diet’ looks like.

• Supporting Children’s Wellbeing Online – Information from the NSPCC for parents/carers to improve family digital wellbeing.

• DigiKnow – Young Scot hub for young people on developing digital skills/staying safe online.

• Managing Social Media – A guide from the Anna Freud Centre on how to navigate social media positively.

 

You can download our Digital Wellbeing resource so you have all of this information to hand:

Aye Mind newsletter – Digital Wellbeing

If you would like to subscribe, email ggc.mhead@nhs.scot and request to be added to the Aye Mind newsletter distribution list.