No Prep Plans: Digital Wellness & Social Media SEL 6th-8th

No Prep Plans: Digital Wellness & Social Media
Research + Project (Healthy Screen Habits Campaign) SEL Grades 6–8

Phones, games, social media, and digital communication are part of everyday life for today's students. While technology offers incredible opportunities to connect, learn, create, and communicate, it can also impact sleep, focus, attention, mood, self-esteem, and overall well-being when used without healthy boundaries.

This engaging SEL research and project activity helps students explore the realities of digital life through a balanced, evidence-based lens. Students investigate how social media platforms are designed to capture attention, research healthy screen habits, and create a Healthy Screen Habits Campaign aimed at helping other middle school students make informed, healthy choices online.

Perfect for:
- SEL / Advisory classes
- School counseling lessons
- Health classes
- Digital citizenship units
- Homeroom activities
- Wellness programs
- Project-based learning
- Sub plans

What’s Included
- Teacher direction page with structured 45–60 minute lesson flow
- Student research and planning worksheet
- Healthy Screen Habits Campaign planning activity
- Campaign design and organization tools
- Digital wellness reflection activities
- Online safety planning section
- Black-and-white student version for easy printing
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Students Will:
- Research how social media and screen time affect teens
- Explore the relationship between technology, sleep, attention, and mood
- Investigate app features designed to encourage continued engagement
- Examine healthy screen habits supported by research
- Create a Healthy Screen Habits Campaign
- Develop digital citizenship and online safety awareness
- Reflect on their own technology use
- Practice creating positive school-wide messaging

This lesson helps students understand that digital wellness is not about avoiding technology—it is about learning to use technology intentionally. Students learn practical strategies for building healthier habits, improving balance, and making choices that support their goals, relationships, and overall well-being.

Important Disclaimer
This resource is intended to support classroom SEL, wellness, and digital citizenship instruction and is not a replacement for professional counseling, therapy, mental health services, or online safety training. Teachers, counselors, and schools should use their own curriculum frameworks, policies, and professional judgment when implementing this resource. Students experiencing cyberbullying, harassment, threats, scams, exploitation, or significant mental health concerns should be referred to appropriate school personnel, parents/guardians, or qualified professionals.