Digital well-being and balance is a journey, each of us has a different one. The Research Institute of Child Psychology and Pathopsychology (VÚDPaP) encourages the healthy and conscious use of technology, which supports personal growth, well-being and meaningful relationships. He advises asking yourself: “Does technology help me grow, feel good, and be creative, or does it overwhelm me, rob me of time, energy, and privacy?”
“Digital well-being is not just about limiting technology or preventing addiction, but about the balance and quality of the relationship with it,” states VÚDPaP. He advises parents to be digital guides because children and youth need role models, not prohibitions. It is also appropriate to create a digital code together, write diaries or mood maps and discuss how technology affects well-being. According to experts, it is also important to recognize joy and fun – not everything has to be “productive”. It should also be said that the need to be online all the time can be harmful.
As he notes, it is not decisive how much time we spend in front of the screen, but what we use technology for, with what intention and how we feel after using it. At the same time, VÚDPaP points out that the media often apply practices that disrupt the ability to make decisions, concentrate and feel at ease when using them. He advises to think about when technology disrupts well-being, whether it supports life goals and helps to feel connected with others, fulfill values, create and develop. According to him, it is also worth considering whether the surroundings require constant accessibility and how this affects everyday life.
