Every day, we make lots of choices! We decide what to eat for breakfast, what clothes to wear, and even what games to play or shows to watch. These choices can change how we feel. Some things we watch or play can make us feel happy, curious, or excited. Others might make us feel loved and cozy. But sometimes, certain choices might make us feel scared, stressed, or even a little angry.
Media balance is all about making smart choices about the media we use. This means thinking about what we watch or play, when we do it, and how much time we spend on it. It’s important to think about how these choices make us feel. Everyone is different, so what feels good for one person might not be the same for someone else. Sometimes, the best choice is to take a break from screens and do something else, like playing outside or reading a book.
So, what does media balance look like for you? It might mean setting a timer when you play video games or choosing to watch a funny show instead of a scary one. It could also mean having a family game night without any screens. The key is to find a balance that makes you feel good and keeps you healthy and happy.
Here are some fun ideas to help you find your media balance:
Remember, finding the right media balance is all about making choices that help you feel your best!
Media Diary: Create a media diary for one week. Each day, write down what media you used (like TV shows, games, or apps) and how it made you feel. At the end of the week, look back at your diary and see if you notice any patterns. Did certain types of media make you feel happier or more relaxed? Discuss with a family member or friend what you discovered about your media choices.
Media Balance Jar: Make a “Media Balance Jar” with your family. Every time you choose to do a non-screen activity, like playing outside or reading a book, add a small object (like a pebble or a coin) to the jar. Set a goal for how many objects you want to collect in a week. Celebrate when you reach your goal by doing a fun family activity together, like a picnic or a game night.
Role Play: With a friend or family member, role-play different scenarios where you have to make a media choice. For example, pretend you have to choose between watching a scary movie or a funny one. Discuss why you would choose one over the other and how each choice might make you feel. This will help you practice making thoughtful media choices in real life.
**NARRATOR:**
Every day, we make choices about what we do. We choose what we eat, what to wear, and the media we engage with. These choices affect how we feel. Some media choices can make us feel happy, curious, or excited, while others can help us feel loved. However, there are also choices that might make us feel scared, stressed, or even angry.
So, what is media balance? It’s about making healthy media choices by considering what you choose, when you use it, and how much you consume. It’s important to reflect on how these choices impact your feelings, as making healthy media choices can vary for everyone. Sometimes, the best media choice might be to take a break from media altogether.
So, what does media balance look like for you?
