How Schools Can Implement Mindful Media –

Information and Communication Overloading (ICO) and “Mindful Media”

contributed by Dr. Domenico Meschino

In today’s digital age, children are immersed in many online activities that shape their daily lives.

Social media has become integral to their social landscape, with platforms like YouTube capturing their attention. These platforms serve as virtual gathering places where children connect with friends, share photos and videos, and express themselves through posts and stories. It’s not uncommon for children to follow and interact with influencers, celebrities, and content creators, seeking inspiration and attempting to emulate their lifestyles and trends.

Another realm of children’s digital engagement lies in online gaming. Whether it’s console and PC games on platforms like PlayStation 5, Xbox (affiliate links), or computers, or the popular multiplayer online games such as Fortnite, Minecraft, Roblox, and Among Us, children find themselves exploring diverse genres and interacting with both friends and strangers in virtual worlds. The rise of eSports, has further captivated their interest, with children watching or participating in organized tournaments and leagues.

Mobile devices have become gateways to a myriad of mobile apps and games. Children enjoy playing games specifically designed for smartphones and tablets, ranging from puzzle and casual games to simulation games and augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) experiences. Additionally, educational apps have found their place in children’s digital repertoire, promoting learning in various subjects such as language, math, science, coding, and creativity.

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In the realm of online content consumption, streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ provide children with access to a vast library of movies, TV shows, and animated series. Online videos have become a go-to entertainment source, with platforms like YouTube and Twitch offering various content ranging from vlogs and tutorials to gaming streams, music videos, and animated content.

Communication and messaging have also taken on a digital form. Messaging apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, WeChat, or Discord allow children to connect with friends, create group chats, and share media content, keeping their social connections alive. Video calling platforms such as Zoom, FaceTime, or Skype enable children to interact face-to-face, bridging the distance between friends, family, and classmates.

While these digital activities provide children with opportunities for connection, entertainment, and learning, navigating them mindfully is crucial. Understanding the influence and impact of these activities on children’s well-being is paramount. By promoting mindful media practices, we can create a harmonious balance between their digital engagement and their overall mental and emotional health.

What is ICO and how does it relate to media consumption?

Information and Communication Overloading (ICO), as coined by Dr Domenico Meschino refers to the potential side effects of excessive exposure to information and communication technologies in children. While technology offers numerous benefits, it’s important to recognize that there can be negative consequences when children are overwhelmed or overloaded with information. Here are some of the side effects associated with OIC:

What Are The Effects Of Too Much Screen Time?

The effects of excessive screen time can vary depending on the amount of screen time, what’s actually being done on the screen (that is, what it’s being used for), the user’s age, and so on.

But some of the most common effects of hours of skimming social media, TikTok videos, and other common media forms are general enough. 

Cognitive Overload

The constant stream of information can overwhelm children’s cognitive capacity, leading to difficulties in processing and retaining information. It can affect their ability to concentrate, make decisions, and think critically.

Reduced Attention Span

Excessive exposure to fast-paced, attention-grabbing media can contribute to shorter attention spans in children. They may become accustomed to quick information gratification, making it challenging to focus on tasks requiring sustained attention.

Emotional Distress

Continuous exposure to disturbing or distressing content, such as violence or explicit material, can hurt children’s emotional well-being. It may lead to feelings of anxiety, fear, or desensitization to real-world issues.

Social Disconnection

Excessive screen time and online interactions can hinder face-to-face social interactions and the development of important social skills. Children may experience difficulties in establishing and maintaining meaningful relationships offline.

Sleep Disruptions

The use of screens close to bedtime can disrupt sleep patterns and affect the quality and quantity of sleep in children. The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep.

Physical Health Issues

Sedentary behaviors associated with excessive screen time can contribute to physical health issues like obesity, poor posture, and musculoskeletal problems. Lack of physical activity and outdoor play can have long-term consequences for children’s overall health and well-being.

Dependency and Digital Addiction

Constant access to digital devices and the internet can lead to dependency and addiction-like behaviors in children. They may develop an inability to self-regulate their screen time, leading to difficulties in managing their overall well-being.

Recognizing these potential side effects and taking proactive measures to mitigate them is crucial. As discussed earlier, by implementing mindful media practices, parents, schools, and teachers can help children develop a healthy relationship with technology, promote balanced media consumption, and safeguard their well-being.

Note: Dr. Domenico Meschino coined the term ‘Information and Communication Overloading’ (ICO) to explore the potential side effects of excessive exposure to information and communication technologies in children.

What is Mindful Media?

Description

The concept of ‘Mindful Media’ aims to address the issue of information overload and excessive communication for children in today’s digital age. It promotes a balanced and intentional approach to consuming and engaging with media and communication platforms.

Key Elements

Digital Well-being Education

Integrate digital well-being education into school curricula and programs to raise awareness about the potential negative impacts of information overload and excessive communication on mental health and overall well-being.

Mindful Media Consumption

Encourage children to develop mindful media consumption habits by promoting selective and purposeful engagement with digital content. This involves teaching them how to evaluate the credibility and relevance of information, prioritize quality over quantity, and set healthy limits on screen time.

Critical Thinking Skill

Emphasize the development of critical thinking skills to help children navigate the vast amount of information available to them. Teach them how to question, analyze, and evaluate information critically, enabling them to make informed decisions and form their own opinions.

Digital Detox and Self-Care

Advocate for regular digital detox periods and self-care practices to help children find balance in their digital lives. Encourage activities like spending time outdoors, engaging in hobbies, reading books, practicing mindfulness, and building face-to-face social connections.

Parental and Educator Involvement

Involve parents and educators in promoting mindful media practices by providing them with resources, workshops, and guidance on supporting children in managing information overload. Foster open communication channels to address concerns and provide guidance on healthy media habits.

Designing Child-Friendly Platforms

Collaborate with technology companies and developers to create child-friendly platforms and applications that prioritize age-appropriate content, implement privacy protections, and offer tools for managing screen time and filtering information.

Media Literacy Programs

Implement media literacy programs in schools to equip children with the skills to critically analyze media messages, identify misinformation, and understand the persuasive techniques used in advertising and online content.

Emotional Intelligence and Empathy

Incorporate emotional intelligence and empathy-building activities into educational settings to help children develop resilience, empathy, and the ability to navigate online interactions with kindness and respect.

By promoting the concept of ‘Mindful Media,’ we can empower children to become discerning consumers of information, enhance their digital well-being, and foster healthier relationships with technology and communication platforms.

Actions that parents can take to implement MIndful media practices at home

Set screen time limits

Establish specific screen usage time limits and clearly communicate these limits to your children. Encourage them to engage in other activities such as outdoor play, reading, or hobbies that promote creativity and physical exercise.

Create media-free zones and times

Designate certain areas in your home, such as bedrooms or the dining table, as media-free zones. Establish specific times when screens are turned off during meals or before bedtime to encourage family interactions and promote better sleep.

Be a role model

Practice mindful media habits yourself. Show your children the importance of being present and engaged by limiting your own screen time and actively participating in activities that don’t involve screens. Children often learn by observing their parents’ behavior.

Encourage critical thinking at home

Teach your children to question and evaluate the content they consume. Help them develop critical thinking skills by discussing media messages, biases, and the potential impact of media on their emotions and beliefs. Encourage them to seek diverse perspectives and think critically about the information they encounter.

Curate age-appropriate content

Take an active role in selecting age-appropriate and educational media for your children. Look for media that promotes positive values, social-emotional learning, and educational content. Avoid excessive exposure to violent or inappropriate content.

Engage in co-viewing and co-creating

Watch or engage in media activities together with your children. This allows for shared experiences, promotes discussions, and helps you understand their media preferences. Encourage your children to create media content, such as videos, stories, or artwork, fostering their creativity and self-expression.

Balance screen time with other activities

Encourage a balanced lifestyle by providing a variety of activities beyond screens. Engage in outdoor play, encourage reading, provide art supplies, or encourage participation in sports or other hobbies that foster physical and mental well-being.

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Foster open communication

Create an environment where your children feel comfortable discussing their media experiences. Encourage them to share any concerns or questions they may have. Open to their perspectives and engage in meaningful conversations about media and its impact.

Remember, implementing mindful media practices is an ongoing process that requires consistency and open communication. By taking these actions, you can help create a healthy media environment for your children at home.

Adding mindfulness time and peace circles at home

Adding mindfulness time and peace circles to your family routine can greatly contribute to creating a more mindful and peaceful media environment at home. Here’s how you can incorporate these practices:

Mindfulness time

Designate a specific time each day for mindfulness practice as a family. It could be in the morning, before bed, or any other convenient time. Create a calm and quiet space where everyone can sit comfortably. Use guided mindfulness apps or videos designed for families to help guide the practice. Engage in activities like deep breathing exercises, body scans, or guided visualizations. Encourage everyone to focus on the present moment, observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment, and cultivate a sense of calm and relaxation.

Peace circles

Set aside regular time for peace circles where the family comes together to share their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. This can be done structured, with a designated talking object passed around or more informally.

By doing this, you can create a safe and non-judgmental space where each family member can express themselves freely. Use prompts or questions to guide the discussions, such as “What made you feel peaceful today?” or “How can we create a more mindful environment at home?” Allow each person to speak and actively listen to one another without interruption. Encourage empathy, understanding, and respectful communication.

Tech-free zones during mindfulness and peace circles:

Make these mindfulness and peace circle times tech-free zones. Keep all devices, including smartphones, tablets, and TVs, away during these dedicated moments. This will minimize distractions and promote focused attention to the present moment and meaningful interactions with family members.

Incorporate mindfulness into daily activities

Extend the practice of mindfulness beyond dedicated sessions by incorporating it into daily activities. Encourage mindful eating by savoring and appreciating each bite during meals. Practice mindful walking or engage in mindful chores together, where each family member pays attention to the sensations and movements involved in the task at hand. This helps foster presence and awareness throughout the day.

By incorporating mindfulness time and peace circles into your family routine, you provide dedicated moments for self-reflection, connection, and relaxation. These practices can strengthen family bonds, promote open communication, and create a more mindful and peaceful atmosphere at home.

What can schools do to implement Mindful Media?

Schools can play a crucial role in implementing mindful media practices and creating a mindful environment for students. Here are some actions schools can take:

Integrate mindfulness education

Incorporate mindfulness education into the curriculum, either as a standalone subject or integrated into existing subjects. Teach students about mindfulness techniques, the benefits of mindful media consumption, and how to cultivate awareness and presence in their digital interactions. Provide resources such as books, videos, and guided meditations that students can access both in the classroom and at home.

Create mindful media guidelines

Develop clear and comprehensive guidelines for mindful media usage within the school. This can include policies on screen time limits, appropriate content, responsible digital citizenship, and respectful online behavior. Educate students on these guidelines and regularly reinforce them through discussions and workshops.

Offer mindfulness programs or clubs

Establish mindfulness programs or clubs where students can actively engage in mindfulness practices. These can include guided meditation sessions, mindful movement exercises (such as yoga or tai chi), and discussions on mindful media consumption. Encourage student participation and provide a safe space for open dialogue and sharing experiences.

Provide professional development for teachers

Offer professional development opportunities for teachers to learn about mindfulness techniques and strategies for integrating mindful media practices into their teaching. This can help them model mindful behavior and effectively guide students in navigating the digital world in a mindful manner. Collaborate with mindfulness experts or organizations to provide training sessions and workshops.

Foster a mindful school culture

Create a school culture that promotes mindfulness and well-being. Encourage regular moments of silence or reflection throughout the school day, such as mindful breathing exercises or short guided meditations. Establish mindfulness practices during transitions or before important activities to help students and staff center themselves and focus their attention.

Engage parents and caregivers

Involve parents and caregivers in the conversation about mindful media. Offer workshops or information sessions to educate them about the importance of mindful media consumption and provide practical tips for creating a mindful media environment at home. Collaborate with parents to reinforce consistent messaging and practices between home and school.

Collaborate with media and technology provider

Educators can work with media and technology providers to promote and develop mindful media content and platforms. Encourage the creation of educational apps, websites, or digital resources that prioritize mindfulness, positive mental health, and responsible digital engagement. Advocate for features that enable parental controls and limit exposure to inappropriate or harmful content.

By implementing these actions, schools can create a supportive environment that encourages mindful media consumption, fosters digital well-being, and equips students with the skills to navigate the digital world in a responsible and mindful manner.

What can teachers do to implement Mindful Media?

Teachers play a vital role in implementing mindful media practices in the classroom. Here are some actions teachers can take to promote mindful media consumption among their students:

Educate students about mindful media: Take time to teach students about the concept of mindful media and its benefits. Discuss the importance of being present, aware, and intentional in their media consumption habits. Help them understand how media influences their emotions, thoughts, and overall well-being.

Model mindful media behavior

As a teacher, be a role model for mindful media consumption. Demonstrate healthy digital habits, such as using devices intentionally and purposefully. Show students how to take breaks from screens, engage in offline activities, and practice being fully present in the moment.

Integrate mindfulness activities

Incorporate short mindfulness activities into daily routines. Begin or end the class with a brief mindfulness exercise, such as a guided breathing exercise or a mindful moment of reflection. These activities can help students cultivate focus, calmness, and self-awareness before engaging with media.

Teach critical media literacy

Help students develop critical thinking skills to analyze and evaluate media content. Teach them to question the authenticity, credibility, and biases present in media messages. Encourage them to explore diverse perspectives, challenge stereotypes, and make informed decisions about the media they consume.

Encourage media balance

Guide students in finding a healthy balance between media use and other activities. Encourage them to engage in physical exercise, creative pursuits, social interactions, and nature experiences. Discuss the importance of setting boundaries and self-regulating screen time to maintain overall well-being.

Engage in media discussions

Initiate open discussions about media topics that are relevant to the curriculum or students’ interests. Encourage students to share their thoughts, opinions, and experiences related to media. Discuss the potential impact of media on mental health, relationships, and society as a whole.

Provide mindful media assignments

Design assignments that promote mindful media consumption. Assign tasks that require students to critically analyze media content, create media with intention, or reflect on their personal experiences with media. Encourage them to consider the ethical implications of their media choices and the potential effects on themselves and others.

Collaborate with parents

Maintain open lines of communication with parents or caregivers regarding mindful media practices. Share resources, articles, or tips on how to create a mindful media environment at home. Collaborate with parents to reinforce consistent messaging and provide support for students in developing healthy media habits.

By implementing these strategies, teachers can empower students to be mindful media consumers, helping them navigate the digital landscape with intention, critical thinking, and a focus on their overall well-being.