For Media Literacy Week, Vodafone Foundation introduces 'Take Control of Your Screen’: a new lesson for upper primary and secondary school students about striking a healthy balance between screen time and free time.
Healthy Screen Habits
From November 7 to 14, Media Literacy Week focuses on healthy screen use. Being online is fun, but too many impulses can overload your mind. Making conscious choices is important!
During this week, thousands of classes from all over the country will participate in MediaMasters, a game packed with interactive assignments about screen use and digital safety. They will compete for the title of ‘Most media-savvy class in the Netherlands’.
As a network partner, Vodafone Foundation contributed to the game and launched a new Online Masters lesson called ‘Take Control of Your Screen’ which teaches young people how to balance offline and online life.
“We’re definitely not against screens. Technology gives young people amazing opportunities. But it’s important that they learn how to develop digital skills, make smart choices online, and stay safe. That’s why we create these lessons and actively participate in Media Literacy Week,” says Kim Huntjens, Social Impact Manager at Vodafone Foundation.
What is Online Masters?
Young people swipe, play, explore, and share. Their world is digital, full of opportunities and challenges. But how do they learn to use technology smartly and stay safe online? That doesn’t happen automatically. That’s why, in 2017, Vodafone Foundation launched its Online Masters program. Free, interactive lessons for students in the final years of primary and first years of secondary school. With fun tasks and cool challenges, they actively build their digital skills.
New Lessons
This week, Vodafone Foundation introduces a new lesson: 'Take Control of Your Screen’
“This lesson is all about balancing online and offline life. Young people learn about the effects of too much screen time and get practical tasks and tips for managing their time wisely. They will also discover how apps and games try to grab your attention, and what you can do to take charge of your screen time,” says Huntjens.
In addition, Vodafone Foundation recently added the lesson 'My Photo, My Choice’ — teaching young people what online consent means. They reflect on their own boundaries and those of others, learn to make conscious choices about what they want to share or not, and how they can communicate this.
Growing Digital Skills
Online Masters consists of four modules: Digital, Creative, Safe, and Social. Topics include AI, robotics, online privacy, and screen use. Each year, more than 100,000 young people learn how to stay safe online, make conscious decisions, and discover their digital talents. The lessons are always up to date thanks to subject experts and partners such as ECP/veiliginternetten, Netwerk Mediawijsheid,and Save The Children who contribute to the content.
Vodafone Foundation
Since 2002, Vodafone Foundation Netherlands has been helping both young people and older adults use technology. The foundation focuses on improving digital skills for all ages, so everyone can participate in our digital society. For schools, Vodafone Foundation developed the Online Masters program which matches the Digital Literacy curriculum. For older adults, the foundation offers a program called Welcome Online.