Screen Smart: Helping Students Balance Tech Use During Final Exams
- Connor Cohen
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
As May kicks off final exam season, students everywhere are reaching for their devices—not just to study, but often for endless scrolling, gaming, and distractions. At Cyber Civics, we know that teaching young people how to balance technology use is just as important as teaching them to use technology wisely.
With exams looming, now is the perfect time for educators and parents to focus on Digital Wellness—a cornerstone of our Cyber Civics curriculum.
Why Balance Matters Now
Studies show that overexposure to screens, especially during times of stress like exam periods, can heighten anxiety, impact sleep, and lower academic performance. Helping students establish healthy digital habits now sets them up for success both academically and emotionally.
Do Your Students Struggle With Balance Use of Screens?
Yes
No
Totally!
Quick Tips to Promote Healthy Tech Use
1. Create Tech-Free Study Zones:Encourage students to set up a distraction-free study space without phones or social media interruptions.
2. Teach the Power of Breaks:Promote the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This reduces eye strain and mental fatigue.
3. Encourage Mindful Tech Use:Ask students to reflect: "Is this device helping me or distracting me right now?" Teaching mindfulness around technology is a lifelong skill.
4. Model Healthy Habits:Teachers and parents can set an example by practicing device-free dinners, focused work sessions, and prioritizing real-world connections.
5. Boost Digital Literacy:Remind students that being a good digital citizen also means knowing when to log off. Balance is key to being safe, savvy, and smart online.
How Cyber Civics Makes a Difference
At Cyber Civics, we go beyond simply warning students about too much screen time—we equip them with real-world skills to manage it.
Through lessons in Digital Citizenship, Information Literacy, and Media Literacy, students learn to:
Set healthy personal boundaries around tech use.
Recognize signs of tech overload and strategies to reset.
Use technology intentionally, not habitually.
Build resilience and focus, critical for exam success and beyond.
Every Cyber Civics lesson empowers students to take control of their digital lives, helping them stay organized, focused, and confident in the classroom—and in life.
🎓 Teachers: Want to see how Cyber Civics can help your students succeed this exam season and beyond? Schedule A Demo Below!
Author:
Connor joined the Cyber Civics team in 2023 with experience in both social work and marketing. In 2020 he earned his LMSW in Texas where he worked as a therapist in a private practice. He made the switch from direct practice to marketing and worked with therapists to help market the profession and practice. Connor now works for Cyber Civics and Cyberwise. After earning his Bachelors in English, Political Science and Counseling from the University of North Texas, he went on to receive his Masters in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington. Continuing his studies, he earned a certificate in Digital Marketing from the University of Texas in 2022. He resides in Houston, TX with his fiancee and dog Leia. Connor feels that his role at Cyberwise and Cybercivics is the perfect place to make the much needed changes that help promote the mission of increasing digital literacy and online safety.
