--- title: Resources for Healthy Cellphone Use + Digital Discernment | Wayfinder description: Explore resources on student screen time and smartphone use, digital discernment, healthy online habits, and more! image: https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hubfs/Student%20+%20Teacher%20Photos/mindful-phone-use.png --- [![Wayfinder](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/wayfinder-theme/images/61e1f37cabd595ac1e57f07b_wayfinder-logo.png?width=200&name=61e1f37cabd595ac1e57f07b_wayfinder-logo.png "Wayfinder")](https://www.withwayfinder.com/) [Log In](https://app.withwayfinder.com/login) [![Schedule Demo](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/21904666/5f1e7040-47f1-4af2-9e4a-10c9e25464e6.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/21904666/5f1e7040-47f1-4af2-9e4a-10c9e25464e6) - Curriculum + Products - Our Offerings - Grade Levels - [District-Wide (PreK-12)](https://www.withwayfinder.com/products/district-wide-curriculum) - [Elementary School (PreK-5)](https://www.withwayfinder.com/products/elementary-school-curriculum) - 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[Contact Us](https://www.withwayfinder.com/contact/contact) [LogIn](https://app.withwayfinder.com/login) [![Schedule Demo](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/21904666/ec673fee-db79-4ddb-beb2-2a1ff450f52b.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/21904666/ec673fee-db79-4ddb-beb2-2a1ff450f52b) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.withwayfinder.com/privacy-policy) - [Terms of Use](https://www.withwayfinder.com/terms-of-service) © Wayfinder, 2023 ![Wayfinder Chronic Absenteeism](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Wayfinder-black%206%20(1).png?width=210&height=67&name=Wayfinder-black%206%20(1).png) # TEACH STUDENTS HEALTHY + PRODUCTIVE SMARTPHONE HABITS ## Explore Resources on Smartphone Use, Digital Discernment, Managing Screen Time, and More! Learn how Wayfinder helps schools adapt to new laws and regulations around devices in classrooms, and help students build positive digital habits. [Talk with Wayfinder](https://www.withwayfinder.com/contact/demo) ![Managing Student Screen Time](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Student%20Screen%20Time%20Tips.png?width=1056&height=721&name=Student%20Screen%20Time%20Tips.png) ## **Quick Links** - [**Teaching Students Digital Discernment**](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/cellphone-digital-discernment-resources#teaching-students-digital-discernment) - **[Addressing Student Screen Time](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/cellphone-digital-discernment-resources#student-screen-time)** - **[The Complex Impact of Social Media Use](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/cellphone-digital-discernment-resources#complex-impact-of-social-media)** - [**Curbing the Risks of Social Media: Resource Pack**](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/cellphone-digital-discernment-resources#curbing-the-risks-of-socail-media) - [**Cellphone Use in the Classroom**](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/cellphone-digital-discernment-resources#cellphone-use-in-classroom) - **[Encouraging Mindful + Productive Cellphone Use](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/cellphone-digital-discernment-resources#tips-for-encouraging-mindful-cellphone-use)** - [**Blogs + Articles on Student Cellphone Use**](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/cellphone-digital-discernment-resources#blogs-articles-cellphone-use) - **[Social Media and Youth Mental Health](https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/sg-youth-mental-health-social-media-advisory.pdf)** ![Student Screen Time and Cellphone Use in the Classroom](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Student%20+%20Teacher%20Photos/NEW%202025%20Banners%20(1080%20x%20800%20px)%20(2).png?width=1080&height=800&name=NEW%202025%20Banners%20(1080%20x%20800%20px)%20(2).png) [Talk to Our Team](https://www.withwayfinder.com/contact/demo) [Download Resources](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/cellphone-digital-discernment-resources#resources-for-addressing-cellphone-use) ## Teaching Students Digital Discernment Digital discernment means connecting a Why to our digital lives and developing a greater awareness of how those digital lives impact our offline ones. At Wayfinder, we recognize that limiting the use of addictive devices is a start, but helping students manage screen time and learn healthy behaviors regarding social media and phone use is the key to long-term success. That’s why we offer multiple resources for educators to guide students in building digital literacy skills, developing productive cellphone habits, engaging in digital citizenship, and more! [**Read our new blog: Digital Discernment vs. Digital Literacy: Everything Educators Need to Know**](https://blog.withwayfinder.com/digital-discernment-vs-digital-literacy?hsLang=en) to discover how digital discernment and digital literacy work together to build students' self-awareness, focus, and critical thinking.  ![Student social media engagement and screen time](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Infographic%201.png?width=900&height=368&name=Infographic%201.png "Student social media engagement and screen time") ## From Scroll to Self-Control: Addressing Student Screen Time ### *Explore activities to help students unplug, refocus, and boost real-world engagement* Help students understand their digital footprint and how screen time affects their learning and well-being. Wayfinder supports students by building future-ready skills, like digital literacy, which leads to more intentional device use and increased engagement in and out of the classroom.  Address student screen time with activities that improve digital literacy skills and encourage responsible technology use. Get the Addressing Student Screen Time Activity Pack below!  [Get Activities](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/addressing-student-screen-time?hsLang=en) ![Infographic and time spent on social media](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Infographic%202.png?width=848&height=815&name=Infographic%202.png) The Complex Impact of Social Media on Students According to a [2023 US Surgeon General’s Report](https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/sg-youth-mental-health-social-media-advisory.pdf), social media usage has been connected to some positive effects on adolescents, including:  - Improved feelings of acceptance and connectedness - Providing a creative outlet - Connection to social support However, the wealth of research showing the negative impacts of cellphone and social media use on adolescent development shows that young people need guidance for developing healthy online lives.  [Talk with Wayfinder](https://www.withwayfinder.com/contact/demo) [Download Resources](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/cellphone-digital-discernment-resources#resources-for-addressing-cellphone-use) ## How to Address Cellphone Use in the Classroom ![Curbing the Risks of Social Media cover image](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Downloadables/PDF%20Guide%20Download%20Graphics/Curbing%20the%20Risks%20of%20Social%20Media-Photo.png?height=2000&name=Curbing%20the%20Risks%20of%20Social%20Media-Photo.png) Curbing the Risks of Social Media: Resource Pack Download our guide to help students better understand how to navigate their digital lives with self-awareness and purpose. It includes:  - Recent data from the US Surgeon General’s report on social media’s effects on adolescents - Easy-to-use activities for elementary, middle, and high school students [Get the Resource Pack](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/social-media-use-resources?hsLang=en#social-form) ![cellphone use in the classroom pdf](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Downloadables/PDF%20Guide%20Download%20Graphics/cellphone%20use%20in%20the%20classroom%20pdf.png?width=1200&height=1200&name=cellphone%20use%20in%20the%20classroom%20pdf.png) Cellphone Use in the Classroom With [cellphone bans and restrictions](https://www.kff.org/mental-health/issue-brief/a-look-at-state-efforts-to-ban-cellphones-in-schools-and-implications-for-youth-mental-health/) going into effect nationwide, this guide offers resources for helping students: - Build self-awareness of their digital habits - Consider multiple viewpoints on cellphone restrictions for children and teens - Explore the relationship between social media and self-image [Get the Resource](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/cellphone-use-in-the-classroom?hsLang=en) ![Tips for Encouraging Mindful + Productive Cellphone Use](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Student%20+%20Teacher%20Photos/NEW%202025%20Banners%20(1080%20x%20800%20px)-3.png?width=1080&height=800&name=NEW%202025%20Banners%20(1080%20x%20800%20px)-3.png) Tips for Encouraging Mindful + Productive Cellphone Use Read Wayfinder’s latest article on cellphones in the classroom for insights and practical tips for guiding students’ use of their devices.    [Read the Article](https://blog.withwayfinder.com/7-tips-for-mindful-productive-cellphone-use?hsLang=en) ## Read Blogs + Articles on Student Cellphone Use ![“They’re Going to be Wayfinders”: Helping Students Navigate Life with AI](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hubfs/Blog%20Featured%20Image%20Template%20for%20Emily%20+%20Bryan%20(1800%20x%20800%20px)-1.png) ### “They’re Going to be Wayfinders” Helping Students Navigate Life with AI Discover Wayfinder’s approach to teaching AI literacy in school to prepare students for today's modern world shaped by uncertainty and opportunity.  **[Click here to read the full article.](https://blog.withwayfinder.com/helping-students-navigate-life-with-ai?hsLang=en)** ![Wayfinder\_Bronx Envision Academy\_35\_B](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hubfs/Student%20+%20Teacher%20Photos/Wayfinder_Bronx%20Envision%20Academy_35_B.jpg) ### In the age of addictive tech, we must teach young people digital discernment Digital discernment is the work of connecting a *Why* to our digital lives and developing a greater awareness of how that digital life impacts our offline one.  [**Read more about Digital Discernment and how it impacts students.**](https://blog.withwayfinder.com/we-must-teach-young-people-digital-discernment?hsLang=en) ![AdobeStock\_303639174 1](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hubfs/Student%20+%20Teacher%20Photos/AdobeStock_303639174%201.png) ### How to manage cellphones in schools: 6 tips from teens To give educators a fresh perspective about the benefits and drawbacks of cellphones in schools, students were asked what they think would work best.  **[See six tips from teens on how to manage cellphones in schools.](https://www.edweek.org/technology/how-to-manage-cellphones-in-schools-6-tips-from-teens-download/2024/07?utm_source=nl&utm_medium=eml&utm_campaign=popweek&utm_content=list&M=10640681&UUID=d4fc17bef2071f608e55b500f48bea08&T=14017717)** ![Phones in Class](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hubfs/Phones%20in%20Class.jpg) ### Cellphone bans spread in schools amid growing mental health worries Students returning to school are facing tighter restrictions or outright bans on cellphone use as it becomes more evident that phones have damaging impacts and can distract from learning.  **[Learn more about these new cellphone policies.](https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2024/08/27/cell-phone-school-bans/)** ![C0474.MP4.17\_57\_07\_13.Still001-X3](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hubfs/Student%20+%20Teacher%20Photos/C0474.MP4.17_57_07_13.Still001-X3.jpg) ### Parents want cellphones in the classroom. Here's why. More than half of parents said they want their children to have their phones so they can reach their kids or find out where they are during the day, when needed.  **[Read more reasons why parents want communication with their children in school.](https://www.edweek.org/leadership/parents-want-cellphones-in-the-classroom-heres-why/2024/09?utm_source=nl&utm_medium=eml&utm_campaign=popweek&utm_content=list&M=11121495&UUID=d4fc17bef2071f608e55b500f48bea08&T=14632835)** [![Wayfinder Mark](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/wayfinder-theme/images/61e1f52beb439c5d014b7ecd_wayfinder-footer.png?width=200&name=61e1f52beb439c5d014b7ecd_wayfinder-footer.png "Wayfinder Mark")](https://www.withwayfinder.com/) Wayfinder is a division of Lemnis [Log In](https://app.withwayfinder.com/login) [Schedule Demo](https://pages.withwayfinder.com/cs/c/?cta_guid=b901867d-bf22-4671-a44d-7d65fa036bac&signature=AAH58kG2slF8CBkZNCzzAj6JPThf96aOfQ&pageId=153467595697&placement_guid=5f1e7040-47f1-4af2-9e4a-10c9e25464e6&click=313de5bb-d4e1-4af6-9704-99dab9569bc0&hsutk=&canon=http%3A%2F%2F21904666.hs-sites.com%2F-temporary-slug-5b95e557-6e24-4794-b53c-4974d1a5a4ad&portal_id=21904666&redirect_url=APefjpHItIO9jWlRISzfrVAGEQhywJAnoZR4V1nd7EUTeIn5RvwygK5cJKTmg-gncUNXsoQjYwKU2gApYq_OUgI3DJHtu7oWiKDUqqH7cLR1AyRyQfdQchAR0Qlmobq9grz95zAIaMmv&hsLang=en) 500 SW 116th Ave, Suite 178, Beaverton, OR 97225, USA - 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