Balancing Digital Engagement and Cultural Roots for Students of International Schools in the UAE
Navigating the digital landscape when moving your child to an international school in the UAE can come with unique challenges; with children bringing cultural norms from all over the world, some considerations around the use of technology can be helpful. As your children become third culture kids, maintaining connections to their roots and home country becomes crucial. In this context, establishing ground rules for technology use is essential for their overall well-being and academic success.
In his insightful book, “The Anxious Generation,” Jonathan Haidt, a professor of ethical leadership at New York University, specialising in social psychology and morality, asserts that smartphones have sparked a surge of anxiety and depression among Generation Z globally. He attributes this to the continuous access to social media, online video games, and other internet-based activities facilitated by these devices. Haidt identifies four primary harms resulting from this digital transformation of childhood: social deprivation, sleep deprivation, attention fragmentation, and addiction.
As expat families, you may find this issue especially pertinent. Whilst experiencing the wonderful offerings of the international schools in the UAE, your child may need support as they seek balance between their digital lives and their cultural identities, whilst staying connected to their home country.
Practical Tips for families looking for international schools in the UAE.
- Limit Screen Time: Research suggests that excessive screen time can negatively impact children’s physical health, mental well-being, and academic performance. Consider setting limits on daily screen time, especially considering the unique challenges of being a third culture kid. Encourage a balance between digital engagement and offline activities that foster connections to their cultural roots.
- Promote Digital Balance: Emphasise the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between online and offline activities. While technology offers valuable educational resources, encourage your children to also engage in real-world experiences that connect them both to their cultural heritage and the rich melting pots of cultures they can explore in an international school setting in the UAE.
- Establish Device-Free Zones and Times: Designate certain areas or times within your home where digital devices are not allowed. This can help create boundaries around technology use and encourage family interactions that strengthen your children’s sense of identity and belonging.
- Encourage Mindful Tech Use: Teach your children to use technology mindfully and purposefully. Encourage reflection on their digital habits and the impact they have on their well-being. Help them develop self-regulation skills to navigate the digital landscape responsibly.
- Model Healthy Tech Habits: Lead by example and model healthy technology habits for your children. Demonstrate balanced screen time usage and prioritise offline activities that celebrate your family’s values. Your actions can influence your children’s attitudes and behaviours towards technology.
- Educate About Online Safety and Digital Citizenship: Equip your children with the knowledge and skills to navigate the online world safely and responsibly. Teach them about internet safety practices and the importance of respecting cultural differences found in international schools in the UAE in digital interactions. Foster digital citizenship skills that promote positive online interactions.
Finding a healthy amount of digital engagement to feel connected to their home countries, whilst protecting quality sleep, social development and attentional control, is essential for students of international schools in the UAE. By implementing these practical tips, expat families can support their international children to find this balance.
We hope that with this mindful approach to technology use, along with the above actionable tips to use in the home, your children can thrive academically, emotionally, and culturally in their international school in the UAE. For more support and guidance when making a move to an international school in the UAE, please book a free consultation with one of our International Education Experts here: Book a Consultation
