International Day of Happiness: How to Bring Happiness and Well-Being to your Digital Family

It may seem strange that we need an official day to remind us to be happy, but the United Nations General Assembly actually created the International Day of Happiness with the goal of promoting the happiness and well-being of all peoples.

And for digital parents and caregivers, the happiness and well-being of our families is more important than ever as screens and technology become commonplace. Mindfulness and digital literacy can help your families balance tech use, increase critical thinking skills and boost digital well-being as they navigate online.

So how can you bring happiness and well-being to your digital family?

Young children

• Opt for balanced activities where your young children can learn, play, socialize and thrive offline (as well as online);
• Remember that face-to-face interactions, sensory play, and other child development boosters are invaluable for babies and toddlers.

Tweens

• Prioritize digital wellbeing that allows for a balance of physical, mental, social and emotional development;
• Research (with your tween) the apps, platforms and websites that are trending and have connected conversations frequently;
• Install parental guidance support like Apple Screen Time or Google Family link, while speaking to your tweens about the importance of positive content.

Teens

• Remember your own teen years with ups and downs, then add the digital world on top – empathy and understanding, followed by open and transparent conversations with your teens can do wonders. Start early, communicate often.
• Encourage your teens to use apps that help them focus and boost productivity.
• Check out the The Happiness Lab podcast by Yale professor Dr Laurie Santos, who has studied the science of happiness and then shares tips and strategies.

You don't need an official day to promote digital well-being for your families, but it definitely doesn’t hurt to have a reminder.