Digital distractions are everywhere. The TV you’re watching, the phone you’re holding, the computer you’re using, even the music you’re playing can distract you from concentrating on your lesson or any task at hand. Students have poor attention spans, and sitting for too long can be stressful for them to find ways to keep themselves entertained.

The good news is they can be managed. It all starts with having the right attitude and motivation. Many students out there are responsible enough to know when and when not to use their digital devices. But aside from having this positive outlook, there are other ways to teach students how to manage digital distractions:

Discipline yourself

Disciplining yourself requires the application of behavioral principles, which can help in many ways. For instance, you can start by putting your phone on silent mood and set the alarm for 30 minutes. When the alarm goes off, give yourself at least a minute to check your unit again and see if you have messages, emails, etc. After a minute, silence your phone and set the alarm again. You can set the alarm for a longer period if you want.

Tech blackout during lessons

A great way to say goodbye to digital distractions is by having a tech blackout during your lessons. Of course, this doesn’t include shutting down your computer, which you’ll be using. We’re talking about other devices such as mobile phones and tablets. If you’re studying offline, you can turn off your computer and WiFi to eliminate distractions. Another is to find a quiet place where you won’t be distracted by anyone and anything.

Block unnecessary websites and apps

When students are using their computers during online classes, chances are they will be tempted to check out other websites while classes are still going on. An effective way to eliminate these temptations is by blocking unnecessary websites and apps during class hours. Students will feel frustrated at first, but once they understand it’s for their good, they’ll be thankful for it.

Encourage distraction-free times

Students who are old enough to manage their schedule should have a digital distraction-free time and use it to break from technology. They should use this time to eat, exercise, do chores, or hang out with friends. Parents can step in and set a specific time for younger students, like during meals, to avoid using devices. 

Put the phone on silent mode

The mobile phone is one of the leading digital distractions out there. Almost everybody has one. In case you can’t turn it off because you’re afraid of missing an important phone call or message, the least you can do is put your device in silent mode. You can check it in between lessons.

There are many digital distractions out there, but fortunately, they are manageable. Students themselves can cope with these nuances, and in the case of younger students, parents can always step in. Once they can deal with these digital distractions, they can concentrate on their lessons and participate actively.   

If your students find it difficult to stay focused during lessons, teaching them ways to manage digital distractions can help.