This information can be overwhelming. So, the students came up with some ways to stay safe online. For the students, Digital wellbeing means looking after their mental and physical health wellbeing while using devices – knowing when to take breaks, what to engage with, and how to stay safe and balanced online.

To encourage young people to look after each other online, the students created the 5 Ways to Digital Wellbeing:

1. Be active – Make sure you take regular breaks outside, do physical activities like walking or sports, and balance screen time with real-world movement
2. Stay safe – Filter inappropriate content, don’t get involved in online arguments, and tell a trusted adult if something feels wrong
3. Set limits – Monitor and limit screen time, know your boundaries with certain apps, avoid content not meant for your age group, and practice active consumption
4. Keep learning – use the internet for educational purposes, talk about what you’re watching or reading with friends and family
5. Be kind – Support others if they’re struggling or look for alternative support where necessary

This peer-led approach helps young people understand their own triggers, develop coping strategies, and feel more confident talking about mental health. It also addresses emotional-based school avoidance, which has risen since the Covid pandemic, by encouraging open discussion and support among peers.

Thanks to funding from The Greenham Trust through West Berkshire Council, the students’ ideas have been turned into a resource that will be shared with schools across the West of Berkshire, potentially reaching thousands of young people.

The project is a powerful example of how young voices can shape mental health support and break down stigma, both online and in school communities.