Digital Wellbeing at University: Challenges, Opportunities, and Solutions

The mental health of students is deteriorating, and universities have an institutional responsibility to take action. This requires more than just individual coping strategies; it necessitates the implementation of systemic support structures. 

Digitalisation presents significant challenges and opportunities for wellbeing. Risks include technostress and isolation. However, opportunities lie in the enhanced flexibility and use of digital tools for support and prevention. It is essential to take a holistic approach, integrating wellbeing and mental health into university strategy. This requires cross-functional collaboration and long-term structures, such as holistic university health management. Universities can implement practical digital measures now.

Universities can implement practical digital measures now. These may include using digital surveys for assessment, establishing clear digital information points, using social media for outreach and integrating existing digital health services. Learning from good practice and securing long-term financing are crucial for the necessary change. Participation in networks and collaboration can support these efforts.

This Learning Café offers an opportunity to further develop an understanding of the importance of a holistic and strategic approach to wellbeing and mental health in the digital age, while also growing an international network.

Channa van der Brug

Programme Manager, University Forum on Digitalisation for the Stifterverband

Channa van der Brug facilitates the exchange of innovative strategies between universities, policymakers, and technology experts to accelerate the digital transformation of higher education. She supports the development of digital learning environments that enhance learning, teaching and student engagement on an international scale. She contributes her expertise to two projects for the Stifterverband: the Hochschulforum Digitalisierung and the European Digital Education Hub. Founded in 1920, the Stifterverband is a joint initiative of German companies and foundations that advises on and promotes improvements in education, science and innovation.

Tina Basner

Project Manager, CHE Centre for Higher Education Development

Tina Basner works at the CHE Centre for Higher Education Development as a project manager at the "Hochschulforum Digitalisierung" in Germany. Since 2021, the sociologist has led various think tanks, focusing particularly on issues of equity & participation and more recently on well-being and mental health in digital learning environments. Additionally, she works in the area of internationalization and regularly reports on digital teaching and learning innovations at international universities. Tina Basner is a trained agile coach and team trainer. She studied adult education at the Humboldt University in Berlin and education & sociology at the University of Kiel.