Headphones
Using headphones can be an important part of learning in a digital environment. As Smart Learners, students are expected to use headphones in ways that support their learning, protect their hearing, and reflect the values of the Kawa of Care. These guidelines help ensure that headphone use is safe, purposeful, and supports a focused, respectful classroom environment.
Kawa of Care – Responsible Use
Headphone use falls under the Kawa of Care agreement.
Students agree to care for equipment and use it correctly.
Devices and accessories like headphones are used to support learning.
Teacher-Directed Use
Headphones are used for learning activities.
Only used when the teacher has given permission.
During independent tasks, headphones support focus.
During teacher talk or group work, headphones are off.
Safe Volume – Protect Your Hearing
Teach the “Half Volume or Less” rule (keep volume around 50%).
If someone nearby can hear the sound, it’s too loud.
Students should still be able to hear surrounding sounds (name, bell, instructions).
Supports hearing safety and reduces isolation.
Time Limits & Breaks
Encourage moderation in headphone use.
Avoid long, uninterrupted periods.
Take short “ear breaks” every 10 minutes.
Use headphones purposefully for learning – not all day.
Focus, Not Distraction
Headphones are learning tools, not toys.
Used only for teacher-assigned content (videos, learning apps, etc.).
Not for personal music or unrelated media.
Supports focused, self-managed learning.
Physical Care & Hygiene
Headphones are part of device care – model respectful use.
Unplug gently; do not swing or snap cords.
Wrap cords carefully to avoid damage.
Don’t share earbuds without cleaning them first.
Smart Headphones Lesson
Learn: As a class discuss when do you use headphones at school, and why? How can headphones help us focus? Can they ever be harmful? Come up with a few examples and tips for safe headphone use (like keeping volume low and only using them when the teacher says it’s okay).
TEST: We’ll even see how loud is too loud – remember, if someone else can hear sound from your headphones, it’s too loud. Hold the headphones out in front of you, and turn the volume up until you can hear it.
Read: As a class or on your own read this article timeforkids.com
Create: Use Google Drawings make a “Smart Headphones” poster with 3–4 tips for using headphones safely (be creative – add drawings, slogans. For example, a tip could be: “Keep it at Half Volume – Save Your Hearing!”
Share: Share your poster on your blog, to help others learn about Smart Headphone use.