Paper Quilt of Practice" – Reflective Ending Activity

Phone use: Behind the screens

 Activity: “Behind the Screen” – Digital Masks and Real Stories

Overview:

This is a creative, reflective activity where participants design a “digital mask” that represents how they present themselves online (especially on phones/social media), and then create a second piece showing what’s behind the screen—what’s really going on for them or others.

🧰 Materials:

  • Blank mask templates or paper and drawing materials
  • Old phones or cardboard cutouts of phones
  • Markers, collage materials, glue, scissors
  • Prompts on slips of paper
  • Optional: access to digital tools for digital collaging or storytelling

🔄 Steps:

  1. Warm-up Discussion (5–10 mins): Ask:
    • “How do we show up online compared to real life?”
    • “What do we hide or exaggerate behind a screen?”
      Keep it open and reflective, not accusatory.
  2. Create Two “Screens”:
    • Front Screen (the digital mask): Each participant decorates a phone cutout or mask to show how they present themselves online.
      Include emojis, filters, things they post, things they hide behind.
    • Behind the Screen: On the back, or on a second piece, they show what’s really happening for them—or for someone they’ve seen being left out or hurt. They can use metaphors, draw emotions, write short texts, etc.
  3. Reflection Prompts (write/draw):
    • “What might others not see?”
    • “Has anyone ever hidden something behind a screen?”
    • “What’s the impact when we don’t think before we post or share?”
  4. Sharing Circle (Optional & Voluntary): Invite participants to share their pieces and talk about the gap between online and offline realities. Facilitate gently—highlight common experiences, not blame.

🧠 Why It Works:

  • It starts conversations around digital empathy and the consequences of online actions