Here's why we created a whole new curriculum.
Boosting Digital Citizenship and Digital Literacy
Over a year ago, the work on our new digital literacy and well-being curriculum had just begun. Efforts to update digital citizenship lessons to boost current digital literacy needs started with whiteboards covered in sticky notes addressing a question that felt both urgent and overwhelming: What does it mean to thrive in our ever-evolving tech-filled world?
We all know the landscape has shifted dramatically. It's hard to scroll through feeds without seeing another story about cellphone bans, teen loneliness, or the latest AI companion app. And the research continues to show that younger and younger kids are using more and more tech.
But here's what we realized: Technology isn't only changing how kids learn and connect. It might actually be making it harder to develop some of the most essential human skills at the exact time kids need to be building them.
What if digital literacy isn't just about the "digital" part anymore? What if it's about doubling down on what makes us uniquely, powerfully human?
What are some of those skills that media and tech can usurp? Fostering critical thinking when (unverified) answers are instant. Nurturing a sense of curiosity when algorithms tell you what to think and believe. Prioritizing face-to-face connection when screens might be a more convenient alternative. And celebrating creativity when AI can make things for you.
And that's when it became clear: What if digital literacy isn't just about the "digital" part anymore? What if it's about doubling down on what makes us uniquely, powerfully human?
Lessons for Digital Literacy & Well-Being: Human Skills for Digital Citizenship
Our new curriculum gives you tools that feel as urgent and essential as teaching kids to read. In many ways, that's exactly what this is: teaching kids to "read" their digital world so they can write their own story within it. But it's not about adding more to your plate! Instead, we've created 20-minute lessons that are easy to use and engaging for kids.
Here are just some of the lessons that lean into the human skills that kids need most:
Choosing Kindness (Kindergarten): This lesson starts with kids defining what it means to be a good friend. Then they act out scenarios to actually practice what it means to be a kind, respectful friend with devices in the mix.
Curiosity Tellers: (First Grade): Through a hands-on, face-to-face activity, kids practice being curious about others, asking questions, listening actively, and following up with deeper interest.
Sincere Apologies (Second Grade): Since we all mess up sometimes, it's important to understand how to maintain relationships and integrity along the way. This concept is leveled up with more nuance in M.E.N.D.ing Friendships (Fourth Grade) and other lessons.
Communicating Personal Boundaries (Fifth Grade): Learning how to use "I" statements to communicate feelings and needs around a situation is a super useful human skill that can prevent misunderstanding and resentments of many kinds.
Is It Fair Use? AI Edition (Sixth Grade): Coming at creativity from a Fair Use lens, kids can consider the value of original, creative work—including their own.
Tech & Values (Seventh Grade): Encourage kids to reflect on their very human values first, and then evaluate how their tech habits align with those values.
What Is Critical Ignoring? (Eighth Grade): There's no end to the amount of information coming at us all the time, so learning how to focus on what matters is an increasingly important human skill!
And there's so much more to explore! Take a look at the new lessons— full of videos, games, and activities—to see how this human-first approach spans the new curriculum. You can also get parents and caregivers on the same page with our family activities and tips, including a podcast designed to start discussions.
Ultimately, we want to support digital literacy and well-being for every young digital citizen, and we'll continue to offer our free resources to give educators and families the tools they need.
