K-2

Students need to learn to make thoughtful and balanced choices about how they use technology. They should reflect on how their tech habits affect themselves and others, explore how design features like autoplay and notifications can influence their attention, and commit to being safe, responsible, and respectful digital citizens while enjoying the positive possibilities technology offers.

Resources

Family Activity Game Cards English | Spanish
Media Balance Is Important English | Spanish

Help Your Family Use TV, Phones, and Tablets in Healthy Ways English | Spanish
Family Tech Planners Age 5-8 English | Spanish

3-5

We need to help our students learn how to take control of their attention, emotions, and technology use so they understand how digital distractions and design tricks can affect focus, recognize “thinking traps” that distort their perspective, and practice strategies to manage their attention and emotional well-being—helping them stay mindful, balanced, and in control when using technology.

Resources

Family Tech Planners Age 9–12: English | Spanish
Family Activities Healthy Habits (Grades 3-5) English | Spanish
Family Activity Game Cards English | Spanish

Our middle school students should learn to take charge of their digital well-being by understanding how technology influences their attention, thoughts, and habits. By exploring the “attention economy” and the design tactics used to keep them hooked online, they can recognize and manage unhelpful thinking traps that impact their mental health, and reflect on their own tech habits to create and sustain positive, mindful routines that align with their goals and values.

Resources

Family Tech Planners Age 13+: English | Spanish
Family Activities Healthy Habits (Grades 6-8) English | Spanish
Family Activity Game Cards English | Spanish

What are thinking traps, and how can they impact our well-being when we use tech?

Thinking traps are unhelpful, automatic thought patterns that, when left unchecked, can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression. The good news is that just knowing about them can help you avoid a spiral into negative thinking. Help students reflect on how their experiences with media and tech can be impacted by these traps, and what they can do to support their well-being.

Resources

Family Tech Planners Age 13+: English | Spanish
Family Activities Healthy Habits English | Spanish
Family Activity Game Cards English | Spanish
AI Literacy Toolkit for Families