Youville is a free, downloadable, educational program

Youville | https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/youville

Youville is a free, downloadable, educational program to help children ages 8-12 develop skills to be safer online.

Want to teach 8-12 year-olds about privacy and online safety, digital citizenship, understanding advertising, and spot­ting scams?

A Better Measure Than Screen Time | Tech & Learning

A Better Measure Than Screen Time | Tech & Learning

https://www.techlearning.com/learning/a-better-measure-than-screen-time

Three takeaways ...

• Screen time is an ineffective metric: Counting minutes spent on devices fails to distinguish between passive consumption and active, high-value learning like creating, coding, or collaborating.
• Evaluate what technology adds: Instead of relying on a timer, educators should assess edtech based on learning value, accessibility, personalization, human interaction, and whether it truly transforms the experience.
• Empower student judgment: Support students in developing critical thinking skills to recognize when technology enhances their learning and when to step away for offline, hands-on work.

Digital Citizenship Week Is October 19–23, 2026!

Digital Citizenship Week | Common Sense Education

In a world filled with AI-generated content, helping our students become independent, critical thinkers has never been more important. Use the free Digital Citizenship Week activities below to help your students build the human, offline-thinking skills they need for a world that's increasingly online. Select your grade band below to see this year's Digital Citizenship Week activities.

Build kids' critical thinking for a world with AI.  

https://www.commonsense.org/education/digital-citizenship-week

Parents' Ultimate Guide to Instagram

Parents' Ultimate Guide to Instagram | Common Sense Media https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/parents-ultimate-guide-to-instagram

As digital platforms rapidly evolve, staying informed about social media safety remains a top priority for families and school professionals. Instagram remains one of the primary networks where teens build their digital identities, chat with peers, and consume video content. Understanding how the platform operates—and how its latest protective features work—is crucial for fostering healthy digital habits.

Why Digital Safety Guidance Matters

Implementing active safety measures and maintaining open lines of communication is essential for several reasons:

• Protecting Mental Health & Self-Image: Algorithmic feeds and social metrics (such as likes and follower counts) can heighten social comparison, anxiety, and body image concerns.

• Reducing Physical Safety Risks: Sharing real-time locations, school identifiers, or routine schedules can inadvertently expose personal details to unwanted audiences.

• Mitigating Online Hazards: Proactive filtering helps protect youth from dangerous trends, unverified sellers, or non-consensual interactions.

• Fostering Trust: Ongoing dialogue around privacy settings encourages young people to seek support from trusted adults when encountering troubling online situations.