Digital Literacy & Well-Being: What Every Kid Should Know in the Age of AI

Why It Matters

Equipping kids with the language and habits to counteract persuasive tech safeguards their mental health and preserves essential human skills in an AI‑driven world.

Key Takeaways

• Design tricks intentionally hook users, driving excessive screen time.
• 45% of teens feel they overuse social media, impacting well‑being.
• AI companions satisfy one‑third of teens, rivaling human interaction.
• Curriculum teaches healthy habits to counteract tech’s persuasive design.
• Critical thinking, creativity, and human connection are essential safeguards.

Summary

The session centered on a new digital‑literacy and well‑being curriculum that teaches children and families to recognize the persuasive "design tricks" embedded in modern technology, from social‑media feeds to AI chatbots. Speakers highlighted how tech companies deliberately craft experiences that keep users engaged because engagement translates into revenue, and they argued that this intentional design now shapes the daily lives of Gen Z. Key data points underscored the urgency: 45% of teenagers report spending too much time on social media, attention spans are shrinking, and the most connected generation feels heightened loneliness. New research also shows that one‑third of teens use AI companions for social interaction, with many finding these exchanges as satisfying as—or more satisfying than—human conversation. Illustrative examples included a classroom activity where participants matched "design trick" cards with "healthy habit" cards, and a vivid description of AI chatbots that are always agreeable, endlessly available, and never close a conversation. These concrete exercises aimed to make abstract concepts tangible, fostering critical reflection and creative problem‑solving among participants. The broader implication is clear: without systematic education in digital literacy—from kindergarten through high school—young people risk losing essential human capacities such as critical thinking, creativity, curiosity, and the value of genuine connection. By embedding these lessons alongside traditional subjects, educators and parents can empower the next generation to navigate an increasingly affirming and effortless tech landscape with agency and resilience.

Original Description

As AI becomes embedded in daily life, kids' digital literacy is no longer optional—it's as essential as teaching them to read and write. This interactive session introduces Common Sense Media's Digital Literacy & Well-Being Curriculum, which is built on strengthening four essential human capacities: critical thinking, creativity, curiosity, and human connection. Through hands-on activities, you'll discover practical strategies and tools you can use whether you're an educator, parent, or anyone working to support kids' well-being. Leave with a concrete understanding of what it takes to ensure our kids can thrive in an always-on world.

Speaker:

Eisha Buch, Head of Teaching and Learning, Common Sense Media