Address digital well-being with empathy, root-cause understanding, asset framing, and tech-free spaces¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The report offers recommendations for adults and educators addressing digital well-being with youth. Adults should reflect on their own digital habits to foster empathy, respond with genuine curiosity, and validate difficulties rather than immediately offering solutions; invest time in understanding root causes before jumping to solutions; and "Shift from deficit-focused, fear-based conversations about all screen time or social media use being "bad" toward more nuanced questions like "How might we use technology intentionally to support our goals and well-being?"" The report also recommends expanding access to low-tech and tech-free spaces with structured opportunities for youth to reflect on their digital experiences, and taking a community-based approach that acts on what is learned from youth expertise.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Create regular, structured opportunities within low-tech and tech-free environments for youth to process and reflect on their digital experiences and how technology may affect their well-being

Constraints¶

Target Learners¶

• adolescents experiencing tech overload and related mental health challenges
• adults, families, and educators supporting youth

Target Learning Goals¶

• intentional technology use that supports personal goals and well-being
• open conversation about digital challenges and healthy habits

Related Strategies¶

• Center youth as partners, not participants, in co-design
• Supportive practices for inclusive youth co-design: reach beyond usual voices, respect time, ensure accessibility, and compensate fairly
• Identify and address the root causes of discipline disparities in schools flagged as disproportionate

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Karim, S., Liberman, B., & Trettin, S. (2025). Tech Talk: Co-Designing Youth Digital Well-Being Solutions. Digital Promise. https://doi.org/10.51388/20.500.12265/264