Building a Digital Ecosystem that Supports Kids and Families Well-being

If there’s one thing that this year’s COVID-19 crisis has made clear it’s that digital media and technology play a huge role in adolescents’ lives. Right now, as schools, peer networks, and communities have been pushed entirely online, the stakes couldn’t be higher for creating a digital ecosystem that supports all kids and families.

As we approach an extremely uncertain new school year, parents, educators and advocates are grappling with pressing issues and questions: Why can’t we treat tech as a public utility, ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to learn and connect online? Why can’t we have kids' social and emotional well-being in mind as we drive and design the technology itself? And, why is the burden always on the shoulders of parents (even though most also have jobs and other responsibilities) to manage their kids' technology use?