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Collection

Digital Well-Being: Middle School Lessons

Research-based lessons to support students' social-emotional learning and digital well-being.

Media and tech have a way of magnifying the stress that young people face on a daily basis. But why is that the case? And more importantly, what can they do about it (besides just taking a break from their phones)?

Support students' digital well-being with this set of evidence-based lessons. Each is designed to help them build agency, reduce anxious thoughts, and increase mindfulness related to their tech habits.

This collection was co-developed by Common Sense Education and the Center for Digital Thriving at Harvard Graduate School of Education. Check out our Digital Well-Being Pacing Guide for implementation tips, curricular connections, and FAQs.

Browse the Lessons

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Lesson 1
My Values & Tech
What are my values, and how do media and tech impact them?
Grade
6–12
Time
45 mins.
Lesson 2
Digital Media and Your Brain
How does digital media try to hook you, and what can you do about it?
Grade
8
Time
45 mins.
Includes
Quiz Video
Lesson 3
Thinking Traps
What are thinking traps, and how can they impact our well-being when we use tech?
Grade
6–12
Time
45 mins.
Includes
Video
Lesson 4
Positive Tech Habits
How can I build positive habits around media and tech to support my well-being?
Grade
6–8
Time
40 mins.
Webinars & Events
Digital Well-Being: Evidence-Based Lessons for the Classroom
Curated List
Top Tools for Building Mindfulness in the Classroom
Help students increase mindfulness with these hand-picked apps and websites.

The lessons in this collection were co-created by Common Sense Education and the Center for Digital Thriving at Harvard Graduate School of Education.