5 Powerful Ways to Advocate for Digital Media Literacy at Your School
As digital misinformation, social media pressure, and mental health challenges rise, digital media literacy is no longer optional—it’s essential.
Whether you're a parent, educator, or community member, your voice can help bring meaningful change to your school. Here are five effective ways to advocate for digital media literacy and help students become thoughtful, empowered digital citizens.
1. Start the Conversation
It all begins with awareness. Many school leaders may not fully realize how deeply digital media is impacting students' mental health, academic focus, or self-image. Use school board meetings, PTA gatherings, or casual conversations with teachers and administrators to ask:
What support do we give students in navigating online information?
How do we address screen time, social comparison, and misinformation in the classroom?
Can we bring in a digital media literacy program?
Even a simple question like, “Are we preparing students to manage their online lives?” can spark deeper dialogue and open doors.
2. Share the Research and the Urgency
Equip your advocacy with data. Share credible reports from organizations like Common Sense Media, Pew Research, or the Surgeon General's advisory on youth mental health. Emphasize how digital media is affecting attention spans, social dynamics, and anxiety levels—and how media literacy education is proven to help.
You might say:
“Students today spend an average of 7–9 hours on screens each day. But how many of those hours are spent learning how to question what they see or protect their well-being online?”
Backing your message with research can help school leaders understand that this is not just a tech issue—it’s an educational and mental health issue.
3. Suggest a Pilot Program
One of the most effective ways to introduce digital media literacy is to suggest a pilot program, such as Scholars Plus. Offering a small, low-risk way to test out a curriculum shows that you’re not asking the school to overhaul everything overnight—you’re offering a solution.
Look for afterschool opportunities, enrichment periods, advisory sessions, or library programming slots where a short-term pilot could fit. Collaborate with teachers or counselors who are already engaged in social-emotional learning, media production, or civics.
You can say:
“There’s a program I found that teaches kids how to manage screen time, think critically about online content, and improve their mental well-being. Can we explore a short pilot to see how it works for our students?”
4. Gather Allies
You’re not in this alone. Talk to other parents, teachers, school psychologists, and even students who care about this issue. When multiple voices ask for the same thing—especially across roles—school leaders are more likely to take notice.
Create a short informational flyer or host a parent night focused on digital safety and mental wellness. Even a small coalition can have a big impact when it’s well organized and passionate.
5. Elevate Student Voice
Students are the most powerful advocates for digital media literacy—because they’re the ones living it. Encourage students to share their experiences with online pressure, disinformation, or digital distraction. Their stories make the issue real and human.
Invite students to participate in digital wellness weeks, create video PSAs, or present short reflections to the school board or principal. Youth voice drives change—especially when it comes to shaping the kind of education they need and want.
Digital Media Literacy = A Healthier School Community
Advocating for digital media literacy isn't just about protecting students from online risks—it's about empowering them to make informed choices, express themselves responsibly, and care for their mental well-being. It's about preparing them not just for college or careers, but for life.
Schools that embrace digital media literacy create healthier, more thoughtful, and more connected communities. And that change starts with advocates like you.
Ready to bring digital media literacy to your school?
Reach out to Scholars Plus to learn how our engaging, research-based curriculum can support your students and educators.
Together, we can raise a generation of Mindful Digital Media Navigators®.