Specialized Unit: Digital Well-Being
Unit highlights
- Research-based approach
- Cohesive implementation
- Built-in educational supports
- Family engagement and resources
Helping students navigate digital life with confidence
The Second Step® Digital Well-Being specialized unit gives districts and schools a clear, K–12 approach to strengthening school climate by developing the human skills students need to use technology with awareness, intention, and responsibility—supporting healthier online behavior, stronger relationships, and a better focus on learning.
Awareness and self-regulation
- Recognize how digital choices affect emotions, attention, and well-being
- Exercise agency to contribute positively in digital spaces
Relationships and critical thinking
- Navigate online relationships with empathy and perspective
- Evaluate information, credibility, and influence
Responsible and ethical technology use
- Use technology and AI safely, ethically, and responsibly
- Understand the responsibilities and impacts of technology use
Built to grow with students from Grades K through 12
The cohesive unit moves students beyond one-off conversations toward lasting skill development.
Each grade level includes:
- A developmentally aligned digital well-being focus
- A connected human skills focus (self-awareness, relationships, responsible decision-making)
- A clear unit essential question
- Lesson questions and objectives that guide reflection and discussion
Outcomes schools can stand behind
After implementation, schools can expect:
- Improved student decision-making and online behavior
- Greater educator confidence when addressing digital challenges
- Stronger alignment with district goals for well-being, belonging, and safety
- Increased student self-awareness and reflection around digital choices
Why educators choose the Second Step® Digital Well-Being specialized unit
Research-based approach
Grounded in decades of research, the specialized unit is designed to build judgment, reflection, and self-regulation through inquiry, reflection, and practice.
Cohesive implementation
The unit integrates into the Second Step K–12 digital programs, allowing for a flexible and scalable way to extend human skills instruction into digital contexts without adding new systems or disrupting existing implementation.
Built-in educator supports
The unit provides educators with digital well-being research and equips them with practical, grade-appropriate facilitation strategies.
Family engagement and resources
The unit includes family-facing resources like conversation starters, activities, and guidance to support shared understanding and reinforce skills at home.
