Digital Well-Being Unit: Implementation Models
Set Up for Success
The K–12 Digital Well-Being unit consists of five lessons per grade that help students develop a healthy, balanced, and intentional relationship with technology.
Below are some recommendations for implementing the unit. Choose the model that works best for your school context.
For all models, try implementing early in the school year to allow maximum time for students to apply their learning.
Recommended Pacing: If the schedule allows, teach one lesson per week. If not, aim for at least one lesson per month.
Considerations: Do educators have the time and capacity to teach and reinforce the lessons? How can they be supported to fit the unit into their schedule/syllabus?
Suggested Models
Integrated Model
How it’s taught: Add unit to universal human skills curriculum. If implementing with the Second Step® core program, Digital Well-Being can be taught after Unit 1, which helps students with foundational learning skills like paying attention, developing a growth mindset, and setting goals.
Who teaches: Current human skills educators (for example, teachers or counselors)
Why it’s a good option: The Digital Well-Being unit aligns with human skills programs—for example, the lessons help students develop empathy, and perspective-taking. Given this alignment, educators who normally teach this content may be more comfortable with the unit.
Library or Media Lab Model
How it’s taught: During library or media period
Who teaches: Librarian, Media Specialist, Technology Specialist, or similar role
Why it’s a good option: Topics involve responsible use of media, which directly aligns with a librarian’s role and responsibilities.
Advisory Model
How it’s taught: During advisory, homeroom, AVID programs, etc.
Who teaches: Librarian, Media Specialist, Technology Specialist, or similar role
Why it’s a good option: Teachers across different content areas will become familiar with digital well-being content, which supports generalization of learning.
Core Subject Embedded
How it’s taught: In core subject classes (ELA, math, science, social studies, health)
Who teaches: Core subject teachers—lessons align most consistently with ELA and social studies. Some lessons also align with health and science.
Why it’s a good option: Teachers in different content areas will become familiar with digital well-being content, which supports generalization of learning.
Elective Subject Embedded
How it’s taught: In relevant elective classes (for example, computer science, technology)
Who teaches: Computer science or Technology teachers
Why it’s a good option: Digital topics directly align with the subject area.
