Empowering Schools for a Digital Tomorrow: The Digital Well-Being Challenge
In today’s technology-driven world, navigating the digital landscape responsibly has become a critical skill for students and educators alike. Recognising this need, the Digital Well-Being Challenge empowers schools and districts to foster healthier digital practices, ensuring that students aged 13+ grow into responsible digital citizens. This initiative, launched by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology (OET) in collaboration with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA), invites school-based teams to co-create solutions addressing digital citizenship and well-being.
What is the Digital Well-Being Challenge?
The Challenge brings together school- or district-based teams to collaboratively design and implement solutions that tackle pressing issues related to digital citizenship and well-being. This includes fostering healthier social media habits, educating students about responsible technology use, and establishing policies that prioritise mental health and online safety.
Key Dates and Deadlines
- December 6, 2024: Entry form opens
- December 18, 2024: Information session (Slides and FAQ available)
- January 15, 2025: Submission deadline
- January 17, 2025: Selected teams announced
Apply Now: Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative initiative. Applications close January 15, 2025.
Goals of the Challenge
The Digital Well-Being Challenge has a singular focus: equipping schools and students to address digital challenges collaboratively. Teams will:
- Co-create actionable solutions to digital citizenship issues.
- Participate in a virtual summit to connect with experts in social media, youth mental health, and privacy-focused technology design.
- Work with mentors post-summit to refine and implement their projects.
- Receive funding support, with a minimum prize of $1,000 per team, to aid project implementation.
- Contribute to a national Digital Well-Being Toolkit to benefit schools across the country.
Eligibility and Team Composition
Who can apply?
- Any school- or district-based team with a primary point of contact (aged 18+) who is a school or district staff member.
- Teams must include:
- A school or district leader (e.g., Principal, Superintendent)
- At least one teacher
- At least two students aged 13+
Optional team members: School counselors, librarians, curriculum coordinators, family representatives, or members of community-based organizations.
Recommended team size: 4-6 members.
For more details, consult the Scoring Rubric on the Challenge website.
What Will Teams Do?
Selected teams will embark on a transformative journey:
- Orientation (January–February 2025): Teams will receive guidance and tools to begin their projects.
- Virtual Co-Design Summits (March–April 2025): A 1-day summit (on either March 22 or April 5) to refine ideas with input from industry experts.
- Project Implementation (March–October 2025): Teams will execute their projects with mentorship and technical support.
- Final Convening (October 2025): Teams will share their outcomes, gain expert feedback, and reflect on the process.
Why Join the Digital Well-Being Challenge?
Participating in this Challenge offers schools a unique opportunity to:
- Empower students as co-creators of digital solutions.
- Build a culture of responsible technology use and digital health awareness.
- Gain access to expert mentorship, funding, and resources.
- Make a lasting impact on the school community and contribute to a nationwide toolkit for digital well-being.
How to Apply
- Identify the Problem Statement: Clearly articulate the digital citizenship or well-being challenge your team aims to address within 6–12 months.
- Explain Co-Design Principles: Describe how your team plans to use co-design methods to engage students and stakeholders in creating solutions.
The application process is straightforward. Visit the Rules and Conditions page for full details and submit your application before January 15, 2025.
Building a Brighter Digital Future
The Digital Well-Being Challenge represents a bold step towards empowering schools to address the complexities of today’s digital landscape. By encouraging collaboration, creativity, and actionable solutions, this initiative ensures that students are not just passive users of technology but informed, responsible, and resilient digital citizens.
Ready to make a difference? Apply Now and join the movement for a healthier, more thoughtful digital future.