Youth Digital Wellness Academy

Give your kids skills
screens can't
take away.

The Youth Digital Wellness Academy is a parent-organized, expert-led program that teaches kids grades 4+ how to take control of their digital lives — not just follow rules about them.

Organize a Group See the curriculum

Does this sound familiar?

Arguments over arbitrary screen time limits
Mood shifts after gaming or social media use
Weakening family connection and conversation
Difficulty knowing when — or how — to stop
Kids using AI tools without any guidance
46% of teens say they're online "almost constantly" — and most don't know why they can't stop
Grades 4+ Boston Children's Hospital Digital Wellness Lab Partner Mercer Island School District Parent Support Materials Included

The knowledge gap

Rules don't change habits. Understanding does.

Most screen time conversations focus on limits. The Academy focuses on building the knowledge and skills kids are missing — so they can self-regulate, not just comply.

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What's driving the problem

They don't know how persuasive technology works
They don't understand why dopamine loops are so hard to break
They lack tools to pull themselves out of rabbit holes
They're using AI apps without critical thinking frameworks
They feel out of control — but don't know how to change it
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What the Academy gives them

How persuasive tech and algorithms actually work
Tools to build a sense of digital agency and control
Critical reasoning skills for GenAI and social media
Techniques to break dopamine loops and rabbit holes
A mindset shift from passive consumer to active creator

How it works

You organize. We deliver. Kids transform.

The Academy runs best when parents take the lead on recruiting. Here's how to make it happen.

01
Your role

Gather your group

Reach out to 4–6 other families in your community — neighbors, school friends, sports teammates. A minimum of 5 students is required to run a cohort. The more motivated the group, the better the outcome.

02
Together

We run a fit call

Once your group is confirmed, we schedule a 20-minute call with the organizing parent to discuss scheduling, expectations, and how to prepare your kids. No hard sell — just a real conversation.

03
Scroll By Choice

The Academy begins

Our digital wellness experts deliver four weekly sessions online — 75 minutes each. Parents receive educational materials and discussion guides, and are expected to attend the kickoff session alongside their kids.

A note on parent participation

This isn't a drop-off program. Research shows that kids are significantly more likely to build lasting habits when parents are actively involved. Here's what we ask of you:

  • Attend the kickoff session with your child — it sets the tone for everything that follows
  • Review the parent educational materials sent each week — they're designed to spark real conversations at home
  • Reinforce what your child is learning between sessions — consistency at home is where habits actually form

The curriculum

Four modules. Built on the Digital Wellness Trampoline.

Each 4-week course follows our Smiles, Skills, and Surprise framework — the same research-backed approach used by companies, schools, and families worldwide.

Module 01 — Introduction

Building the Foundation

Media BalanceLearn to find the right balance between screen time and other activities
Digital AgencyHow kids can take real control of their digital habits and choices
Online InfluenceThe basics of algorithms and how persuasive design shapes experiences
Digital Wellness TrampolineIntroduction to the framework that will guide the whole program
Module 02 — Smiles

Reconnecting with Joy

Attacks on Sense of AgencyWhy kids lose control online — too much YouTube, excessive gaming
Social BelongingHow nostalgia and group dynamics influence media interaction
Power of HumorHow specific types of humor empower kids to reclaim digital control
Module 03 — Skills

Building Real Capability

Communicating OnlineSynchronous vs. asynchronous communication and how the brain reacts
Navigate TextingHow texting influences kids' sense of control over online interactions
Dopamine LoopsHow the brain's seeking system and dopamine cycles create habits
Goal SettingTechniques and strategies for skill development and self-direction
Module 04 — Surprise

Reactivating Creativity

Reward SystemsHow unexpected rewards like likes and notifications drive behavior
Persuasive DesignHow colors, sounds, and design influence choices
Mindset ShiftFrom passive consumer to active creator online
Flexibility & AdaptabilityEmbracing change and uncertainty for better adaptability online

Program details

Everything you need to know

Program Format

4-week core program — extension available up to 12 weeks
75 minutes per session — weekly, expert-led, interactive
5–7 students per cohort — small group for maximum engagement
Grades 4 and above — age-appropriate content throughout
Online delivery — accessible from anywhere
Parent materials included — weekly educational resources and discussion guides sent to all parents

Investment & Access

$375 per student for the 4-week core program
21st century life skills — practical, immediately applicable
Researched parent support materials included at no extra cost
Extension available — continue up to 12 weeks for deeper habit formation
Want to bring this to your school? See our school programs →

Based in the Seattle area? Scroll By Choice offers pilot in-person Academy experiences for groups in the greater Seattle area. Mention this when you reach out and we'll discuss availability.

"Your focus on the sense of agency is refreshing and empowering."
— Mercer Island Phone-Free Program Participant

Organize a group

Ready to bring this to your kids?

Tell us about your community and how many families you're thinking of pulling together. We'll get back to you within one business day to talk through next steps.

No hard sell. Just a real conversation about what your kids need.

Minimum 5 students to start a cohort
Online delivery — in-person available in Seattle area
Flexible scheduling — we work around your group
learnmore@scrollbychoice.com

Start the Conversation

Response within 1 business day. Your information is never shared.