One of the most practical ways to build a strong digital citizenship and digital well-being culture is to use short videos that feel relevant to students and are easy to discuss.
That is why this free Take Back video library is such a useful resource. The videos are designed to spark real conversations about online life, attention, identity, and healthy habits. And what makes them especially powerful is that they are made by students, for students. (Take Back video library)
These videos come from The Take Back resources page and connect to the broader Take Back movement, which focuses on helping young people and communities build healthier, more intentional relationships with media and technology. (The Take Back resources) (The Take Back).
This work is part of the (Take Two Media Initiative), which is dedicated to enhancing media literacy and wellbeing. Their Media Lab program empowers young people with the tools to lead. Through hands-on training in media literacy, well-being, and digital citizenship, students become Media Ambassadors - capable of delivering powerful talks and workshops to peers, parents, and educators.
Why student-made videos matter
Adults can say all the right things about digital citizenship, and students will still tune out if it feels like another lecture.
Student-created videos change the dynamic:
The language sounds like peers, not policy
The scenarios feel current, not generic
The message lands as “this is for us,” not “this is being done to us”
The broader Take Back work also emphasizes youth leadership, with students taking on roles as ambassadors and peer educators. (thetakebackbook.com)
A simple way to use these videos that consistently works: Frame, Focus, Follow Up
The difference between showing a video and teaching with a video is what happens before and after the play button.
I use Frame, Focus, Follow Up, a quick structure that helps students watch with purpose and then do something meaningful with what they saw. (Frame, Focus + Follow Up)
Here is how it looks with digital citizenship and digital well-being content.
1) Frame (1 to 2 minutes)
Set students up to connect the video to real life.
What is this video about in one sentence?
Where do you see this issue show up for students right now?
Why might a student have wanted to make this video?
The point is to activate context, not deliver a lecture.
2) Focus (30 seconds)
Give students a positive lens to watch through.
Choose one:
Notice a strategy the student creators suggest for staying in control of your time or attention.
Listen for a moment that shows what healthy online behavior can look like.
Watch for one idea you want to try, and one idea you want to share with a friend.
Pay attention to how the video models empathy, boundaries, or self-awareness.
This keeps the viewing grounded in agency and possibility.
3) Follow Up (5 to 8 minutes)
Make the learning visible.
Fast follow-up options:
One-minute write: “What is one move I could try this week to improve my digital well-being?”
Turn and talk: “What felt true, and what felt helpful?”
Small group: “What is one norm we could strengthen in our school community?”
This is where student voice shows up, not just student compliance.
Ready-to-use prompts that keep the tone constructive
These work with almost any clip in the library:
What is one takeaway that helps you navigate online spaces with more confidence?
What is one boundary that would make online life feel lighter or less stressful?
What is one way to support a friend who is dealing with online drama or pressure?
What is one habit you want to strengthen, and what would make it easier?
What would it look like if our class or school got really good at digital well-being?
Where this fits in a school plan
This is a resource you can use without building a new program from scratch.
Advisory or homeroom: one short video each week using the same routine
Family engagement: one video plus a few discussion questions
Student leadership: invite students to curate a playlist and facilitate the discussion
If you are looking for a free, student-centered way to support digital citizenship and digital well-being, this library is a strong place to start.
No comments:
Post a Comment