AI Literacy Guide
Preview AI literacy content from Social Media U and read about our evidence-backed approach.
Social Media U
Our award-winning Social Media U curriculum for grades 6-12 is designed to equip teens with the digital confidence, technical skills, and civic leadership mindsets to shape the future of AI.
An award-winning approach
In a rapidly changing digital world, Social Media U stays authentic and timely with grade-specific lessons focused on AI. We give teens the digital agency to take control of how and when they engage with the technologies shaping their future.
Backed by more than a decade of empirical research, our middle and high school programs build healthy habits of mind and critical-thinking skills, helping students unpack everything from AI sycophancy to the effects of screen time on neuroplasticity.
A comprehensive solution
Create a free account on our learning platform to preview how Social Media U incorporates media and AI literacy, digital citizenship, social-emotional learning (SEL), and mental wellbeing into one turnkey curriculum.
- 30 lesson plans for middle school. high school, and after-school classrooms or afterschool programs
- Teacher-led, media-rich lesson plans
- Discussion-based strategies and hands-on, collaborative activities
- Aligned to ELA, ISTE, CASEL, and SHAPEAmerica standards
- Student and family resources available in Spanish
Easy to implement
Take a peek at how our modular lessons scaffold and spiral to reinforce concepts around adolescent development, tech’s persuasive design, emotional awareness, peer relationships, media and AI literacy, and advocacy (see our Scope & Sequence).
Each four-part lesson presentation provides multiple points for discussion, perspective-taking, and reflection, while giving students research-based context about digital wellbeing. Students are invited to:
- CONNECT with one another
- CONSIDER new contexts
- CREATE instances of practice
- CHANGE habits for the better
Teachers can access our middle school and high school resources in just a few clicks on our educator-facing platform. Sign up to explore our resources.
It came up in class a week later and students started talking about rabbit holes. It's like we have a new vocabulary to talk about social media across the school.
Social Media U taught me ways to reduce screen time and help to put your phone away, even when you feel like you have no control.
9th Grade Student
It came up in class a week later and students started talking about rabbit holes. It's like we have a new vocabulary to talk about social media across the school.
High School Counselor
I learned about how to get in better touch with my emotions, better habits I can develop, and how to create a plan for myself.
9th Grade Student
I really enjoyed the challenge at the end of each lesson — many of my kids tried them at home and did feel engaged to talk about it.
High School Counselor
I like the framework — it makes it easy to manage my planning of lessons. Current topics related to today's teens and their tech use. Kids could relate.
High School Counselor
AI literacy for every grade
Social Media U offers content-rich AI literacy lessons for teens in middle and high school. Topics include deciphering AI-generated content online, the ethics of originality, critically evaluating advice from chatbots, and weighing the pros and cons of cognitive offloading.
Training for teachers
Prepare your educators and counselors to teach digital wellness with our one-hour onboarding training. Then, partner with our Learning Design Team to create a customized half or full-day professional development (PD) workshop for your district or schools-based teams. We also offer many asynchronous learning opportunities, events, and resources within the platform too.
Partnering with parents
Invite one of our #HalftheStory team members to share best practices and tips for families to support their kids and teens in this ever-changing digital world.
Our in-person or virtual one-hour Family Night workshops help create a shared mindset around embracing digital wellbeing — for all ages!
How is Social Media U different from other programs?
For more than ten years, we have taken a research-based approach to our content and we vet all of our activities past teens to make sure that they are relevant, authentic, and engaging. While we focus on AI literacy and digital citizenship, we also look at the nuances of social media’s impact on peer relationships. Ultimately, we want to equip kids with the digital agency to take control of how and when they interact with today’s digital world. We are committed to iterating on our approach and content as we hear more about the needs of you and your students.
What does the #HTS curriculum cover?
Does Social Media U address artificial intelligence (AI)?
What grades does #HTS cover?
What resources does the curriculum include?
Why is Social Media U teacher led?
What if I’m not up-to-date on technology?
Has the curriculum shown impact?
What is #HalfTheStory's subscription model?
Where might I find funds for Social Media U?
Want to get in touch with our team?
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Read our Substack all about teen tech life, written by teens themselves.
