A Youniversal Learning Program

Teaching communities how to navigate the digital landscape.

A comprehensive educational program that helps students develop healthy relationships with technology while preparing them to succeed in a digital world.

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BREAK THE LOOP.

Our philosophy

Use technology.
Don't let technology use you.

Digital Detox is not an anti-technology campaign. Technology is an incredible tool when it's used intentionally. We don't want students to abandon it — we want them to take control of it, with the awareness, knowledge and practical tools to make healthier digital choices.

Recognize

Spot the unhealthy patterns — the endless scroll, the constant notifications, the habits that steal attention.

Interrupt

Break the loop on purpose. The loop is the habit; the break is the choice.

Establish

Build healthier habits, reclaim your time, and reconnect with what matters.

01 · The challenge

The time is now.

Today's students are growing up in a digital world no one prepared them for.

Screen time

8 hrs 39 min

Average daily entertainment screen media use among U.S. teens ages 13–18, excluding schoolwork.

Teen sadness

43%

Of female high school students reported persistent sadness or hopelessness in the previous year (2025).

Suicidal thoughts

Nearly 1 in 5

U.S. female high school students reported seriously considering attempting suicide in 2025.

Major depression

15.1%

Of adolescents ages 12–17 experienced a major depressive episode in the previous year (2025).

Sleep deprivation

3 in 4

High school students did not get at least eight hours of sleep on an average school night (2025).

Sleep

76%

Of high school students get less than eight hours of sleep (2025).

Screen time & depression

25.9% vs. 9.5%

Depression symptoms among teens with 4+ hours versus less than 4 hours of daily screen time.

Screen time & anxiety

27.1% vs. 12.3%

Anxiety symptoms among teens with 4+ hours versus less than 4 hours of daily screen time (2021–2023).

Behind every number is a student who deserves better. They don't need more restrictions — they need education, awareness, and guidance.

SOURCES

Common Sense Media, The Common Sense Census: Media Use by Tweens and Teens, 2021 (published 2022).
CDC, Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2025 (released 2026).
SAMHSA, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2025 (released 2026).
CDC, Preventing Chronic Disease, 2025 — NHIS-Teen, 2021–2023 data.

Figures describe associations reported by the cited surveys; they do not establish that screen use causes any outcome.

Technology is stealing our attention away from the things that matter most.

BREAK THE LOOP.

USE TECHNOLOGY. DON'T LET IT USE YOU.TAKE BACK CONTROL.ATTENTION PAYS. PAY ATTENTION.RECONNECT WITH WHAT MATTERS.

Use technology. Don't let technology use you.

02 · What the research says

The four key contributors to negative mental health

The 2023 U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory identified four key contributors to negative mental health outcomes associated with technology use. Digital Literacy 101 teaches students how to understand and manage each of them responsibly.

Time

The amount of time a teen spends on technology is a major contributing factor to adverse outcomes. Students must learn how to create balanced digital habits.

Engagement

The people teens engage with online can have a negative impact on their well-being. Students must learn how to engage with others online.

Content

The type of content a teen is exposed to can significantly alter their brain development. Students must learn how to critically evaluate what they consume.

Omission

What teens don't do because of technology is alarming: sleep, exercise, and nutrition. Students must learn how to protect the experiences that help them thrive.

Source: U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory, Social Media and Youth Mental Health (2023).

03 · The solution

Become screen smart.

Digital Literacy 101 helps students develop healthy relationships with technology while preparing them to succeed in a digital world. Our approach combines:

Student Assemblies — Digital Detox: Becoming Screen Smart

This high-energy assembly introduces students to the realities of living in a hyper-connected world. Students explore how social media, gaming, and digital entertainment influence their thoughts, emotions, and decision-making.

Parent Presentation — Parenting in the Digital World

Parents today are raising children in the most technologically complex environment in history. This engaging presentation equips parents with the knowledge and tools needed to guide their children safely through the digital landscape.

Professional Development — Teaching in the Digital World

Teachers are witnessing firsthand how technology is affecting student focus, behavior, and emotional well-being. This professional development experience helps educators understand the evolving challenges students face in a digital environment.

Student Focus Groups — Thriving with Technology

Our 12-week small group program works directly with students on campus to help them build healthier relationships with technology while developing purpose-centered lives. Students explore digital identity, personal values, and goal setting.

Digital Curriculum — Digital Literacy 101

A comprehensive 32-week course for 9th and 10th grade students that equips them with the awareness, skills, and mindset to thrive in today's digital environment. Rather than simply warning students about the dangers of technology, it helps them understand how the digital world actually works — from algorithms and social media psychology to online identity, communication, and digital decision-making. The Digital Detox curriculum also comes in grade-appropriate versions for grades 3–5 and 6–8.

04 · Measuring our impact

What are people saying?

Educators

Feedback from professional development sessions.

95%

95% of educators said this professional development was relevant to their teaching needs.

94%

94% of educators said this professional development made them a better person.

96%

96% of educators agree the materials and resources provided will help benefit their students.

99%

99% of educators rated the presenter's knowledge as "good" or "excellent".

97%

97% of educators would be "likely" or "very likely" to recommend this presentation.

Parents

Feedback from over 500 parents.

99%

99% said the presentation effectively communicated the message about safe social media use for students.

100%

100% said the presentation was relevant to the needs of their children.

100%

100% rated the presenter's knowledge as good or excellent.

98%

98% would be "likely" or "very likely" to recommend this presentation to schools.

96%

96% learned actionable strategies to help their children.

Source: Youniversal Learning post-session feedback forms — educator & administrator professional development sessions, and parent presentations (n > 500).

In their own words

Real people.
Real impact.

"I am so glad I came tonight — the presentation was informative, engaging, and the presenter was unbelievable. I got so much value from this, and I immediately came home and had a conversation with my kids and we have an actionable plan. We need to keep having these conversations!"Parent

"A well-done, engaging presentation. Great use of data and solid actionable recommendations."Parent

"Appreciated the real data highlighting specific dangers and the importance of action."Parent

"I like the parent accountability part and taking ownership of the devices we give our kids and the messages we allow them to hear and receive through online sources."Parent

"Enjoyed the practical suggestions which we can implement. Presenter was very cordial and well informed."Parent

"I thought this presentation was great, the information was great and I felt like I heard every word you said internally. This is exactly the mental Monday I needed!"Educator

"Very strong and engaging presentation. I thought I knew a lot about having a positive attitude, but this helped me do important reflection."Educator

"We needed more time. I feel this is very important and I wished we had more time with this lesson."Educator

"Wonderful presentation. I learned so much and can really see the benefits on how positivity can help our students!"Educator

Responses reproduced verbatim from educator, administrator and parent feedback forms.

05 · Who we are

Meet the team.

The Youniversal Learning Digital Literacy Team is a diverse group of educators, mental health professionals, and industry experts who are passionate about helping the next generation navigate the digital world with wisdom and confidence. We bring together experience in education, psychology, leadership development, medicine and media.