A recent policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Digital Ecosystems, Children, and Adolescents synthesizes current research on children’s and teens’ media use and offers guidance for navigating an increasingly complex digital environment. While the policy emphasizes the role of families and pediatric providers, it also recognizes schools as important partners in teaching media literacy and supporting digital wellness.

As noted by Libby Matile Milkovich, MD, co-author of the recent AAP Policy Statement, “Within the digital ecosystem, schools hold a particularly influential role. Their impact extends from the physical availability and accessibility of devices, to the norms and expectations they establish around responsible and balanced media use, to the intentional teaching that helps students think critically and navigate digital spaces safely and confidently.”

Health educators and policymakers across the country agree that education policy and practice must evolve to meet this moment. In 2024, the Society of Health & Physical Educators (SHAPE America) revised its National Health Education Standards to emphasize digital wellness (read our statement about the new standards). And in 2025, Media Literacy Now worked with the American School Health Association (ASHA) to help K–12 educators integrate online safety and digital wellness into health education curricula. Several states are now updating health education guidance to place greater emphasis on digital health, media influence, and screen-time balance.

“Media Literacy Now welcomes the AAP’s policy statement and is encouraged by its recognition of the role media plays in children’s health and development,” said Kyra Brissette, CEO of Media Literacy Now. “While families remain central, schools are uniquely positioned to provide consistent and developmentally appropriate digital wellness education on a broad scale that complements learning at home.”

Learn more about Media Literacy Now’s  Digital Wellness Project, which supports educators and policymakers working to ensure all students have access to the skills they need to thrive in a digital world.