Digital Citizenship Program

FOSI’s Digital Citizens Program provides kids, teens, and young adults with resources and opportunities to build essential skills for navigating the online world safely and responsibly.

Related Blogs

Supporting Young Gamers: How Parents Can Help Kids Balance Esports and Wellbeing

Bubba Gaeddert
Mar 05, 2025

Do you ever wish the $187 billion video games industry, which is bigger than movies and music combined, could have been something you were a part of as a kid? Many young gamers dream of turning their passion into a professional career, whether through competition, streaming, or content creation. While esports offers exciting opportunities, the intense demands can lead to burnout before players reach their full potential. Just as in traditional sports, young competitors often sacrifice balance, health, and personal growth in pursuit of success. Parents play a crucial role in ensuring their child navigates esports in a healthy and sustainable way.

Raising Confident Girls in a Digital World: How Parents Can Guide Healthy Social Media Habits

Cori Stott
Mar 03, 2025

Being a teenager has always been tough, and parenting a teen isn’t much easier. Every generation of teens goes through major physical, emotional, and mental changes that can feel overwhelming. But today’s teens are facing something new—growing up in a digital world.

Safer Internet Day: The Need for a Balanced Approach to Teen Digital Wellbeing

Stephen Balkam
Feb 11, 2025

As Safer Internet Day approaches, it serves as a critical reminder to reflect on the complex intersection of technology and teen wellbeing. In a world where smartphones and social media dominate young people’s lives, it’s vital that we rethink our approach to digital safety, especially considering recent research. A FOSI study spanning three countries—the United States, Brazil, and Germany—reveals striking insights that challenge the prevailing narrative about digital technology’s impact on teen mental health. It’s time for a new, balanced conversation on how we can protect and empower our youth in an increasingly digital world.

Teens Talk Safety: Real Insights from the Digital Generation

Kaylin Peete
Feb 10, 2025

In an era where digital interactions are a cornerstone of everyday life, fostering online safety is more important than ever. And, with Safer Internet Day approaching, it’s the perfect time […]

1 million Student Responses Reveal the top Trends in how Social Media and Tech Impact Students’ Learning and Wellbeing in 2025

Laura Tierney
Feb 05, 2025

When it comes to social media and tech, students’ worlds are evolving faster than the latest TikTok trend. Between the meteoric rise of AI, pressure from peers to be constantly connected, and the increasing impact of grind culture, today’s teens are navigating a landscape where technology plays a central role in every aspect of their lives.

Digital New Year’s Resolutions

Alanna Powers
Jan 15, 2025

Happy New Year! As we journey into 2025, many of us are setting new goals for the year. My main goal is to learn how to bake, so I can justify putting a KitchenAid Standing Mixer on my wedding registry. So far, I’ve successfully made banana bread and chocolate chip cookies. But New Year’s resolutions don’t need to be culinary. The start of a new year might be the perfect time to make a few digital New Year’s resolutions. That is resolutions or goals that focus on your online life. Here are some suggestions for you and your family:

Meta’s Moderation Maneuver

Stephen Balkam
Jan 09, 2025

Mark Zuckerberg’s extraordinary announcement via an Instagram Reel has sent shockwaves through the online safety community. He has decided to overhaul how Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp go about their […]

Digital Play for the Holiday Season

Dr. Amanda Gummer
Dec 12, 2024

Managing children’s screen time during the holiday season can be a challenge for parents. Your child may have been gifted a new device and the novelty factor means it’s hard to get them to put it down. With screens everywhere, many caregivers worry about the potential impact of excessive screen exposure on their children’s development. These concerns are natural—but it’s important to recognize that not all screen time is harmful. When used appropriately, digital devices can offer a wealth of benefits. The key is finding a balance, allowing children to enjoy the positives of technology while maintaining healthy boundaries.

Stephen Balkam’s Opening Remarks – FOSI 2024 Annual Conference

Stephen Balkam
Dec 09, 2024

Let me add my welcome to this rather special annual conference. As the expression goes, “May you live in interesting times!”  Well these times are certainly that.  It’s hard to […]

The power of TALK

Dr. Elizabeth Milovidov
Dec 02, 2024

On Halloween, I was chatting with friend and colleague, Molly McGinn (award-winning journalist, child development expert, and tech writer for Verizon’s Parenting in a Digital World). Spoiler alert: the Verizon Family App has some seriously cool new features.

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