Redefining Digital Wellbeing: Youth Voices on Balance, Boundaries, and Belonging Online

Youth panel moderated by Adele Taylor, NoFiltr

In this youth-led conversation, panelists will share what digital wellbeing means to them—from navigating constant connectivity to protecting mental health and belonging online. Together, they’ll explore what gets in the way of balance, the small strategies that make a difference, and how parents, educators, and platforms can become true allies in supporting healthier digital relationships.

A Digital Stress Workshop: Unplug, Recharge, Reset, Connect

Led by Karen Goetz, Manager, Clinical Projects at Aura

Ever feel overwhelmed by notifications or the pressure to get “likes”? You are not alone. In this interactive workshop for kids and parents, we’ll hit reset on our digital lives by exploring five types of digital stress, build a “Stress-O-Meter” to capture our biggest stressors, and brainstorm fresh ideas and app features to unplug, recharge, and reset—without having to completely disconnect.

(Me)dia Mindfulness: From Inspiration to Action

Led by youth participants from Our Own, Youth Leadership Institute (YLI), and the American Academy of Pediatrics Youth Advisory Panel, with support from the Pinterest team 

This interactive conversation is focused on empowering everyone with the tools they need to navigate a noisy digital world. While the Pinterest team will share a bit about the motivations and realities behind their work, this session will be predominantly led by youth participants from Our Own, Youth Leadership Institute (YLI), and the American Academy of Pediatrics Youth Advisory Panel. Join us for a mindful moment, some brainstorming, and the chance to flex your own wellbeing-inspired content creation skills.

Boxed Lunch

Boxed lunches will be available in the Community Room side room. 

Feel free to take them outside or eat in the Community Room or the McGee Center.

What We Wish You Knew: A Teen-Parent Digital Dialogue

Led by Kristelle Lavallee, Global Teen Policy Manager, Discord

What do teens actually need when something goes wrong online? What do parents wish they knew how to talk about? This workshop brings teens and parents together to bridge the digital divide through honest conversation and practical problem-solving. You’ll work through real scenarios—from navigating AI tools to understanding why gaming matters to managing social pressures to balancing privacy and safety—and co-create solutions that work for your family. Leave with conversation starters, a better understanding of each other’s perspectives, and skills to navigate digital experiences as a family.

Record Media Moments

Stop by Studio 608’s podcast booth to record your own Media Moment—a brief reflection on your experiences with technology and media. Sign up for a time slot during lunch, or, if inspiration strikes later, check in at the Authors Room to join in spontaneously.

‘Toxic’ Masculinity Has Left the Chat: Building Online Spaces Where Guys Can Be Real

Led by Jonathon Reed, Stephanie Wright, and Ali Zaidi, Next Gen Men

Starting with insights from Next Gen Men Alliance’s thriving Discord community, this interactive session explores how different online spaces either reinforce or challenge narrow ideas of masculinity. After introducing the concept of precarious masculinity, we’ll break into two groups to brainstorm: one tackling internal communities (Discord, group chats) and another examining public platforms (TikTok, Twitch streaming). Together, we’ll shift from identifying problems to building solutions—sharing real examples of where you’ve seen positive masculinity thrive online and collaborating on what specific features, norms, and practices create spaces where young people can show up authentically. In this session, youth and adults (industry leaders, researchers and parents) will work side-by-side to identify what works, what doesn’t, and how we can design online spaces that celebrate the full range of who young people are and who they’re becoming.

Welcome Back & Reset

Facilitated by Nicole Powell and Hannah Chidekel, Digital Wellness Lab

Insights Wall

Circulate around the room to add short reflections on the themes of the day. Stop to chat with others! 

Small Group Reflections

In small table groups, youth share a highlight or an “aha moment” from the day. Adults should then follow. Be creative! Write it, say it, draw it – whatever works best for you. 

Collective Close

Record Media Moments

Stop by Studio 608’s podcast booth to record your own Media Moment—a brief reflection on your experiences with technology and media. Sign up for a time slot during lunch, or, if inspiration strikes later, check in at the Authors Room to join in spontaneously.

Celebration Dinner & Game Night

Wrap up the day with a festive taco bar dinner and an evening of connection and creativity. Enjoy great food, music, and conversation while making friendship bracelets, playing games, hanging out, or capturing memories at the photo wall, celebrating the community we’ve built together.