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- - - We believe that by following the science, we can create an empathetic and respectful world in which our kids can grow up healthy, smart, and kind.

Student Advisory Council Application

Apply Now

The application window for participation on the 2025-2026 school year Student Advisory Council will be open from August 1 through September 8, 2025.

Please carefully read through the requirements listed below, and then complete the application here:

APPLY

What is the Student Advisory Council?

The Digital Wellness Lab Student Advisory Council is an opportunity for teens to have a meaningful stake in building a healthier, safer, more positive digital ecosystem.
The Student Advisory Council convenes every month during the academic school year to discuss core topics of digital life; meet with experts from tech and media, healthcare, and academia; and contribute to a deeper understanding of the outcomes of our research.
At the close of the school year, Student Advisory Council members will take part in a final presentation with technology and media leaders to share what they think should be done to make the digital ecosystem a more positive place for young people.
The Digital Wellness Lab is based in Boston, MA and all meetings will take place virtually.
To ensure Student Advisory Council members feel safe and supported, all meetings and activities will be moderated by adult team members from the Digital Wellness Lab and Boston Children’s Hospital.

Who Can Apply?

Current high school students (ages 14-18) enrolled in a US high school or equivalent home school program.
We are seeking students with a passion for discourse, and who want to positively impact future media and technology by contributing their voice and ideas for betterment.
There are no set criteria with what kinds of media you might currently use or how often you use media—we want to hear a wide range of perspectives!

Please note students under the age of 18 will require parental permission to participate.

Please note at this time the Student Advisory Council is not open to high school/college graduates, or international students.

Key Dates

Aug 1-Sept 8, 2025: Open application period
Late Sept 2025: Selected participants will be notified
October 2025-April 2026: Council activities will take place

Required Commitment

All members will be asked to adhere to the following expectations:

Commit 15-20 total hours to Student Advisory Council activities over the course of the 2025-2026 school year
Participate in 9 virtual meetings between October 2025-April 2026 (full schedule is detailed in the application). To simplify time zones and logistics with Student Advisory Council members spread all across the US, we will be holding 1-hour monthly meetings the second Tuesday of every month in the evening at set times. In addition, we will host two 90-minute educational panels in the spring, and a 2-hour small group final presentation in April. All meetings are considered required attendance with emergencies as an understood exception.
Submit one Teen Voices individual project by the end of the school year (blog post, reel or video expressing your personal perspectives on digital media)
Actively engage in group conversations and the work of the Student Advisory Council both synchronously and asynchronously

Areas of Focus

We’d like to hear about your specific interest areas in the application form, but based on past experiences, we currently expect to discuss the following topics throughout the year:

Ideas for creating a kinder, tolerant, and inclusive digital world
Identity and representation online
Sense of belonging and community in digital spaces
Developing authentic and meaningful relationships online
Ways to harness control and set healthy boundaries on our digital media use
How our emotions and actions are influenced by our time online
Peer pressure and influencer culture
Internet-based activism
Digital literacy (misinformation and disinformation)
Social exclusion and cyberbullying
The role of AI in school and everyday life
Using digital media and technologies for positive outcomes

Other Optional Opportunities

Advising on ongoing Lab research studies, survey questions and analysis;
Interviewing peers about their digital experiences;
Contributing writing or content creation skills to creating Lab resources;
Helping identify timely and trending topics in the digital sphere;
Participating in research discussion meetings with the Lab’s tech and media supporters; and
Representing the youth voice in public events (including summits, workshops, etc.)

Have a Question?

For more information, or to ask a question, please don’t hesitate to email us. We’re happy to answer questions from teachers and parents too!

We believe that by following the science, we can create an empathetic and respectful world in which our kids can grow up healthy, smart, and kind.

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