If you’re a young person who’s ever felt like your voice didn’t matter, this is for you. ✨
We are so excited to announce our 2026 Digital Civics Academy Keynote speaker @alysonstoner – a multi-disciplinary entertainer, NYT bestselling author, and the founder and CEO of Movement Genius, a mental health company providing therapist-led content to improve well-being.
Throughout their childhood, Stoner appeared in over 200 films, TV, shows, and tours, including Camp Rock, Phineas & Ferb, and iconic music videos with Missy Elliot and Eminem.
Now, Stoner is dedicated to advocating for policy reform that centers around protecting children in traditional and digital media through their award winning podcast, Dear Hollywood and various impact-driven initiatives including Artist Wellbeing Essentials – a robust digital program including expert-led education and tools for performers to pursue their passions in a healthy and sustainable way.
The Digital Civics Academy (DCA) is a free, one-week program from July 20-24, that ACTUALLY centers the next generation in being the voices influencing policies shaping our digital future.
If you’re between the ages of 15-21, we’d love to see you apply and join us alongside Alyson for a week where your voices and ideas take center stage.
Apply by April 30 (Early Decision) or May 22nd (Regular Decision) through the link in bio! 🚀
#HalfTheStory #DCA2026 #DigitalCivicsAcademy
Big Tech designed the digital world you're living in. Are you ready to shape the future of it? ✨
Our 2026 summer Digital Civics Academy is all about Agency in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. Selected teens will connect directly to tech, policy, and storytelling experts and leave with real-world skills through virtual masterclasses and IRL field trips in our key cities (LA, DC, SF, NYC).
📆 WHEN? July 20-24
📍WHERE? Virtual (Zoom) with in-person field trips in NY, SF, LA, and DC
🤚WHO? Youth leaders ages 15-21
➡️ HOW? Apply or nominate a teen by May 22nd
Is this you? We'll see you in July!
LINK IN BIO!
#HalfTheStory #DCA2026 #DigitalCivicsAcademy
UPDATE: APPLICATION DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO MAY 22ND
A little birdie told us that applications for the 2026 Digital Civics Academy are out! 🚀
This is YOUR ticket to shaping the very future of the platform you're seeing this post on.
The details are above - all you need to do is submit that application! 🏃💨
Applications close April 30th (for early decision)!
#DigitalCivicsAcademy #DCA2026
How have phone bans in school been playing out this year? 🤔 Swipe to see what teens and teachers have to say about going phone-free, and check out our Phone-Free Toolkit for some tips and tricks! ➡️ /phone-free-toolkit
#PhoneBans #TechTips #TeacherTips #DigitalWellness #HalfTheStory
Have you submitted your application for the Digital Civics Academy? 👀
If not, are you going to scroll your summer away or learn how you can take back control over your algorithm??
It’s up to you…
Apply by May 22nd! ⭐️
#halfthestory #summerprogram #career #genz #youth
72% of teens don’t want a ban — they want limits.
I’m here to report both sides of the story and bans. In this world it’s important to share.
Here’s what bans actually need to be successful:
1️⃣ Public campaigns that normalize stepping back from social media
2️⃣ Money for Micro Community Solutions & Teen Empowerment — ie @halfthestory tech council to fund phone free fun on a local level to swap screens with fun!
3️⃣ Free spaces (and third spaces) for play! It costs a lot to hang out irl in America!
Bans without culture change don’t work. ✌️✌️ proud of our teens @halfthestory
#ScreenTime #DigitalWellness #TeenMentalHealth #PhoneFreeSchools ReVillaging DreamsFirstScreensSecond ParentingInTheDigitalAge SocialMediaAndTeens GinkoFamily HalfTheStory
Ever wondered what it's like to be a Gen Z lawmaker in your state? ✊
We're so excited to welcome our next Digital Civics Academy speaker, Assemblymember Alex Lee (@alex_lee ). Elected in 2020, Assemblymember Lee became the youngest Asian American legislator ever elected and the first openly bisexual state legislator in California history.
Representing Silicon Valley, he's been a leading voice on issues including cost of living, the role of technology in society, while also championing a more inclusive and transparent government for the next generation.
Curious to learn from Assemblymember Lee alongside other incredible speakers? Apply for DCA by May 22nd! 🚀
#DCA2026 #DigitalCivicsAcademy
Looking to level-up discussion circles in your classroom? Check out our Social Media U website linked in bio to learn more! 👀
#DigitalWellness #TeacherTips #HalfTheStory #TechTips
Last call for #TeacherAppreciationWeek! Here are some limited-time deals for educators to take advantage of before the week is up (and some year-round ones too!). We 💗 you, teachers!
Why is Gen Z ditching social media? 📵
#HalfTheStory's Teen Advisor, Aditi, was featured in @axios to share why she decided to delete social media last year.
Check out the full story through the link in bio!
Raise your hand if you’re a storyteller at heart 🤚
Our next speaker for the Digital Civics Academy is Lee V. Gaines - an award-winning freelance education reporter at @npr whose work focuses on how AI is reshaping the classroom!
If you’re curious how YOU can use storytelling to shape the future of tech, apply by May 22nd!
#DCA2026 #DigitalCivicsAcademy
We are so excited to bring #HalfTheStory’s Social Media U to @stpetercatholicschool 💙
Our flagship curriculum, Social Media U, equips middle and high school students with digital wellness skills to help them thrive online and offline. From building healthier tech habits to thinking critically about what they see and share, SMU is all about empowering the next generation.
Huge thank you to St. Peter Catholic School for welcoming us—we can’t wait to get started ✨
