Digital Literacy: High Schoolers Mentor Graders on Screen Balance

A half-hour Q&A session concluded at Forest Lake Elementary School on Oct. 22, marking the end of a weeklong initiative focused on digital habits. Six juniors and seniors from Wantagh High School visited the campus to address questions from fourth and fifth graders. The exchange centered on safe, respectful, and responsible internet usage.

The session was moderated by members of the Forest Lake student council. These moderators drafted a list of questions in advance based on specific topics requested by their classmates. The high school visitors addressed group chat dynamics, screen time management, and general social media behavior. The younger students also sought recommendations for leisure activities that do not require electronic devices.

Donna Shulman, the guidance counselor at Forest Lake, noted that the six high school attendees were chosen by their respective secondary school counselors. She explained that while children frequently receive advice from adults, hearing guidance from older students they view as role models creates a different impact. The selection process ensured the panelists were peers the elementary students could relate to.

Shulman stated that the primary objective was not to characterize technology as inherently bad or dangerous. Instead, the high schoolers helped the younger group weigh the benefits of digital tools against their challenges. The discussion emphasized finding a personal balance and recognizing when it is appropriate to disconnect from screens.

The interaction took place during Digital Citizenship Week. The format allowed for a direct exchange between the two age groups without the mediation of teachers or parents. The session lasted exactly 30 minutes. It provided a structured opportunity for elementary students to voice specific concerns about their digital lives to older peers who navigate similar environments.