December 9 | 4 - 4:30 p.m. ET
For years, digital citizenship programs have focused on what not to do online: Don’t post that, don’t share this, don’t engage there. While these rule-based lessons once fit the moment and the fears of adults, they’re just not working. Students often know more about tech than adults, and today’s work requires meeting students on their level and engaging in student-respected lessons.
Understanding this, Peter Mathis, Director of Middle School at Winchester Thurston School, realized they didn’t need more warnings about the internet. They needed guidance to make positive choices that strengthen relationships, build empathy, and create a school culture where everyone feels they belong.
Join The Social Institute in a 30-minute conversation with Peter Mathis about the positive and proactive approach to modern life skills he found to be the most effective way to connect digital citizenship with equipping future-ready students. Together, we’ll explore how schools can move beyond outdated checklists and give students opportunities to practice leadership, resilience, and digital responsibility.
Key Takeaways:
- Move beyond rules to build relationships: Learn strategies to help students use social media and tech in ways that build empathy, accountability, and peer support.
- Strengthen school culture: Explore actionable ideas to cultivate a positive environment where students feel empowered, respected, and connected.
- Equip entire school communities with modern tools: Gain practical approaches for educators and families to guide students through online behaviors, digital communication, and social pressures with confidence and character.
Featured Presenters
Pete Mathis is a curious cat who started his career teaching and coaching. He soon realized teaching was too hard, and somehow ended up in school administration for the last 15 years. He currently serves as a Middle School Director at Winchester Thruston, where he acts as a quiet architect of growth, which he confirms is much harder than building with LEGOs. Pete’s passion is the intersection of strategy and curiosity. Pete is a Certified Scrum Master and a Human-Centered Design Practitioner. This just means he is professionally certified in asking “But why do we do it this way?” and then convincing people to try new things in a structured manner. He genuinely believes we can solve most of our problems if we just start asking better questions.
Lydia King has worked with The Social Institute (TSI) for over 3 years to equip students, families, and educators with modern life skills to impact learning, well-being, and students’ futures. To support K-12 schools, Lydia works with TSI’s Student Ambassador to better understand the needs, behavior, and social worlds of students as they navigate A.I. and technology. To help schools stay ahead of trends and tech challenges, she develops articles, administrator guides, and playbooks that empower students to use their devices in healthy, high-character ways.