The Upper Dublin Education Foundation announced today the launch of Tech Trek: Navigating the Digital Highway, an online resource designed to help families make informed decisions about technology use, from first devices to social media platforms and gaming safety.
From the press release:
The initiative addresses one of the most pressing challenges facing modern parents: how to guide children safely through an increasingly connected digital world. Tech Trek provides research-backed resources on topics including device readiness, social media safety, gaming communities, and establishing healthy screen time routines.
“Parenting in the digital age is one of today’s most pressing challenges,” said Michelle Boas, Executive Director of the Upper Dublin Education Foundation. “Technology shapes so much of our children’s lives, bringing both opportunities and real concerns. Tech Trek gives families the tools to navigate digital well-being so students can stay engaged, healthy and ready to thrive.”
In addition to helping families develop their approach to digital well-being, Teck Trek helps address a downstream challenge—student engagement and mental health—through an upstream solution: family and community education.”
“Finally, when students are engaged and experience a strong sense of well-being—rather than being pulled off course by constant digital distractions—they are better able to fully benefit from the innovative programs and practices our grants support.”
Tech Trek was developed in collaboration with experts in digital wellness and child development, as well as local parents and community leaders. The platform draws from research by trusted voices including Dr. Devorah Heitner, Jonathan Haidt, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Organization for Social Media Safety.
“Technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and the digital landscape our kids are navigating today looks vastly different from even just a few years ago,” said Dr. Devorah Heitner, author of Growing Up in Public and digital wellness expert collaborating with Tech Trek. “Parents need resources that help them stay engaged and informed as platforms change, new risks emerge, and their children’s digital needs evolve. The key is staying curious and connected rather than trying to control from a distance.”
The resource hub focuses on four key areas:
Device Readiness: Guidance for families considering first phones, tablets, or increased device access, including alternatives to smartphones and family technology agreements that evolve with a child’s maturity.
Social Media Safety: Platform-specific information on Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and other popular apps, including privacy settings, cyberbullying prevention, and age-appropriate introduction strategies.
Gaming Communities: Resources for navigating online gaming spaces, understanding different game types, managing in-game spending, and recognizing when gaming becomes problematic.
Screen Time Balance: Practical strategies for creating healthy digital routines that prioritize quality and timing over strict limits, while protecting family connection time.
The initiative emphasizes a mentorship approach to digital citizenship, focusing on teaching skills before granting independence, maintaining open communication without being controlling, and modeling positive online behavior.
“Our goal is not to prescribe one ‘right’ way to parent in the digital age, but to empower families with the tools, research, and language they need to make informed choices that align with their values,” Boas added. “Every child is different. Every family is different. But when families have clear, trustworthy information, they can approach technology with greater confidence and less stress.”
Tech Trek complements existing school district technology policies and focuses specifically on out-of-school digital use. The platform includes interactive checklists, conversation starters, and step-by-step guides to help parents assess their child’s readiness for various digital milestones.
The Upper Dublin Education Foundation plans to promote Tech Trek through community events, school partnerships, and digital outreach throughout the 2025-2026 school year. The organization is building an advisory council of local experts and community leaders to guide the initiative’s ongoing development.
Tech Trek’s development was made possible by a donation to the Upper Dublin Education Foundation from a generous member of the Upper Dublin community.
Tech Trek is available free of charge at www.udtechtrek.org.
About the Upper Dublin Education Foundation: The Upper Dublin Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities and supporting student success in the Upper Dublin School District. Through innovative programs and community partnerships, the Foundation works to ensure all students have access to the resources and experiences they need to thrive in an increasingly complex world.