Empowering Digital Citizens: How GNS Students #WinAtSocial

This past school year, Glenlyon Norfolk School proudly expanded its use of The Social Institute’s #WinAtSocial program. This dynamic and engaging platform helps students build critical digital citizenship skills through real-world scenarios, peer discussion and gamified learning experiences.

Launched by Middle School Principal Russ Marston, the program was integrated into homeform and Design classes in Grades 6 to 10, and into Junior School lessons (Grades 3 to 5) by educators Lara Feldman and Richard Shewry. This school-wide approach has allowed us to support students in developmentally appropriate ways across multiple grade levels.

Learning That Reflects Our World

#WinAtSocial addresses timely, relevant topics through interactive, real-world lessons that speak directly to student experiences. Over this past year, GNS faculty delivered over 100 #WinAtSocial lessons, and students explored core themes such as:

• Managing screen time and finding digital balance
• Respectful communication and managing online conflict
• Digital footprints, privacy and data awareness
• Cyberbullying, peer pressure and the role of an upstander
• The influence of social media and personal branding
• Goal-setting and positive tech use for personal growth
• Misinformation, media bias and fact-checking strategies
• Ethical and environmental impacts of Artificial Intelligence

One of the most impactful expansions this year was the introduction of content focused on AI. Students explored not just how AI works, but also its ethical implications, such as bias in algorithms, the environmental cost of training large models, and the responsibility of creators and users in shaping AI’s impact on society. These timely discussions aligned closely with our school’s broader commitment to innovation and global citizenship through the GNS Momentum strategic plan.

A “Low Entry, High Ceiling” Approach

The WinAtSocial built in a way that makes it low entry, high ceiling—it’s easy to jump in and get started, but the level and depth a student can reach is almost limitless.

This flexibility has empowered a broader range of educators—not just tech specialists—to engage students in thoughtful, age-appropriate conversations about their digital lives. Teachers appreciate the turnkey nature of the program: minimal prep, real-time updates and adaptable delivery options (from 15-minute huddles to full-class discussions).

This year, we saw educators across disciplines using #WinAtSocial to support important learning goals. In Design classes, the platform sparked rich ethical discussions about innovation. In homeform, it built community through meaningful conversations about values, empathy and online behaviour. In the Junior School, it gave younger students a voice in the digital world they’re just beginning to explore.

Student Voice, Student Choice

The program’s game-based design encourages inclusive participation, giving even our quietest students a safe way to contribute. Students respond anonymously to discussion prompts, vote on dilemmas and see their peers’ insights reflected on screen, fostering a sense of agency and trust.

As one GNS student shared: “We don’t just talk about what not to do—we talk about who we want to be online. That’s what makes it different.”

This inclusive, student-led model aligns perfectly with our GNS Momentum strategic vision, which prioritizes technology, innovation and entrepreneurship as pillars of a modern education.

Supporting Families

In addition to its impact in the classroom, #WinAtSocial extends valuable support to families through resources like The Social Institute’s Family Toolkit. These tools help parents stay informed about the latest social media platforms, understand how they work, and engage in meaningful conversations with their children. By equipping families with up-to-date, accessible information, the program helps reframe online discussions at home, from fear and frustration to curiosity and shared learning. For many of our GNS families, it has sparked honest, insightful dinner table conversations and built stronger bridges between students’ digital and real-world experiences.

Looking Ahead

By building student confidence, supporting teacher capacity, and empowering families with aligned resources, #WinAtSocial has helped us create a stronger digital culture at GNS—one rooted in curiosity, responsibility and community.

We’re proud of the positive impact this program has had on our school culture. By giving students the tools to think critically, communicate thoughtfully, and lead responsibly, GNS continues to support the development of digitally literate citizens ready to thrive in today’s world—and tomorrow’s.

2024/2025 Impact Report

The GNS #WinAtSocial Impact report provides an interesting glimpse into the lessons covered, skills developed and interesting information about students’ preferred social media and online platforms.

Click here to read the 2024/2025 GNS #WinAtSocial Impact Report