“Who is scrolling—you or your anxiety?” With this question, Michael Davis urges kids to rethink how they use technology. As the founder of MindfulBytes.io and Merek Security Solutions, he combines decades of cybersecurity work with a passion for better digital habits. In a recent Make It Mindful episode with Seth Fleischauer, he shared why his career in the U.S. Navy and his interest in cyberpsychology drove him to focus on children’s online well-being.
From Cybersecurity to Cyberpsychology
Davis spent 22 years in the Navy, building cybersecurity systems for Boeing, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and the Pentagon. Over time, he saw that digital security wasn’t just about protecting data—it was about protecting people. He noticed that kids, who spend hours online, often don’t realize how technology influences their thoughts, emotions, and behavior.
During his TEDx talk, “Cyber Happiness: Mindfulness as a Service,” Davis had a sudden insight: “I need to speak to kids,” he recalled. That moment inspired him to start MindfulBytes.io, a K-5 curriculum that helps students build a healthy, balanced relationship with technology.
Building Digital Self-Awareness in the Classroom
In Davis’s program, students learn to check in with their feelings before using a device. “We ask kids what they feel when they pick up a device. Is it excitement? Anxiety? Fear?” he explained. By labeling these emotions, kids gain a more conscious approach to screen time.
One of the most effective exercises is Who is Scrolling?, which helps kids notice whether they are scrolling with intention or out of stress or habit. Even younger children understand the concept—one 9-year-old student in the program put it simply:
“That’s not my energy.”
This small realization demonstrates that kids are capable of regulating their online actions—if they have the right tools.
Uniting Educators and Families for Conscious Tech Use
Davis sees digital mindfulness as a group effort. Schools may struggle with issues like cyberbullying, especially if it happens off campus. He believes schools should proactively teach digital awareness instead of treating it as an afterthought.
Parents matter just as much. Data from MindfulBytes.io pilots shows a majority of parents want to learn alongside their kids. But many adults also battle their own screen habits, making it tough to set a good example. By giving children mindfulness strategies, Davis’s program helps spark talks at home, breaking the cycle of “mindless” online behavior.
Proven Impact: Fewer Bullies, More Mindful Students
MindfulBytes.io is already making a difference.
- A large number of students actively engage in the lessons.
- Significant reduction in cyberbullying reported by participating schools.
- More students demonstrate self-control over screen time and report feeling less anxious online.
Unlike typical “online safety” classes, Davis’s method adds psychology, mindfulness, and tech ethics into everyday lessons.
He hopes to expand nationwide so that digital self-awareness becomes standard in early education. “Our greatest defense isn’t antivirus software—it’s self-awareness.” he said.
A Future of Conscious Digital Use
As MindfulBytes.io expands nationwide, Davis invites educators, parents, and school leaders to join the movement.
Davis’s story is a powerful reminder that cybersecurity is about more than just protecting data—it’s about protecting minds.
By blending mindfulness with digital education, his firm is helping children develop healthier online habits and fostering a generation of mindful technology users.
Want to bring digital self-awareness into your school or community?
Interested in piloting the MindfulBytes.io program at your school?
Are you looking for a speaker on cyberpsychology and digital mindfulness?
Connect with Michael Davis & the MindfulBytes.io Research team at www.mindfulbytes.io
Published by Jeremy S.
