BAM Digital Media Founder Schnelle Acevedo Featured in BK Reader

As seen in BK Reader

I’m excited to share that I was recently featured in BK Reader!

The article, “Meet the Mom Helping Students Make Smarter Choices Online,” explores how my experiences as a Brooklyn mother led me to create digital literacy programming for students, families, and educators.

Being featured by a publication rooted in Brooklyn carries special meaning for me. I was born and raised here, attended New York City public schools, and am now raising three children of my own in the city. Brooklyn shaped how I see community, education, and the importance of giving families practical support.

BAM Digital Media Began With Questions at Home

The foundation for BAM Digital Media started inside my own home.

During the pandemic, screens became a central part of daily life. School happened online. Entertainment happened online. Many of our connections to the outside world depended on a device.

As a parent, I began paying closer attention to how difficult it was for my children to step away from their screens. I wanted to understand what made certain platforms so compelling and why logging off could create such a strong emotional response.

My background as a digital creator gave me a unique perspective. I had spent years building content, studying audiences, and understanding how online platforms distribute information. I knew that the content appearing on our screens was being selected through systems designed to capture attention.

That realization inspired me to study algorithms, digital behavior, online safety, and the influence of social media more deeply. Those early questions eventually grew into BAM Digital Media and the work I now bring to school communities.

Teaching Digital Literacy Without Judgment

One of my favorite parts of the BK Reader feature is how clearly it captures my teaching philosophy.

The article explains that my approach never comes from a place of judgment. That principle guides every student workshop and family session I lead.

Young people already live in a digital world. They use technology to communicate, explore their interests, complete schoolwork, and express themselves. A lesson built around shame or fear can close the door to an honest conversation.

My programs create space for students to examine what is happening behind their screens. I encourage them to consider questions such as:

• Why is the internet free?
• Why can an app feel so difficult to put down?
• How does an algorithm decide what appears in a feed?
• What happens to a post after someone deletes it?
• How can someone use the digital world more intentionally?

Questions like these help students develop awareness. Greater awareness gives young people a stronger foundation for making informed decisions about their online lives.

Helping Families Understand Their Own Digital Habits

Digital literacy belongs in family conversations as well.

During parent workshops, I often hear adults reflect on their own screen use. Many parents arrive focused on how much time their children spend online. Our conversations help everyone recognize that technology habits affect the entire household.

A family may decide to put phones away during dinner. Another may introduce a screen-free reading period. Some families need support understanding privacy settings, gaming platforms, algorithms, or the digital tools used by their child’s school.

Each household has different needs. My goal is to give families information they can use to make choices that fit their lives.

Why Digital Literacy Matters Right Now

Artificial intelligence has added a new layer to the digital decisions students face. Young people must learn how to evaluate AI-generated information, recognize inaccurate responses, protect personal information, and understand when using AI is appropriate.

Students are also navigating misinformation, online conflict, persuasive design, and digital footprints that can follow them into future opportunities.

Schools need practical ways to address these issues while supporting critical thinking and healthy technology habits. Digital literacy education can include partner discussions, written reflection, printed scenarios, group problem-solving, and creative activities. Meaningful instruction does not require placing students in front of another screen for the entire lesson.

Digital Literacy Programs for Schools and Families

BAM Digital Media works with schools, districts, and community organizations to provide engaging digital literacy education for grades 3–12.

Programming includes:

• Student workshops covering algorithms, digital footprints, online privacy, cybersecurity, media literacy, AI awareness, cyberbullying, and digital wellness
• Parent and family workshops that help caregivers understand online safety, social media, school technology, and healthy digital habits
• Professional development for educators focused on AI, digital citizenship, classroom engagement, and responsible technology use
• Digital Creator and Student Podcasting programs that help young people use technology with purpose
• Curriculum licensing and implementation support for schools and districts

Programs are available as individual workshops or customized multi-week experiences.

What This Feature Means to Me

Seeing my story in BK Reader reminded me how often meaningful work begins with a question.

I started by trying to understand what was happening with screens inside my own home. That curiosity developed into a mission that now helps students think more critically, supports families through difficult digital conversations, and gives educators practical tools for addressing online life.

Read the complete BK Reader feature here.

Bring BAM Digital Media to Your School

Is your school or organization looking for engaging digital literacy programming for students, educators, or families?

BAM Digital Media offers workshops and curriculum covering algorithms, AI literacy, online safety, digital footprints, media literacy, cybersecurity, responsible technology use, and digital wellness.