Teen Tech Week begins on the first Sunday of March and runs for a full week. It is an annual event usually hosted by local libraries to encourage teens to make the most of the digital hardware available in their facilities. Digital media has grown exponentially over the years, and teens are sometimes left behind. This holiday makes sure they keep up to date in a guided manner. They are taught new skills, they learn to access safe content on the internet, and they also learn to use all the available digital tools at their disposal.
History of Teen Tech Week
Teen Tech Week was introduced in 2007 by Young Adult Library Services Association and the American Library Association. It was created at a time when most kids didn’t own a personal computer and couldn’t afford to fit perfectly into the digital age. Even those who later came to own their personal computers still needed help getting the most out of them. They required the guidance of professionals who understood these devices better. Also, many other resources could only be accessed in places like libraries. Teens are encouraged to spend as much time as possible at their local or school libraries during this holiday.
Although Teen Tech Week was conceived solely for teens, other targeted parties include parents, educators, and adults who are concerned about the place of children in the digital age. According to Young Adult Library Services Association, “the purpose of Teen Tech Week is to ensure that teens are competent and ethical users of digital media, especially the non-print resources offered through libraries, such as e-books, e-readers, databases, audiobooks, and social media.”
As digital media improved, Teen Tech Week also began to incorporate new technologies into the holiday. During the holiday, librarians are recognized most especially for their role in the promulgation of information technology. Likewise, libraries usually contain the latest digital equipment needed to aid students’ learning. Nowadays, teens have easy access to computers, but the holiday continues to offer a safer environment for them to grow in the digital space
Teen Tech Week timeline
Computers are introduced to homes, schools, offices, and libraries.
Tim Berners-Lee invents the World Wide Web.
The population of the internet reaches one billion.
Teen Tech Week is created by the Young Adult Library Services Association and the American Library Association to ease teens into the digital world.
Teen Tech Week related content
Education Technology Day
It’s time to appreciate and learn more about technology on this Educational Technology Day!
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Teen Tech Week FAQs
Why is digital media important?
Because of digital media, we now have easy access to materials and resources.
Is Teen Tech Week for teens only?
Teen Tech Week week also concerns parents, teachers, and concerned adults.
Is Teen Tech Week the same as TeenTober?
They’re birthed by the same association, but the latter runs through the month of October.
Teen Tech Week Activities
Enroll in an IT course
There are so many courses available for teens. These include programming, coding, app development, and many others
Ensure internet safety in your home
As more people gain access to the internet, it can become a hostile place, especially for children. Set up firewalls and safety measures to keep your children safe.
Visit and volunteer at your local library
With the growth of the digital age, many people are starting to draw away from the library. But it remains a place of great digital resources, and teens should be encouraged to make the most of these.
5 Important Facts About Computers
The first electronic computer
Named ENIAC, this first generation computer weighed 30 tons and occupied 1,800 square feet of space.
The first computer programmer was a woman
The first known computer programmer was a woman named Ada Lovelace.
The first gigabyte hard drive
The I.B.M. 3380 announced in 1980, could store up to 2.52GB and cost about 80,000 dollars.
Started from the garage
Some of the biggest computer brands like Apple and Microsoft started in the garage.
First computer mouse
It was invented by Doug Engelbart in 1964, and it was made out of wood.
Why We Love Teen Tech Week
It can be fun and creative
Teen Tech Week helps to guide teens through digital media using fun and creative initiatives. Not only do they learn, but they also enjoy themselves doing so.
It advocates safety
Emphasis is placed on internet safety during Teen Tech Week. This helps to keep teens away from harmful content.
It encourages children to become professionals
Teen Tech Week can inspire a child to take computer-related courses. When they do this, they become professionals in the field.
Teen Tech Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | March 3–9 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2025 | March 2–8 | Sunday–Saturday |
| 2026 | March 1–7 | Sunday–Saturday |
