Meet Diana Graber, our Founder

Cyber Civics Team
54 minutes ago
3 min read

Technology shapes how we live, learn, and connect. Yet, many children and teens struggle to navigate the digital world safely and thoughtfully. Diana Graber recognized this challenge early and then dedicated her career to helping young people build healthy relationships with technology. As the founder of Cyber Civics and co-founder of CyberWise, Diana has become a leading voice in digital literacy education. This post explores her journey, work, and impact on digital citizenship.

Diana Graber’s Background and Expertise

Diana Graber combines her experience as an educator, media producer, academic, and parent to address technology’s influence on human behavior. She holds a B.A. in Communication Studies from UCLA and an M.A. in Media Psychology and Social Change from Fielding Graduate University. This strong academic foundation supports her practical work in schools and communities.

Her expertise centers on digital literacy, a skill set that goes beyond basic computer use. It includes understanding how media shapes perceptions, recognizing misinformation, and practicing respectful online behavior. Diana’s approach is straightforward and grounded in real-world challenges families and educators face today.

The Birth of Cyber Civics

One of Diana’s most significant contributions is the creation of Cyber Civics™, a digital literacy program designed for late elementary and middle school students. The curriculum teaches young people how to use technology ethically, safely, and productively.

Cyber Civics is now taught in schools across the U.S. and internationally. Its success lies in its developmentally appropriate content and interactive teaching methods. Students engage in discussions, role-playing, and projects that make digital citizenship tangible and relevant.

Recognitions and Awards

Diana’s work has earned recognition from several respected organizations. She was a finalist for the NAMLE Research Emerging Scholar Award in 2011, highlighting her early impact on media literacy research. The Cyber Civics curriculum was named a finalist for "Innovation in Education" by Project Tomorrow and the O.C. Tech Alliance.

In 2017, the National Association of Media Literacy Education honored Diana with the Media Literacy Teacher Award. These accolades reflect her dedication to improving how young people understand and use technology.

Writing and Speaking on Digital Literacy

Diana is also the author of Raising Humans in a Digital World: Helping Kids Build a Healthy Relationship with Technology (HarperCollins Leadership, 2019). The book offers parents and educators practical advice on guiding children through the digital landscape. It covers topics like screen time, online safety, and fostering empathy in digital interactions.

Beyond writing, Diana frequently gives presentations and participates in interviews. She shares insights on how technology affects behavior and offers strategies to build digital resilience. Her clear, no-nonsense style makes complex topics accessible to diverse audiences.

Teaching and Academic Contributions

Diana continues to teach Cyber Civics and has served as adjunct faculty, teaching Media Psychology to graduate students. Her academic paper, New Media Literacies: A Developmental Approach, published in the Journal of Media Literacy Education, explores how young people develop critical media skills over time.

Her dual role as educator and researcher ensures that her programs and advice are grounded in evidence and responsive to changing digital trends.

Personal Life and Passion

Living in Southern California with her family, Diana balances her professional work with personal interests. She is an active mountain biker, often found exploring new trails. This connection to nature complements her mission to help families find balance between screen time and real-world experiences.

Her perspective as a mom informs her work deeply. She understands the challenges parents face and strives to provide tools that are practical and effective.

Why Diana Graber’s Work Matters

In a world where technology use starts early and grows rapidly, teaching digital literacy is essential. Diana Graber’s work equips young people with the skills to: