Michael Davis on Cybersecurity, Mindfulness, and Digital Well-being
By: Ann Rodriguez
According to the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG), approximately 30.5% of all phishing attacks are reported to happen on social media platforms. As of recent data, the average user spends around 143 minutes a day on social media. That’s more than 2 hours of potential vulnerability.
This is why Michael Davis, founder of MindfulBytes.io and CEO of Merek Security Solutions, is deeply committed to his work. With over 25 years of experience in cybersecurity and a 22-year naval career, he has emerged as a respected figure at the intersection of cybersecurity, digital education, and mindfulness. He also brings a unique perspective to the challenges of digital life—particularly for students and parents.
In a recent interview on The Bulldog Educator podcast, he shared insights on cyber ethics, digital citizenship, and the potential emotional impact of technology on young minds.
The Mindful Approach to Technology
Michael’s journey began with a profound question: “What is the space between me and my device?” Despite his extensive technical background, he found himself struggling with digital distractions. This personal challenge led to an important realization: if he, as a cybersecurity expert, was finding it difficult to maintain a healthy relationship with technology, children and teenagers might face even greater challenges.
This insight became the foundation for MindfulBytes.io, a program aimed at helping students and parents engage with technology more intentionally. Instead of promoting an extreme aversion that could demonize technology, Michael focuses on conscious engagement. “We’re not trying to create an abstinence model,” he explains. “We want kids to co-create with technology and develop a more healthy awareness of its impact.”
Building Digital Resilience from an Early Age
Michael emphasizes that early intervention can be crucial in developing digital resilience. Many parents may mistakenly assume their children will naturally learn to navigate the digital landscape on their own. However, without proper guidance, young people can often fall prey to the intentionally addictive design of social media platforms.
“There’s a reason why a young girl’s first Instagram experience might often be flooded with ads about body image and weight loss,” Michael points out. These subtle yet powerful influences can shape self-perception and behavior patterns, often without users being consciously aware of the manipulation.
Michael’s curriculum begins with children as young as six, introducing age-appropriate concepts around screen time management, digital awareness, and online safety. His goal extends beyond compliance with rules—he aims to develop conscientious digital citizens who understand the emotional and psychological dimensions of technology use.
Creating a Family-Centered Approach to Digital Literacy
One of the most significant gaps Michael identified in current digital education is the exclusion of parents from the conversation. “We expect kids to figure it out on their own, but who are they turning to when they have questions?” he asks, highlighting a potential disconnect in how we approach digital literacy.
The challenge is twofold: many parents struggle with their own technology habits while simultaneously feeling ill-equipped to guide their children. Some may inadvertently model problematic behaviors—constantly checking phones or engaging in online conflicts—while others avoid crucial conversations about internet safety, assuming schools will handle it.
To address this gap, Michael integrates families directly into his curriculum. Parents are invited to participate in the first class sessions and engage in activities that help them recognize their own relationship with technology. This approach can create powerful moments of reflection. “Kids go home and ask their parents, ‘Why are you always on your phone?’ and that alone can spark important conversations.”
Transforming School Approaches to Digital Citizenship
Michael’s experience has shown him that effective cybersecurity education is fundamentally about culture, not just technology. Many schools introduce digital tools without adequately addressing cybersecurity, digital ethics, or emotional well-being.
Instead of relying on basic usage agreements that focus solely on avoiding harmful content, Michael’s curriculum integrates practical exercises that build self-awareness. Students participate in role-playing activities to practice setting healthy boundaries with their devices and develop critical thinking skills about their digital interactions.
One particularly effective classroom exercise involves placing phones on desks and tracking notifications during a single class period. In one instance, a class of just 15 students received over 345 notifications in one session. “It’s a wake-up call,” Michael explains. “When students see the numbers, they start realizing just how much technology might be pulling at their attention.”
Fostering Digital Agency and Mindful Choices
At the core of Michael’s approach is empowerment—helping students develop the ability to make informed choices about their technology use. He encourages young people to regularly reflect on critical questions:
- How do I feel before and after using social media?
- Is this notification essential, or is it a distraction from what matters?
- Am I using technology, or is technology using me?
Equally important is the modeling of positive digital behaviors by adults. “Parents tell me all the time, ‘I don’t know what my kid is doing online,'” Michael notes, “But kids are often just mirroring their parents’ habits.”
By encouraging both parents and educators to take active roles in digital literacy, Michael works to demystify technology. He believes that creating open discussions around technology—not treating it as a mysterious force—helps kids feel more in control of their digital lives.
Final Thoughts: Digital Awareness is a Lifelong Skill
Michael’s mission is clear: to help people develop a healthy relationship with technology. His work with MindfulBytes.io and Merek Security Solutions is bringing digital mindfulness to schools, parents, and businesses alike.
Michael’s advice for parents and educators is simple: Start the conversation early. “If we don’t teach kids to be aware of their digital habits now, they may struggle with them as adults.”
The digital world isn’t going anywhere, but how we navigate it is up to us. With leaders like Michael paving the way, the next generation may be better equipped to navigate the digital world with confidence and clarity. Intentionality and a healthy dose of awareness can help us ensure technology continues to serve us—not the other way around.
Published by Stephanie M.