Mission & Academics Blog
Supporting Our Children in the Digital Age
Get a few parents together these days, and it won't be long before the conversation turns to screens and smartphones. The challenges are universal: How much time is too much? At what age should kids get their own devices? How do we protect them from social media pressures and online risks while still preparing them for a digital world?
These were exactly the questions that have weighed heavily on my mind and on the minds of parents and teachers as well. At Brookfield Academy, we firmly believe that parents are the primary educators of their children. This is a foundational tenet of our school’s Mission. With that in mind, we feel privileged to partner with parents in nurturing the next generation. We know that there are many opinions about technology and a wide range of opinions about its use. Recently, we—teachers, parents, and administrators—have been reading and discussing Jonathan Haidt's The Anxious Generation, which explores how technology impacts our children's well-being. We found the text had a lot to share and would recommend it to parents as a good source of data and advice.
The book offers compelling research about social media's effects on mental health and child development. What resonates most is how the book empowers parents with practical wisdom and manageable solutions rather than prescriptive rules. Every family's circumstances are unique, and you know your children best.
But here are some insights Haidt shared that we all found to be worth considering:
- Children who delay smartphone ownership often show better focus in class, and they often develop more face-to-face social skills and confidence in conversations.
- Setting household boundaries around device use can help the whole family connect more meaningfully.
- Outdoor activities and in-person friendships contribute significantly to emotional resilience.
- Social media's constant comparison culture can significantly impact developing self-esteem, particularly during the sensitive middle school years.
- Sleep quality often improves dramatically when devices are kept out of bedrooms, leading to better academic performance and emotional regulation.
- Students who regularly engage in device-free activities tend to develop stronger problem-solving skills and creative thinking abilities.
- The "digital diet" concept suggests that, like nutrition, it's not just about quantity but quality of screen time that matters.
- Young people who participate in regular offline activities show higher rates of reported life satisfaction and lower rates of anxiety.
- Multi-tasking between screens and homework can reduce learning retention by up to 40% according to recent studies.
- Face-to-face social skills development in early adolescence is crucial for long-term relationship building and emotional intelligence.
But we need to remember in the face of all these concerns that small changes can make a big difference. Some families find success with these suggestions. But remember, adding one or maybe two changes is the way to start. Too much all at once can backfire.
- Phone-free dinners or charging devices outside bedrooms
- Creating tech-free zones in their homes or tech-free times that work for their schedule
- Starting a family book club or game night as an engaging alternative to screen time
- Establishing "green time before screen time" - requiring outdoor play before device use
- Creating a family media contract that all members, including parents, sign and follow
- Setting up device-free morning routines to start the day with genuine human connection
- Planning regular outdoor family activities or nature adventures on weekends
- Encouraging analog hobbies like art, music, cooking, or sports that develop real-world skills
- Setting up "tech stations" in common areas rather than allowing devices in private spaces
- Making bedrooms device-free sanctuaries for rest and relaxation
There are many little tweaks that a family can make toward the goal of less tech and more in-person communication. It can be a struggle at times, but over time, there is evidence that the payoff will be worth it. It is something to think about and see what is right for your family.
If you're interested in exploring these ideas further, The Anxious Generation offers research-backed strategies that can be adapted to your family's values and needs. The goal isn't perfection but rather thoughtful choices that support our children's growth.
We're all navigating this digital landscape together. As your educational partner, Brookfield Academy is here to support whatever approach you choose for your family's technology use. What matters most is that our children feel secure, connected, and ready to learn.
Would you share what technology boundaries have worked well for your family? Your experiences could help inspire others in our school community as we all work to help our children thrive. I would love to share your wisdom in a future blog. You can always reach me at linda.pryor@brookfieldacademy.org
