At Kingswood College, our vision is to embolden hearts and inspire minds, and our core values—respect, courage, kindness, perseverance, and excellence—guide us in every aspect of student learning and wellbeing. One of the most important areas where we can work together as a school community is in the responsible and balanced use of technology.

Technology is a powerful tool for learning and connection. However, as educators and parents, we know that without guidance and boundaries, it can also present challenges, particularly in the areas of cyber safety, screen time, and digital wellbeing. Navigating the digital world is not just about knowing how to use technology—it’s about knowing when, why, and how much to use it.

The Importance of Partnership

Young people need consistent messages from both home and school about safe and responsible technology use. As a school, we promote respectful online interactions, and teach students to think critically about their screen time. However, true success in this area comes when families reinforce these values at home.

By working in partnership, we can help students develop:

• Respect for themselves and others in digital spaces.
• Courage to speak up about online concerns or seek help when needed.
• Kindness in their online interactions and digital footprint.
• Perseverance in maintaining healthy habits, even when peer pressure suggests otherwise.
• Excellence in using technology as a tool for learning and growth, rather than distraction.

Setting Healthy Boundaries

We encourage families to consider clear guidelines around technology use at home. Research consistently shows that excessive screen time can impact mental health, sleep, and relationships. Some ways to create a balanced approach include:

• Tech-free zones and times – such as no screens at the dinner table or before bedtime.
• Open conversations – talking with children about what they see online and how they feel about it.
• Parental controls and privacy settings – ensuring safety while allowing age-appropriate independence.
• Role modelling – showing that adults also set limits on their screen time.

By setting these boundaries, we help our young people develop self-regulation, digital discipline, and a healthy relationship with technology—skills that will serve them well into the future.

As a College, we are committed to partnering with families to support students in navigating the complexities of the digital world. Together, we can ensure that technology remains a tool for inspiration rather than a barrier to wellbeing.

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