Guiding Healthy Tech Habits: Middle School Parent Coffee

Recently, Middle School parents gathered for a special EdTech Parent Coffee focused on one of today’s most pressing parenting questions: how do we guide our children’s relationship with technology in ways that protect their well-being and encourage responsible use? 

The session, led by the Middle School Counseling and Educational Technology teams, emphasized TAS’s commitment to safeguarding students in both their academic and personal lives. Technology is an essential learning tool at TAS, but as the counselors reminded families, it is also one of the areas where children need the most guidance and boundaries. 

Building a Foundation at School 

Grade 6 students begin their digital journey with a “Laptop License,” which introduces them to responsible use of their new devices. Lessons cover essentials like setting strong passwords, backing up files, and protecting personal information. Students also learn that laptops are for learning, not entertainment, and that families ultimately decide when and how devices are used at home. 

These lessons are reinforced in the Skills for Success course, which bridges the transition from Lower to Middle School. Students practice organization, time management, and even email etiquette, while also learning about digital footprints, the reliability of online sources, and responsible decision-making. Homeroom lessons grounded in the CASEL 5 framework (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making) extend this learning, connecting technology use to broader social-emotional growth throughout Middle School, in grades six to eight.  

“Technology use is really about balance,” explained Becca Budde, Middle Counselor, “Our role isn’t to punish students for mistakes—it’s to help them understand their choices, reflect, and build better habits for the future.” 

Partnering With Parents 

A recurring theme of the morning was the importance of alignment between school and home. Parents discussed strategies that work for their families, such as designating bedrooms and dining tables as “no-tech zones,” or modeling screen-free mealtimes. The faculty encouraged parents to revisit or create a family media agreement, setting expectations around device use that reflect each family’s values, as well as TAS values of kindness, respect, courage, honesty, and responsibility. 

“Sometimes it feels like technology is moving faster than we can keep up with,” shared one parent. “It was reassuring to hear how the school is addressing these issues and to walk away with practical strategies I can try at home.” 

Parents were also reminded of the importance of curiosity over control. Asking children what they enjoy watching, playing, or creating online can lead to meaningful conversations, whereas restrictions without dialogue may shut them down. 

Practical Safeguards 

TAS provides practical safeguards as well. Customized laptop filtering applies both at school and at home, giving parents more control over what their child can access. The Social Institute curriculum, now integrated across Grades 6–8, helps students reflect on their digital choices through interactive lessons, surveys, and discussions. Upcoming activities like the Middle School Book Club—featuring Behind Their Screens: What Teens Are Facing and Adults Are Missing—will continue the conversation with parents. 

“Parenting technology is just like parenting anything else,” Middle School Counselor Jason Thornberg reminded the group. “It’s about setting clear boundaries, modeling healthy behavior, and keeping the conversation going.” 

Shared Responsibility 

For TAS, digital well-being is not just about managing screen time—it is about safeguarding children’s emotional, social, and academic growth. When families and schools work together, students gain the tools to navigate the online world with resilience, empathy, and confidence. 

As one parent reflected, “I left feeling less alone. It helps to know we’re all figuring this out together, and that TAS is committed to supporting both students and families every step of the way.” 

With shared commitment and consistent guidance, the TAS community is ensuring that technology remains a tool for growth and connection—not a barrier to well-being. 

A special thank you to Alex Tam, Jason Thornberg, Becca Budde, Jacqui Brelsford, and Shanne Ting for organizing. We look forward to continuing the conversation this school year and beyond.