Wellbeing
The Impact of Devices on Children: Addressing Cyberbullying & Managing Screen Time
In today's digital age, children are growing up surrounded by technology, which brings both opportunities and challenges. As parents, carers, and educators, it's important to understand the influence devices have on our children’s emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing - especially when it comes to cyberbullying and excessive screen time.
Understanding the Risks:
Cyberbullying - bullying that takes place over digital devices - is one of the most serious concerns. Unlike face-to-face conflict, cyberbullying can happen at any time and in any place, often leaving children feeling like they have no escape. This can lead to anxiety, depression, and a sense of isolation.
As Christians, we are called to be stewards of our children’s hearts and minds. The Bible reminds us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23). In this context, guarding their hearts means helping them navigate the digital world with wisdom, compassion, and resilience.
Minimizing the Harm:
To support our children and minimize the negative effects of digital life, we can take some practical and faith-informed steps:
Teach Godly Wisdom Online: Guide children to behave online in a way that reflects Christ’s love - choosing kindness over cruelty, honesty over deceit, and courage over fear. Encourage them to stand up for others who are being mistreated.
Set Healthy Boundaries: Just as we teach balance in other areas of life, we must also teach balance with screen time. This might mean setting designated device-free times or encouraging technology-free family moments to reconnect.
Encourage Open Conversations: Create a home environment where children feel safe to talk about their digital lives without fear of judgment. Let them know they are not alone and that you are there to walk beside them.
Be Present and Engaged: Stay aware of the platforms your children are using. Be interested in what they’re doing online and who they are talking to. Let your love be visible in your presence.
- Model Christ-Centred Living: Show what it looks like to value time with God, nature, and others over time with a screen. Use technology purposefully, not passively, and let your children see that your worth is not measured in likes or followers but in your identity as a child of God.
A Hopeful Path Forward:
Technology isn’t going away - but with prayer, intentionality, and Christ-centred guidance, we can help our children develop healthy, balanced relationships with their devices. By protecting their time, their minds, and their hearts, we are ultimately pointing them toward a life that reflects the character of Christ in all areas - including the digital world.
Let us walk in faith and wisdom as we nurture our children, remembering Jesus’ call:“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden… let your light shine before others” (Matthew 5:14, 16). Even online, our children can be a light—shining with kindness, truth, and grace.
Want to Take the Next Step?
If you would like some more ideas to manage screen time at home, this is a great free resource full of practical tips and guidance for families. Another great resource is this podcast on Spotify.
Ally Robinson
Mental Health & Wellbeing Leader
Gardening Club
Our new Gardening Club has been a wonderful success this term! It’s been such a joy to spend time with students out in the veggie garden, where they’ve shown great enthusiasm and care for the space. Together, we've weeded and prepared the beds, added fresh potting mix, and planted a variety of seasonal vegetables as well as some lavender to attract pollinators.
It’s been beautiful to see how relaxed and engaged the students are outdoors, taking real pride in the garden and even picking up rubbish to help keep the area tidy. Their connection to nature and sense of responsibility is growing right alongside the plants!
Gardening Club meets every Monday at lunchtime, and we'd love to welcome more helping hands. If you’re a parent or carer who would like to volunteer, please contact the school office - just make sure you have a current Working With Children Check.
"The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it." (Psalm 24:1)
What a gift it is to care for His creation together!
Ally Robinson
Teacher