EDUCATE ME
EDUCATE ME
Beyond the screen: reclaiming what matters most for our young people
At Norwest and Ngarra Christian Colleges, we are increasingly aware of what our students may be losing as screen time becomes more dominant in their lives. Our aim for the school years is far broader than academic development; it is a crucial time for shaping identity, values and, relationships. These years should be filled with deep learning, rich friendships, and formative experiences, many of which happen best away from screens.
When young people spend hours on screens instead of engaging with the world around them, they risk missing the social and emotional growth that comes from conversation, shared laughter and community involvement. We believe that human beings are created for relationships, with God and with one another, and these relationships are strengthened through real, face-to-face interaction. What a gift it would be if we could give these experiences back to young people.
Distraction is another growing concern, especially in the classroom.
Although many people believe they can multitask, switching between apps, texts, and schoolwork, research consistently shows that the human brain is not designed to multitask effectively. A study from Stanford University found that people who frequently multitask are actually less efficient, more easily distracted, and have a harder time filtering out irrelevant information( Ophir, Nass, & Wagner, 2009). In the classroom, this means attention is fractured, deep thinking is compromised, and meaningful learning becomes harder to sustain.
Too much screen exposure has also been linked to reduced concentration, disrupted sleep, and emotional wellbeing challenges. Constant notifications, addictive content algorithms, and pressure to stay connected socially can overwhelm young people, making it difficult to focus in class or wind down for rest. Many young people are simply overstimulated and undernourished when it comes to meaningful, reflective time.
Of course, technology can also be a powerful force for good. At Norwest and Ngarra, we don’ t advocate for a screen-free life, rather, we champion a balanced, intentional approach. When used with purpose, technology can enhance learning, promote creativity, and open doors to meaningful global connections. Whether through digital art, language learning apps, or accessing faith-based resources online, students can use tech to grow in positive ways.
Our commitment is to help students develop a healthy, ageappropriate relationship with technology. This means using time at our Colleges intentionally, fostering immersive learning environments, and setting boundaries that support emotional and spiritual wellbeing. We aim to minimise the negative impacts of screen use while still embracing its benefits.
If you would like more information about education at Norwest and Ngarra Christian Colleges, please visit www. norwest. nsw. edu. au.
THE HILLS INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 121 // JULY 2025 27