Smart Families
Smart Families is a new initiative at St. Barnabas School that aims to help families engage with technology in a healthy, intentional way. In our ever-changing world, technology is a powerful tool that offers many benefits, but it also raises one of the most pressing questions for parents today: how do we find the right balance?
Smart Families is not judgemental; it is informative. With evidence-based research and guidance, families can better understand the science behind tech use at different developmental stages.
- GUIDE AND EDUCATE: Help parents and children navigate concerns and impacts surrounding information technology.
- BETTER TOGETHER: Empower families to act together as a school community and take a pledge to delay smartphone usage in children.
In this first introductory year of Smart Families, we will host teacher training events, a keynote speaker, and info sessions for parents, developmentally appropriate student presentations, and one event for families. Keep an eye on School News for calendar reminders and invites to upcoming events.
For questions about Smart Families at St. Barnabas, please contact Ms. Grace Sadowski.
Introductory Event for Parents:
SEPTEMBER 16 & 17
Smart Families for Parents featuring Dr. Crystal Collier
Smart Families for Parents featuring Dr. Crystal Collier
Wednesday, September 16 at 6:30pm in the Main Hall
Thursday, September 17 at 10am in the Church Hall (immediately following our weekly School Mass)
Unveiling the Impact of technology on child development. Learn how technology use impacts academic, emotional, and relational functioning.
Thursday, September 17 at 10am in the Church Hall (immediately following our weekly School Mass)
Unveiling the Impact of technology on child development. Learn how technology use impacts academic, emotional, and relational functioning.
We strongly encourage parents to attend either the evening (9-16) or morning (9-17) session - no need to rsvp. Learn more.
Additional upcoming Smart Families events:
SEPTEMBER 22Parent Talk: When Online Spaces Turn Toxic
What Parents Need to Know. A timely conversation about group chats, gaming culture, online pressure, and the hidden social dynamics shaping young people’s lives. RSVP
Parents will learn why these spaces can normalize cruelty, exclusion, harmful language, and other unhealthy behaviors. We’ll also discuss practical strategies for helping children recognize problems, respond with integrity, and know when to ask an adult for help.
Two online sessions are available: Tuesday, September 22 at 9am or 12 pm
What Parents Need to Know. A timely conversation about group chats, gaming culture, online pressure, and the hidden social dynamics shaping young people’s lives. RSVP
Parents will learn why these spaces can normalize cruelty, exclusion, harmful language, and other unhealthy behaviors. We’ll also discuss practical strategies for helping children recognize problems, respond with integrity, and know when to ask an adult for help.
Two online sessions are available: Tuesday, September 22 at 9am or 12 pm
SEPTEMBER 29Flourishing with Humanality
Discover how Humanality can help anyone break unhealthy technology habits, reconnect with reality, and build a more intentional, flourishing life. RSVP
Discover how Humanality can help anyone break unhealthy technology habits, reconnect with reality, and build a more intentional, flourishing life. RSVP
Humanality is on a mission to help everyone engage reality and flourish in their humanity. Through practical strategies, behavior-change science, and the Humanality Way, we help people break unhealthy patterns around phones, screens, social media, and pornography and build a more intentional relationship with technology.
Online session: Tuesday, September 29 at 11am
NOVEMBER 17Advent Online Talk: Emmanuel: God is with us; are we with Him?
Technology, Noise, and Rekindling Silent Recollection this Advent. RSVP
Advent is a season of prayer in anticipation of the coming of Christ. The question we must ask is: are we truly with Him through our time, attention, and actions? This Smart Families online talk explores the dangers of our digital environment that often bombards us with audible, visual, and mental noise, leaving us distracted and even fragmented.
Two online sessions are available: Tuesday, November 17 at 9am or 12 pm