Do We Even Need the Internet? Ask the Middle Schoolers!

In October, the Middle School play “The Day the Internet Died” had us in fits of laughter as we watched pre-teen and teenage actors satirize how we’ve all grown so accustomed to relying on technology for almost every aspect of life.

I think that was the most I’ve ever laughed in a student show. Perhaps it was because our actors are so talented at getting into character and really embodying what it looks like to “tweak without TikTok” or be deprived of using the internet. Or, perhaps it was watching some actors exaggerate, or maybe not exaggerate, just how much daily life has changed since the onset of the internet.

These are complicated times, and I know many of us — faculty and families alike — are thinking through how to set boundaries and empower students to make healthy choices in the classroom and at home with regard to technology.

When we changed our cell phone policy at the Middle and Upper School over three years ago, there was an immediate positive impact. The hallways erupted with happy chatter, and our courtyard went from sitting vacant to being full of students enjoying the outdoors with friends or playing games such as spike ball or football.

At the time of the new cell phone policy, students were not excited at the idea of losing their phone during the day. No student wanted to hear how the older adults used to use our house phone to ask someone to hang out or how we had to use real maps for road trips.

Instead, they wanted help with how to connect to each other without their devices. Simple “tools” like chess boards, spike ball sets, and decks of cards helped our students form new bonds and build community. Adult support in advisory, clubs, arts, and athletics and more supervised school events where students can socialize without their technology at the center also improved our sense of community.

So, I can continue longing for the simpler days, but that won’t do us any favors. The internet (and technology) is here to stay. But it is up to all of us to determine the role it plays in our children’s lives. At Seven Hills, we are working on both setting boundaries and supporting students in making healthy choices.

We are constantly wrestling with how best to use technology as more research emerges and new tools are developed.

At the Upper School, in a world of AI, teachers have found new ways to emphasize the process over the product. They are finding new ways to assess students, deepen learning, and find productive struggle. In many ways, this new technology has actually made our faculty stronger and able to ask better questions.

One thing is constant — Seven Hills gets stronger when we prioritize human connection and intentionality. Technology isn’t going away, and knowing how to use the tools will help our students in the future.

Now, it is up to all of us to continue the conversation for using technology with intention and purpose.

Thanks to the Middle School actors for bringing us great theater that leaves the audience thinking, wondering, and asking more questions than when they entered the auditorium.

If you’re interested in being a part of the conversation, we invite you to Screen Smart 2.0 for all families on Nov. 12. Check out the event flyer to learn more.