Raising Children in a Digital World: How Renbrook Guides Healthy Technology and AI Use
By Julie Schlossinger, Associate Head of School
As parents and educators, we are navigating a moment unlike any other in history. The pace of technological change and the use of AI is accelerating, leaving many families wondering how to support healthy development while embracing the opportunities these tools bring. At Renbrook School, we believe that balance, thoughtful decision-making, and strong relationships remain at the center of raising and educating children in today’s digital world.
In this blog post, we share research-based insights, recommendations for families, and the guiding principles shaping Renbrook’s approach to AI in teaching and learning.
A Century of New Technologies and a Consistent Need for Balance
Every generation of parents has worried about the newest technology reshaping childhood. From radio in the 1920s to television in the 1950s, to computers and the early internet, and, most recently, smartphones, social media, and AI. While new tools offer extraordinary opportunities for creativity, learning, and productivity, research continues to highlight that children thrive with healthy limits and intentional use.
Studies consistently show that excessive screen time (more than two hours per day) can negatively affect children’s development. Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Institutes of Health has linked overuse of screens to:
- Lower executive functioning and weaker academic performance
- Delayed language development and reduced social-emotional growth
- Higher risks of obesity, sleep disorders, and mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety
- Difficulty interpreting and responding to emotions
For families looking to explore the research further:
- American Academy of Pediatrics Media Guidelines: https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/media-and-children/
Healthy Screen Habits: Recommendations for Families
Screen Time Recommendations
- Ages 6–10: Less than 1.5 hours per day
- Avoid screens two hours before bedtime to support sleep
- Prioritize 8–12 hours of sleep nightly, depending on age
Parenting Practices That Make a Difference
- Set clear limits and use parental controls
- Model healthy digital habits—children follow what we do
- Choose educational technology when screens are used
- Talk openly about how screen time affects the brain and mood
- Encourage offline play, curiosity, conversation, and movement
How Renbrook Is Approaching AI in Teaching and Learning
As AI becomes more embedded in daily life, Renbrook is developing thoughtful, mission-aligned practices to ensure we are preparing students not only for the world they live in today, but for the world they will shape tomorrow.
Our process began with identifying the values that anchor our approach.
Our Foundational Priorities for AI Use
1. Relationships
Human connection is at the core of all learning. We design classroom experiences that nurture safety, belonging, and growth for every child.
2. Building Lifelong Learners
Authentic, hands-on learning helps students build persistence, curiosity, and transferable skills that will serve them far beyond their time at Renbrook.
3. Developing Curiosity and Character
We inspire students to become ethical thinkers and creative problem-solvers who lead with integrity, empathy, and courage.
4. Embracing Innovation with Purpose
Renbrook has always valued innovation—but never for its own sake. We adopt new tools only when they meaningfully enhance learning, reflect our mission, and preserve the human-centered essence of education.
Four Guiding Principles Shaping Responsible AI Use at Renbrook
To bring our priorities to life, we established four guiding principles:
- AI is a supportive tool—never a replacement for human connection, hands-on learning, or authentic thinking.
- We balance innovation with tradition, modeling thoughtful engagement with emerging technologies while preserving Renbrook’s emphasis on critical thinking.
- We use AI to strengthen teaching, spark curiosity, and streamline professional workflows, always ensuring creativity, ethics, and discernment remain central.
- Because Renbrook serves foundational learning years, we double down on process and skill development, ensuring students build deep understanding before using AI to extend their learning.
These principles ensure our students grow into confident, ethical, and adaptable learners who can navigate—and shape—the future.
Working Together to Support Children in a Digital Age
What remains constant through every technological shift is the importance of balance, curiosity, and human connection. Together, families and educators can help children understand the digital world, develop agency, and build the internal compass they will need to thrive.
At Renbrook, our mission guides every decision we make. As we embrace new tools, we stay grounded in timeless values—relationship, character, curiosity, and deep learning.
If you have questions or would like support in establishing healthy digital habits at home, please reach out. We are your partners in raising joyful, resilient, and ethical learners.