Empowering Girls to Learn and Thrive in the Digital World
Brought to you by The Archer School for GirlsMost parents experience the ultimate tech quandary while preparing for the start of the school year: How much technology is right for my child? How should I expect them to use it, and what can I do if they make a mistake? In a parallel world, schools are wrestling with similar challenges as students become increasingly connected both inside and outside the classroom. Although the digital realm presents challenges for all adolescents, research shows that girls experience more social issues and online cruelty than boys do, with 40% of girls who spend more than five hours a day on social media showing symptoms of depression. Of most concern, social media has a cumulative impact on girls’ self-confidence, perceived value and well-being.
The Archer School for Girls believes it is imperative for schools to partner with parents to tackle these digital challenges together. To start the school year, Archer’s technology and wellness experts host a workshop for all new students and parents to review research around adolescent technology use, discuss the challenges and create individual family agreements that encourage safe, responsible and healthy digital habits. The alliance of students, parents and faculty empowers girls to gain the skills and awareness necessary to enhance their well-being in the real and digital worlds.
All parents can establish a strong foundation for technology use by discussing the following questions with their children. Consider writing down these agreements and posting them for future reference:
- Background: What are the benefits and concerns you see for using digital devices?
- Guidelines: What should your digital devices be used for at home? What times and places should devices not be used?
- Balance: What unplugged activities will you engage in to balance your time on and off screens? Where should devices be parked when they are not in use?
- Accountability: What are our family rules around using social media? And what are the consequences for breaking this agreement?
Archer is an independent girls school serving grades 6 through 12, and it continues to lead the way. The school takes a research-based, contemporary approach to cultivate an environment where girls from across Greater Los Angeles can learn and thrive, through real-world experiential learning as well as a 1:1 device program. Archer girls, 41 percent of whom are students of color, represent 79 ZIP codes and 141 feeder schools. The school awards $4 million in financial aid every year.
Archer Admissions events:
- Open House: October 6, October 20 and November 10
- Campus Preview para Hispanohablantes: December 5
- Neighborhood Coffees: October 11, October 17 and November 7
- Early Look (for families interested in applying in future admissions years): January 15, 2020