WHWS Media Statement
At Whatcom Hills Waldorf School (WHWS), we value a safe and healthy childhood for every student, and support this through meaningful connections—to oneself, to others, and to the natural world. Studies show that meaningful connection is hindered by the premature use of technology. (More information can be found in links below.)
Our education is live, story based, active and social in nature. Our teachers intentionally nurture students’ imaginative capacities through vivid story telling and presentations. Virtual images interfere with this inner picturing process. Media images found in TV programs, videos, movies, social media, video games and virtual reality experiences not only disrupt a Waldorf education, but impact students’ play and social interactions. Excessive media consumption also undermines physical health and body image, and can contribute to attention difficulties, poor sleep, aggressive play and behaviors.
When screen time is limited, more space is created for imaginative play, outdoor adventures, engaging in the world, and connecting with others. By being mindful of how technology is introduced, both in school and at home, the social fabric of our school is nurtured and our students are empowered to fully enter into their learning, and to build strong, meaningful connections.
WHWS Specific Media Guidelines:
Early Childhood - PROTECT
Avoid exposure to electronic media
Ensure audio is age appropriate
As exposure to media images disrupts the imagination of the growing child, we highly recommend that children are not exposed to electronic media in their daily lives. We recommend that they do not regularly watch television, movies, or videos, play/watch video games, or use computers, tablets or cell phones. We also ask that exposure to audio and recorded music be age appropriate.
Our teachers are happy to assist with transitions toward a media-free environment, and welcome conversations with families and caregivers.
Grade 1 - 5 - PROCEED WITH CAUTION
Refrain from media exposure on school nights and days
Refrain from video games on school nights or mornings
We do not allow use of personal devices at school
To support the integrity of our classroom learning, an environment free of media influenced images and stories is essential. For this reason, WHWS asks families not to include media exposure on school nights and mornings.
Students thrive when they are given the gift of an "unplugged" childhood for as long as possible. Living without a personal device allows them to fully engage in the present moment—to be bored, to be creative, and to develop the inner resources they'll need for a lifetime.
Middle School - PREPARE
Refrain from media use on school nights or mornings except as homework aid
Refrain from video games on school nights or mornings
We do not allow use of phones or personal devices at school
No group chats
No access to social media
Monitor internet usage closely
Introduce electronic media gradually and with parental guidance
WHWS asks that middle school students do not have school night or morning media use except as a school assigned aid to complete homework.
If your child has a phone or personal device, please be aware of our school wide cell phone policy (found in our Parent Handbook). At this age, if a phone is seen as necessary, we recommend a flip-phone / simple device without apps or internet access that can be used exclusively for telephone calls and texts. We strongly recommend that middle school students do not use a smartphone unless features are strictly limited.
By avoiding group texts, group chats and group emails, we can ensure that conversations between classmates happen in person, and support the fostering of a cohesive and compassionate community. In our experience, group messaging is a problematic form of communication, creating social problems like cliques and exclusion as well as distractions in the culture of the classroom. We ask that group messaging not be used.
We strongly recommend that access and use of the internet is carefully monitored and limited. Research shows that navigating the world of social media (including but not limited to Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Tik Tok, Snapchat…) adversely impacts self-image and self-esteem, as the idealized and curated version of reality presented has a detrimental effect on an individual’s sense of self-worth. We strongly recommend that students focus on building their identity and friendships in the real world first, free from the influence and pressure of social media.
We ask that students do not have access to video games during the school week, and have strict limits on weekends. Public gaming platforms introduce uncontrollable, and often inappropriate, situations and language, and video games can adversely impact students’ work, as well as the social life of the class.
During Grades 6, 7, and 8, it is appropriate for students to have a gradual and guided introduction to the applications and use of electronic media. During these transition years, exposure to media should be moderate, under clear parental guidance and participation, and not work to the detriment of the social and educational climate of the class. Be aware that media exposure can be a socially divisive influence in these years.
Technology in our Classrooms
At the appropriate developmental age, appropriate media use can become a supplement to—not a substitute for—the richness of a student's direct experience with their education. Therefore, we intentionally introduce technology into our curriculum in a way that enriches students' learning.
Starting in 6th Grade, Cyber Civics lessons help our students learn to be responsible digital citizens. Through a series of engaging topics and activities that call on critical thinking, ethical discussion, and decision making, our middle schoolers begin to develop the digital literacy skills needed to navigate an online world. In 7th and 8th Grade, our teachers guide students in learning how to find, retrieve, analyze, and use digital information. Our students also learn how to type, write and edit within a document, as well as prepare digital presentations, on classroom laptops.
When they graduate from 8th grade, our students consistently report that they are equipped to manage the increased media use required in public high schools.
Resources / Research:
Video by the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship The Most Compelling Argument Against Tech In Schools | Sophie Winkleman
Our Kids Are the Least Flourishing Generation We Know Of | The Ezra Klein Show
2024 National Education Association survey: Cellphones, Social Media and Mental Health
Wait Until 8th - many resources about when and how to introduce smart phones
You Need to be Bored - video on the importance of time spent without devices
A Week in the Life of a Young Person’s Smartphone Use - 2023 Common Sense Media Study
Cellphones, Social Media, and Mental Health - 2024 National Education Association Study
Surgeon General Warning about the use of social media and impact on youth