At The Regis School of the Sacred Heart, we strive to educate the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. In today’s world, that mission includes helping our students develop healthy, responsible relationships with technology. For Middle School boys in particular, technology plays an increasingly central role in learning, socializing, and recreation. As parents and educators, we share the responsibility of guiding them toward habits that support growth, balance, and well-being.

Technology is not inherently negative. When used intentionally, it can enhance learning, foster creativity, and help students explore their interests. Many boys use technology to design projects, collaborate with classmates, edit videos, play strategy-based games, or dive deeply into topics they love. The goal is not to remove technology from their lives, but to teach them how to use it wisely and in moderation. Here are some key ways to do that:

• One of the most important skills Middle School boys can learn is intentional use. At this age, habits begin to form quickly. Without guidance, screen time can easily become a default response to boredom or stress. Encouraging your son to pause and ask, “What am I using this for right now?” helps him become more mindful and self-directed. This simple reflection builds self-control and accountability—skills that align closely with the values we emphasize at Regis.
• Balance is another critical component of healthy tech habits. Middle School boys need regular physical activity, unstructured play, face-to-face interaction, and downtime away from screens. Excessive screen use can crowd out these essential experiences and may impact focus, mood, and overall health. Establishing clear, age-appropriate limits around gaming, social media, and entertainment helps boys learn that technology is one part of life, not the center of it.
• Sleep is especially important during these years of rapid growth. Screens—particularly in the evening—can interfere with healthy sleep patterns. Blue light, constant notifications, and late-night gaming can make it harder for boys to fall asleep and stay asleep. We encourage families to consider device-free routines before bedtime and to keep phones, tablets, and gaming systems out of bedrooms overnight whenever possible. These boundaries support better rest and stronger academic and emotional functioning.
• Healthy tech use also includes how boys interact with others online. Middle School is a formative time for learning empathy, respect, and responsibility. Online spaces can sometimes feel anonymous, making it easier for students to say things they wouldn’t say face-to-face. Reinforcing the expectation that kindness, honesty, and respect apply just as much online as they do in person is essential. A helpful guideline to share with your son is: if it wouldn’t be appropriate to say at school or at home, it doesn’t belong online. We have had the pleasure of hosting Crime Stoppers to speak to both parents and the boys about healthy interactions online. 

Boys benefit from learning to think critically about what they see on screens. Not all content is accurate, appropriate, or healthy. Helping your son recognize unreliable sources, avoid harmful or upsetting material, and talk openly about what he encounters online builds trust and digital discernment. When boys know they can come to trusted adults without fear of overreaction, they are more likely to make good choices.

Finally, children learn most from what they observe. When parents and educators model balanced technology use—putting phones away during meals, being present in conversations, and taking breaks from screens—boys take notice. Consistency between home and school strengthens these lessons and reinforces shared expectations.

At The Regis School of the Sacred Heart, we believe that developing healthy tech habits is part of forming young men who are reflective, disciplined, and attentive to their relationships with others. By working together, parents and educators can help our boys navigate technology with wisdom, balance, and purpose—skills that will serve them well long after Middle School.

Blake Alderfer serves as Dean of Students, Director of Technology, Middle School Technology teacher, and Head Middle School Soccer and Cross Country Coach. He holds an M.S. in Education from Gwynedd Mercy University and a B.S. in Computer and Information Technology from Temple University. Prior to joining the faculty at Regis, Blake served as Digital Design and Programming Instructor and 'Classrooms for the Future' Technology Coach at Bucks County Technical High School in Pennsylvania. Most recently he was the Technology Instruction Designer at Second Baptist School in Houston.