Tech Smart

At Saint Ignatius’ College, we are deeply committed to supporting families in navigating the complexities of raising children in a digital age. As technology continues to shape the way young people learn, connect, and grow, it’s more important than ever that we approach its use with intention, balance, and care.

Digital tools offer extraordinary opportunities for creativity, collaboration, and access to information. Yet, we are also acutely aware of the challenges they can present. Reduced attention, concerns around screen time and wellbeing, and issues related to online safety are all part of the broader picture we must consider.

Across Australia, recent discussions around social media reform have brought renewed focus to the role of technology in young people’s lives. These national conversations are an important reminder that we, as educators and parents, share the responsibility of helping children build healthy digital habits, both through education and role modelling.

Through our ongoing programs and initiatives, the College is proud to support families with the knowledge and confidence to guide our students in making thoughtful choices online. By working together, we can nurture a digital culture that supports learning, connection, and wellbeing, now and into the future.

Lauren Brooks
Principal

This publication is designed to be a helpful resource for families of the College and members of our wider community, offering knowledge and practical advise on how to integrate digital entertainment and devices into family life in a healthy and intentional way.

Many parents purchase their child a smartphone for safety and practical reasons including to be able to:

• see their child’s location at any time
• enable their child to contact them in an emergency
• contact their child to make plans.

We encourage parents to consider other options, including those outlined below, to achieve these objectives without a smartphone. This enables you to give your child access to desired safety features without inadvertently enabling access to social media, inappropriate content, or potential predators.

The Ignatius Alliance is a space for parents, staff, students, and leading experts, to collaborate on initiatives that will support our Ignatian families in navigating social media and digital technology. A dedicated steering committee of parents leads the Ignatius Alliance, shaping its direction and driving meaningful change within our community. The Tech Smart program is an initiative created in partnership between Saint Ignatius' College and the Ignatius Alliance.