The use of any technology that has a negative impact on the development of imagination, thought and cognition, creativity, skills, self, social and cultural identities, and/or that is designed to take away and control an individual’s use of their time (particularly in ways that prevent them from valuing and enjoying less invasive technologies and/or our more natural ways of being) should be restricted. Teachers and parents need to foster an awareness and understanding of the need to minimise internet use so that young people develop self-determination and self-regulation when engaged with or immersed in digital ecosystems.

Technological minimalism emphasises the intentional use of technology to enhance learning while minimising distractions and dependency on digital devices. We seek to create a focused and balanced educational environment, where technology serves as a tool for learning rather than a source of constant distraction. 

At Kairos Montessori we require our students to embrace a life of “technological minimalism.” By this we simply mean abandoning mobile phones, the Internet, i-pods, laptops, video games, and word processors at home and arriving on campus with the bare necessities for life. The reason is this: in order to give our students freedom from the distractions of the modern world, freedom that allows students to focus on the important aspects of life such as the development of virtues, the cultivation of good friendships, and the contemplation of the Divine.

Some may perhaps wonder why we take such seemingly strong measures. An i-phone’s assistance makes hearing good music easier, and information was never so readily available in the past as it is today thanks to the Internet. One could even argue that we are more “free” today than we ever were before, because of the Internet. There was a time, not so long ago, when only the “learned” had access to what is now accessible to everyone who owns a computer. So much, it seems, is now merely a short “click” away.

The philosopher Josef Pieper once addressed this objection, responding that:

“the average person of our time loses the ability to see because there is too much to see!” 

Can we really take in, think about, and retain anything, if our eyes and ears are constantly bombarded by so many things that there is scarcely time to give any one thing the attention it deserves? T.S. Eliot once asked,

“Where is the knowledge we have lost in information?” Does the ability to multiply information and constantly dangle it before the eyes of everyone necessarily result in everyone growing wiser? At Kairos, we strongly hold that it does not.

While we might think that the more information is made available, the more we can learn, and that the more there is to see, the more we will notice, it seems the contrary is only too true. One of the key reasons for this is the passivity that the seemingly endless parade of visual stimuli creates. Knowledge was once imparted through reading and the subsequent reflection it requires, as well as through conversation—all activities in themselves requiring full mental participation. Can our minds participate as fully now as they did then? 

Such “freedom” seems more like servitude. Therefore, at Kairos we pursue a different course. For this reason, we require our students to embrace the aforementioned life of “technological minimalism.”  The use of electronic media at Kairos is limited. Learning to properly incorporate technology into one’s life and work in the 21st century is vital to the preparation for productive living within adult society. It is the more consumer-based technology of social media that dominates the landscape of the adolescent mind. Being social, after all, is the primary drive of the adolescent. While we understand that social media plays an important role in modern society, our small learning community promotes real, authentic social experiences when we are together. We desire that each and every student is present - physically and mentally - at all times. A focus on building and maintaining a community of peers is the foundation of a Montessori adolescent experience.

Students

Below is a list of items we do not permit our students to have in their possession on campus (unless kept stored and powered off in bags at all times, or for medical purposes, or explicitly allowed by a staff member). These items will be confiscated and will not be returned. While this topic continues to be an area of conversation, study, and observation, we currently require that students follow these guidelines at school:

Computers can be requested and signed out for specific purposes by a guide. They are to state the purpose of the use as well as duration of use. If the computer is needed for research then students will have exhausted all books, encyclopaedias and periodicals before they embark on this research. 

In general, personal electronic devices are not allowed at Kairos. If you are not sure whether a certain item is forbidden or not, please ask.

• Mobile phones, fitness bands, smart watches

• Computer games of any kind

• iPods, MP3 players

• iPads, tablets

• Radios, CD players, CDs

• DVD players, DVDs

• Computers, laptops

Staff

We acknowledge the important role of all adults in providing positive examples of how to use all forms of technology. We strive to model responsible and appropriate use of technology and encourage the same positive environments at home. Staff may choose to view a video with their class and this is fine for the adult to demonstrate a concept that they are learning. Staff may only use devices for personal use inside the school offices & staff room. Staff emails are to be used as an internal tool and this is to be done sparingly, ideally no emails are sent except the team meeting notes and Friday staff notices, and any communication happens in person or via the team meeting notes.

Homework and Study Time 

Teachers are encouraged to provide offline alternatives whenever possible. While technology may be necessary for certain assignments, students are advised to set specific time limits for screen use during homework and study sessions. Parents and guardians will be provided with guidelines to support technological minimalism at home, helping students develop healthy screen-time habits.