As educators and faith leaders, we often find ourselves reflecting not just on what our students learn, but how they are growing — intellectually, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. At Lakewood Catholic Academy, one of the most pressing questions we ask is this: How can we help children navigate the digital world with wisdom, integrity, and faith?
This is no small task. Technology is a powerful tool — one we embrace in our classrooms to foster creativity, collaboration, and innovation. Our students code, create digital presentations, and virtually explore the far corners of the world. But we also recognize that with every device comes the need for discernment.
Screen time and social media are now deeply woven into the fabric of our students’ lives. They influence how children connect with friends, perceive themselves, and experience the world. In light of this, our mission at LCA extends far beyond academic excellence. We are called to form digital disciples — young people who use technology not just skillfully, but responsibly and reverently.
Fundamentally this means three things:
1. Teaching Digital Citizenship Through a Faith Lens
Our teachers integrate digital citizenship into daily learning, but we go further by anchoring it in our Catholic values. What does it mean to be kind online? To respect the dignity of others in a comment section? To seek truth in a world of algorithms and artificial influence? These are moral questions, and we treat them as such — guided by the Gospel.
2. Partnering with Parents
We know this journey can’t happen in isolation. That’s why we actively partner with families, sharing resources and providing opportunities for reflection and support. Whether it’s a parent support series or informal conversations during drop-off or pick-up, we want to walk alongside you as you help your children form healthy digital habits rooted in faith.
3. Modeling Purposeful Technology Use
At LCA, we are intentional about how technology is introduced and used. We emphasize balance. We make time for real conversations, group collaboration, quiet reflection, and prayer. Our classrooms are places where the digital and the human co-exist — where children are reminded daily that their worth does not come from likes, views, or followers, but from being made in the image of God.
We recognize that parenting in the digital age presents challenges we ourselves didn’t face as children. But we also believe this is a moment of opportunity — to raise a generation of students who are not just digitally fluent, but morally anchored, compassionate, and faith-filled.
At Lakewood Catholic Academy, we don’t shy away from these conversations — we embrace them. Because to truly prepare students for the future, we must help them live fully, faithfully, and wisely in the present.
