Bruriah launched its third annual six week Tech Challenge, an incredibly meaningful and inspiring collaboration between Bruriah’s Guidance Department and Student Activities Department, designed to support students to be mindful and responsible about their technology use. The goal of this very popular program is for students to develop the tools and the confidence they need to adopt a balanced approach to technology, not just during these six weeks, and not just while in high school, but throughout the rest of their lives.

The program is divided into three two-week segments, each segment focusing on a different aspect of technology use. The first segment focuses on mindful technology use, which encourages students to take practical steps to reducing screen time at home. The second segment highlights the link between social media and mental health, exploring how anxiety, self-esteem and emotional resilience are all impacted by overuse of social media. The final segment will explore the Torah perspectives on technology, diving into the hashkafic and halachic insights as we navigate technology within a Torah framework. Each week offers dynamic programs, renowned speakers and panel discussions featuring students and faculty that inform and inspire reflection.

Now two weeks into the challenge, the positive feedback from students has been overwhelming, with over two-thirds of the students participating from the outset, with even more students expected to join as the program continues. Sophomore Miriam Fisch is grateful for the added level of awareness she has gained thus far: “Scrolling through our phones has become a subconscious action, so it’s really nice to integrate mindfulness into my technology use.” Sophomore Rikki Spanier concurred, saying she has begun setting timers to limit her screen time and help her establish healthy boundaries at home. Principal Dr. Bethany Strulowitz shared, “Bruriah’s Tech Challenge is a fantastic student-centered program that supports our students to make healthy choices to gain important life skills, build their self-confidence, and nurture meaningful relationships by setting responsible limits around technology use. We are so proud of our students who are challenging themselves to grow to new heights through the Tech Challenge.”