TMS Family Update December 2025

Dear TMS Families,

As we settle in after the break, I want to share a quick reminder about a challenge we see frequently: electronic communication. Middle schoolers are social, curious, and still learning how to navigate the digital world. After every vacation, we receive a wave of concerns about group chats, social media posts, and text messages that became hurtful or inappropriate—and once students return to school, they often expect school staff to resolve issues that happened off campus.

Experts like Dr. Jonathan Haidt and Dr. Daniel Amen remind us that young adolescents are still developing the judgment, impulse control, and social awareness needed for responsible online communication. Their research highlights how phones can amplify social pressure, misunderstanding, and conflict—especially over long stretches during holidays.

We often see these issues occur among students who are friends, were recently friends, or belong to the same friend groups. Because of that, we always begin by having our counselors work restoratively with the students involved. Their goal is to rebuild understanding, support students in resolving conflict, and help them return to a positive social space together.

A few suggestions that echo the work of Dr. Haidt and Dr. Amen:

• Check in regularly with your student about the group chats and platforms they use.

• Set clear expectations for tone, kindness, and screen time.

• Review privacy settings and ensure your student is only communicating with people they truly know.

• Remind them that written messages feel more intense and can be misinterpreted easily.

• Encourage a pause before posting—even 10 seconds can prevent a major misunderstanding.
  
  

As always, we are here to support students while they are at school. When issues arise outside of school hours or off campus, we appreciate your partnership in helping your student learn from the experience and make better choices moving forward.

Thank you for working together with us to keep our students safe, healthy, and learning.

Sincerely,

Mr. Morton