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Educators and the Struggle to Balance Technology in the Classroom
By Giselle Castaneda and Dr. Benjamin M. Drury
In the realm of technological progress and the ever-expanding reach of smartphones, an urgent question arises: how can educators guide and nurture young minds as they traverse this vast digital landscape? What is their role in protecting and informing our young people about the risks and rewards associated with smartphone usage? Do we place the lion’s share of the burden for educating our young people about smartphones in the same way we do about sexual health, driving, and how to bake a cake? The growing profound impact that excessive screen time can have on our lives, particularly on the delicate tapestry of human connections, has been of sustained concern since the advent of the tablet and smartphone. In recent years, screentime has increased exponentially as people were driven inside and away from in-person human interactions. In this age of screens and pixels, the more time one spends immersed in the glowing confines of a digital realm, the less time is spent engaging with others in the physical world. It is a paradox, for while these devices offer the promise of connecting us, they can also drive us further apart. The essence of human existence lies in the richness of interpersonal connections, the forging of bonds that transcend the confines of a virtual existence. Teachers, with their wisdom and guidance, hold the key to helping young souls navigate this perilous terrain.
It is crucial to instill in our young minds the understanding that moderation is the essence of a balanced life. Screens may offer solace and a means of decompression, but excessive reliance on them can erode the very fabric of active engagement with the world. Dr. Carolyn Quinsey, a renowned neurosurgeon, aptly states, “Anything that is done out of moderation is cause for concern.” When children succumb to the allure of passive activities, substituting vibrant engagement with a mere observer’s role, the danger of habituation looms large. Beyond the erosion of active participation, the dearth of face-to-face interaction has dire consequences for our collective mental health. The echoes of depression reverberate through the corridors of our consciousness, for health experts warn that excessive use of social media, especially among the adolescent stratum, can trigger a…
