In today’s society, screens are ubiquitous, found in our educational institutions, offices, residences, and even in our hands. These devices offer young individuals opportunities for education, entertainment, and global engagement. Nonetheless, excessive use of these screens may lead to significant adverse effects.
Adults spend, on average, from six to seven hours each day in front of screens. In Spain, like much of Europe , kids and adolescents spend over three hours each day viewing screens, although this number might doubled during weekends.
This high level of exposure poses clear issues, including diverting time from other advantageous pursuits such as sports or face-to-face social interactions. It additionally leads to negative health impacts ranging from nearsightedness, headaches, and musculoskeletal issues to reduced attention spans and delays in the development of children’s problem-solving abilities communication skills.
Apart from the effects of social media on the psychological well-being of younger generations, the prevalence of screens is causing numerous parents and educators to question if an educational approach with reduced technological use, or even none at all, might be more beneficial.
However, we also need To instruct children on managing the internet and utilizing technology effectively. Educating youngsters in digital competencies, including critical thinking and cybersecurity, is crucial. crucial for their online safety .
Moreover, educational tools like Google Classroom, Duolingo, and Kahoot! have transformed education, offering increased convenience and personalization whether students are in class or studying from home.
Balance is possible
Educators globally are exploring methods to reconcile the advantages and disadvantages of incorporating technology into their teaching environments. One inspiring success story This refers to a school in Finland that adopted a blended approach integrating both digital education and practical tasks. Consequently, the students saw enhancements in their academic achievements and acquired sophisticated technical abilities.
Other successful instances like the “Abraza tus valores” (Hug your values) and “Párate a pensar” (Pause to reflect) programs provided by SOS Children's Villages In Spain—encourage the responsible usage of technology amongst youth.
The United States similarly has initiatives like the one created by The Step-by-Step School This program focuses on the balanced and intentional use of technology by integrating educational applications that aid in children’s growth and stimulate their imagination, establishing strict guidelines around screen usage, and advocating for non-digital engagements like playing outside and engaging in tactile tasks.
A question of equity
While screens offer avenues to acquire information and simplify our daily routines, they shouldn’t replace genuine interpersonal interactions. Supplementary to digital learning, engagements that foster social, emotional, and physical competencies are essential.
The answer to too much screen time isn’t to completely eliminate technology from classrooms. Discarding these educational tech tools would rob students of the competencies required for navigating our ever more connected global landscape. Rather, we must ensure they are utilized to their fullest capabilities.
In Spain, 70% of children Between the ages of 10 and 15, a significant number of individuals possess a smartphone, with comparable or even larger percentages noted elsewhere. across the EU Although these numbers are elevated, they provide us with an incomplete view. Smartphones function as instruments, and similar to any instrument, mastering their proper and safe usage is crucial.
Just as with numerous grown-ups, children often utilize the internet and social media without critical thinking. Simply being passive recipients of online content can significantly restrict their ability to integrate socially.
This facet of the digital gap is one area where educational institutions can help even out opportunities by offering access to tech tools and fostering equality among students. Through initiatives focused on enhancing digital skills, these schools can guarantee that every student, irrespective of their economic status, has an equitable chance at success.
This shared task requires collaboration between parents, educators, and youth to develop wholesome, aware practices. Achieving this involves addressing key inquiries regarding screen usage and finding ways to enjoy technological advantages while avoiding potential hazards. Ultimately, the objective isn’t to eliminate screens from daily life but rather to master living alongside them intelligently.
This article is being republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Review the original article .
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