Since the start of the COVID pandemic in 2020, there has been an increase in the use of technology in schools. During the pandemic, schools were shut down, and students were restricted to online learning. This meant students were staring at their computers almost all day. Additionally, students weren’t strictly online for school, but they were also spending their free time on social media.
At Pleasant Valley High School, each student is provided with a school Chromebook and a Gmail account beginning in elementary school. Students are expected to use Google Classroom daily to access class materials and complete assignments.
The average screen time for students in kindergarten through 12th grade is 98 minutes, and this is for in school use only. After school, students spend, on average, 2.7 hours doing homework, most of the work being done online.
Google Docs allows teachers to create homework assignments for students to fill out on their own devices. These assignments, however, can be printed on paper, and this would easily limit the amount of time students spend staring at a screen. “The majority of my homework is done online, and that doesn’t include the hours I spend studying,” said senior Jace Rice.
After or in between assignments, kids relax by spending time on social media or watching television, contributing to their daily screen time. This is how kids fall into the trap of looking at screens nonstop, which is why schools should reduce the amount of screen time at school.
Most teens end up having at least four hours of screen time every day, with the recommended amount being between two and four hours a day. “I don’t enjoy spending hours staring at my computer every day, but it is necessary to complete my homework,” said senior Harjeevan Singh. Staring at screens all day is extremely unhealthy for everyone. It negatively impacts the brain and strains the eyes. If screen time during or after school could be limited, students’ health would greatly benefit.
Recently, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed House File 782, banning phones in school during instructional time. While many students are upset over the recent ban, it not only allows students to focus in class but also limits screen time. Even though students can still use their Chromebooks, they are not spending free time on their phones while in class.
Since the phone ban only limits phone usage in class, students are still able to access them during passing periods, study hall and lunch. When students are permitted to use their personal devices, they jump at the chance to since the time allowed is limited. “I find myself eager to use my phone when I am allowed to,” said Rice. “I feel like I have to catch up on everything I missed online during the school day.”
While using technology may make things easier for teachers and students, it takes a toll on people’s health and creates an unhealthy addiction. There are alternative ways for students to complete assignments, whether it is hands-on learning in the classroom or physical homework. Education doesn’t have to rely on technology to be successful, and the use of screens must be implemented to protect students from future health crises and addictions.
