Screentime is Harmful But Do We Care?

Soon after Apple inventor and visionary Steve Jobs invented the iPad, he gave a cautionary warning. He was asked whether his children were enjoying the invention known as the iPad. Steve responded, “We don't allow the iPad in the home. We think it's too dangerous for them in effect…”.

The inventor knew that screen time was harmful to his children long before studies were done by the scientific community. Steve was acutely aware of the addictive nature of tactile feedback and the dopamine released in the reward structure of engaging with the content on his platform. In fact, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, were in agreement about children staying off screens.

There are now numerous studies showing cell phones and screen time are harmful and having psychological impact on teenagers. How did we respond to this invention?

Jeff Goldblum’s classic line in Jurassic Park, “so preoccupied with whether they could, they didn't stop to think if they should…”

We eliminated physical text books from the classroom and replaced it with Chromebooks and iPads. We taught teachers how to engage with cell phones since many high schoolers carried them to school. And over the past decade we have seen violent behavior, bullying, anxiety, and social wellness deteriorate. Instead of heeding the words of the inventors we arrogantly plowed forward for convenience.

Schools are now facing a spirited debate. Do phones belong in the classrooms? Today’s show presents the arguments, the studies, and the results. You can be a part of the solution.

 

Here’s three articles to get you started before you speak with your local school board and state representatives.

1. https://www.care.com/c/should-cellphones-be-allowed-in-school/
2. https://www.edweek.org/leadership/cellphone-bans-can-ease-students-stress-and-anxiety-educators-say/2023/10
3. https://www.gse.harvard.edu/ideas/news/22/08/weighing-costs-and-benefits-cellphones-schools