Technology, social media not best tools for children in classrooms, says study

An article published on Greater Kashmir on August 16 highlights the detrimental effects of excessive technology and social media use on children’s ability to form meaningful connections in classrooms. The study, based on a survey of 1,146 parents, reveals that 50% are concerned about their children’s screen time, while 30% worry about bullying and 22% cite the pandemic’s social impact.

Nearly 19% of parents reported that factors like race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status hinder their children’s ability to fit in at school. Experts advise parents to be vigilant for signs such as losing track of time, device preoccupation, and irritability, which may indicate unhealthy tech usage.

The article emphasizes the crucial role of parents and teachers in fostering a sense of belonging, especially for children from marginalized groups, while noting the challenges faced by immigrant parents navigating unfamiliar school systems. The findings underscore the need for balanced tech use to promote healthy social interactions among children.