They are just not able to wean away the children from smartphones or even regulate screen time. They are unable to get their children to prioritise studies over smartphone use at home. Every parent is grappling with this solution-defying problem which is gaining nightmarish proportions. It is not only studies and hobbies, but even physical activity of children and sports that are suffering due to the smartphone addiction.
On the positive side, it must be however admitted that as the digital era overwhelms our lives, smartphones have emerged as an indispensable tools for education, connecting students to a world of information at their fingertips. However, even as these devices have become an integral part of the educational system, concerns over addiction to smartphones and distraction have followed closely. The question of how schools should balance the use of smartphones for studies while preventing addiction is a matter that calls for careful consideration and thoughtful measures.
The advent of the smartphone has undeniably revolutionised education in many ways. It has increased access to educational resources, provided students with interactive learning opportunities, and encouraged collaboration both inside and outside the classroom. It is therefore essential that schools harness the potential of smartphones for educational purposes. But, this should not come at the expense of students’ well-being and the preservation of classroom focus or focus on studies at home.
To strike the right balance, schools must take a proactive approach, guided by a set of strategies that stress on responsible usage.
Schools should help students to strike a balance between use of smartphones for educational and recreational purposes. Students should be made to understand the potential pitfalls of excessive smartphone use. Teaching digital literacy and responsible online behaviour is the first step in this process.
Secondly, schools should establish clear policies governing smartphone usage on their premises. Schools should formulate guidelines when and how smartphones can be used for educational purposes and when they should be stowed away. These policies must be communicated clearly to all stakeholders – teachers, parents and students – and consistently enforced.
Thirdly, the key to responsible smartphone use lies in weaving technology seamlessly into the learning process. Teachers can incorporate educational apps, research tasks and collaborative projects that necessitate smartphone usage. This not only makes learning more engaging but also promotes responsible use. Students should be constantly educated and sensitised to draw the line.
Just as a balance is essential, designated tech-free zones in schools should be demarcated. There are areas, such as libraries or classrooms, where smartphones should be strictly prohibited to ensure that students can concentrate on their studies without distraction. Similarly parents should ensure that smartphones are not permitted during common family time such as food time, study time, etc.
Fourth, schools should be vigilant in monitoring the impact of smartphone use on students. If addiction or adverse consequences emerge, immediate remedial action is required. Adaptation and modification of existing policies may be necessary. Also, the school should have a counsellor to counsel students on the use of smartphones at school and at home.
Fifth, parents should be involved with the school in tackling smartphone usage. Schools should provide parents with resources and guidelines to reinforce the importance of balance, and encourage them to monitor their child’s smartphone use at home. Parents should define total screen time at a stretch and in a day.
Sixth, encouraging students to support each other in maintaining a healthy smartphone balance is an effective strategy. Peer influence can be powerful, and fosters a positive environment for responsible smartphone use is an investment in the well-being of students.
Balancing smartphone use for educational purposes and preventing addiction is a multifaceted challenge. Schools, teachers, parents and students must work together to navigate the digital age successfully. The digital revolution presents tremendous opportunities for growth and learning, and by following these strategies and embracing responsible smartphone usage, we can ensure that the potential benefits of technology are harnessed and the pitfalls are mitigated. This is indeed a tough ask, but a balance must be constantly struck.
