this post was submitted on 29 Apr 2024
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Ontario to ban use of cellphones in school classrooms starting in September (toronto.ctvnews.ca)
submitted 6 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
31 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

Ontario is introducing a suite of measures that will crack down on cellphone use and vaping in schools.

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[–] [email protected] 14 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago) (1 children)

I haven't taught in Ontario in over a decade, but I don't think the problems with cell phones are unique to Ontario. I'm surprised by the comments here, tbh.

The research is very clear: mental health (and educational outcomes) for youth have taken a nosedive since 2010, when smart phones became commonplace. In the case of educational outcomes, 2010 is the first ever reversal in the otherwise increasing trend.

Smart phones are addiction machines, with predatory apps like SnapChat that are full of dark patterns designed to increase "engagement" (addiction) while having the same short-attention-span-decreasing exposure to video shorts as TikTok that encourage self harm, suicidal ideation, misogyny, and eating disorders. (On average, all of the above within 10 minutes of starting to use the platform.)

Educators cannot compete with addiction machines. If we were writing laws objectively to improve student mental health, smart phones should be illegal for users under age 16 (at least).

This is an example of a shit government making a good decision. I hope the rest of Canada follows.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 6 months ago (1 children)

The research is very clear: mental health (and educational outcomes) for youth have taken a nosedive since 2010, when smart phones became commonplace. In the case of educational outcomes, 2010 is the first ever reversal in the otherwise trend.

Social media also jumped from then to now but I don’t think the problem is using them in class. They will still be used every other hour of the day

Educators cannot compete with addiction machines. If we were writing laws objectively to improve student mental health, smart phones should be illegal for users under age 16 (at least).

I think a law like that would actually be effective but again having it target social media

This is an example of a shit government making a good decision

I really don’t see it working

[–] [email protected] 7 points 6 months ago (1 children)

For my kids that were in that age range, and their peers, it meant drama being spread while teacher was trying to keep studenta focused onvthe lesson, rather than their phone screen. it will definitely have an impact, as it will be a short break from it at least.

We had a youth trip, no phones. Kids were complaining and trying to sneak in , but after a few days they were thanking the adults for not having phones allowed, since they could actually relax and enjoy the activities and actual social interaction

[–] [email protected] 0 points 6 months ago (1 children)

For my kids that were in that age range, and their peers, it meant drama being spread while teacher was trying to keep studenta focused onvthe lesson, rather than their phone screen. it will definitely have an impact, as it will be a short break from it at least.

Passing notes?

example

I think it might be different than in class and assumes this will be enforced, it’s not like schools couldn’t ban then before

Pagers were banned in my school but not the school over

[–] [email protected] 4 points 6 months ago

Schools should have banned them immediately. So much immediate need to know what another student in another class is doing, and distance bullying.

My kids are now teaching, they said kids 8 years old have Apple watches and are totally distracted from the lesson by notifications, and probably helicopter parent texting them.

I worry our future generations will have no inner peace, as I see a part of life that is missing is being able to enjoy your own company and delve into a single task.