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Slate News

What Next TBD: Back To School… Without Phones

Aug 30, 2024
Laura Meckler, a national education writer for the Washington Post, joins Russell Shaw, head of Georgetown Day School and author of an insightful Atlantic piece on banning phones. They tackle the mental health struggles students face since the pandemic and explore whether removing cell phones from classrooms can mitigate these issues. The discussion reveals how phone bans may enhance face-to-face interactions and boost student well-being, despite mixed reactions from both educators and students.
33:22

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Removing cell phones from classrooms is believed to improve students' focus, social interactions, and overall mental health amidst rising anxiety levels.
  • The debate over cell phone bans in schools highlights parental concerns about safety and communication versus the need for enhanced personal connections among students.

Deep dives

Impact of Technology on Student Well-Being

The increased presence of smartphones in schools has led to concerns about their effect on students' mental health and social interactions. Observations indicate that while students once engaged more with each other, there is now a noticeable shift towards focusing on devices, which can diminish the joy and spontaneity typically experienced in school settings. This trend contributes to feelings of isolation, making it harder for students to form connections, particularly for new entrants into the school environment. In response, decisions have been made to implement cell phone bans to foster a more thriving and connected community among students.

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